Parkinsons Disease: The Termful Effects Of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease has become front page news as of late. It has caught the attention of many due to its unrestricted and devastating effects. People from all walks of life can suffer from the disease. It has no economic, social, or religious boundaries. Well known celebrities such as Muhammad Ali, Michael J. Fox, Estelle Getty, Billy Graham, Janet Reno, Pope John Paul II, and Johnny Cash, among many others, have fallen victim to this debilitating ailment. Because Parkinson’s disease is “one of the most common neurologic disorders of older adults” (Ignatavicius & Workman, 2016, p. 867), it is important to review and learn about this disorder. Parkinson’s disease affects approximately four million people worldwide and

It “is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is the one of the most common neurologic disorders of older adults” (Ignatavicius & Workman, 2016, p. 867). The brain is the primary organ involved. In the area of the brain called the substantia nigra, dopamine producing cells are damaged or destroyed. Because there is a diminished number of the dopaminergic neurons, dopamine production is decreased. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for relaying messages to other neurons. Dopamine, together with acetylcholine, work to polish and synchronize movement allowing for smooth, purposeful physical motion. As one neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, elicit a response; the other, dopamine, inhibits it. This works as a well balanced act to control voluntary movement. The decrease in dopamine is what gives Parkinson’s disease its characteristic. Four chief signs are found in Parkinson’s disease: tremors, especially when at rest; muscle rigidity; bradykinesia or akinesia, slow movement which can lead to muscles freezing or no movement especially facial muscles in which the individual adopts a mask like feature called hypomimia; and impaired posture and balance, individuals lose coordination increasing the risk for

At the first sign of trouble, the doubt and anxiety starts to creep in. Patients and family member can experience the emotions that goes along with loss such as denial, disbelief, and some times shock. They can become discouraged to learn that Parkinson’s is a non curable disease. As their abilities diminish and worsens, depression and anger can become part of their coping mechanism. Their doubt about their ability to support their family, drive, participate in activities, interact with their loved ones, and communicate is a valid one and deserves attention. Family dynamic is impacted and some family members might experience a role reversal. Special attention must be placed on the caregiver as well. Caregiver role strain can go unnoticed if one does not play close attention. Educating both the patient and the care giver is of outmost importance as to provide resources that can make their life a bit more predictable and