Parkinsons Disease and Motor System Disorders

Parkinsons disease is part of a group of other neurological diseases which come under the umbrella term Motor system disorders. Most motor system disorders are the result of a loss of a chemical in the brain called Dopamine. Dopamine carries messages to the part of the brain which deals with co-ordination and movement. When the dopamine supply is reduced, the messages are reduced or cease which results in the body becoming unable to move as it should do.

There are some classic symptoms of Parkinsons disease, and they include

• Tremors which is essentially a shaking of the limbs, jaw and face.

• Rigidity of the torso and limbs

• Impaired slowed movement

• Impaired co-ordination and balance.

At the start of the disease, these symptoms appear to be quite minor and are often missed, but as the disease progresses, they become more pronounced until eventually they take over the person's life and interrupt their enjoyment of life. Parkinsons disease is more prevalent in people over the age of 50-60; however there are numerous cases where it has developed in much younger people. However if it is diagnosed at an early enough stage (whatever the age of the sufferer) and where the dopamine in the brain isn't nearly depleted, treatment can usually assist in slowing the progress of the disease down.

There are other problems associated with the disease, and these include

• Depression, some doctors can't decide whether this is a progression of the disease, or whether sufferers suffer from depression because they have Parkinson's disease. What is known is depression is a very common symptom of Parkinsons disease.

• Difficulties in eating and swallowing.

• Difficulties with speech

• Constipation and urinary problems.

• Sleep disruptions The progression of Parkinsons disease is diverse for different people. For some, there is a quick progression over a period of months from minor to severe symptoms, whilst others may take several years to get to the same stage. One of the reasons for this could be the influence of the doctor who is treating you.

Parkinsons disease is treated by specific drugs which include:-

• bromocriptine
• pergolide
• pramipexole
• ropinirole
• amantadine

There is quite a lot of skill involved in ensuring the dosages are just right. You can't take a blanket approach in treating Parkinson's disease, everyone is different and needs their own specific treatment plan. Other reasons for a quick progression of the disease could be that it is more aggressive in that particular person.

Even thought there is no cure for Parkinson's disease at the present time, good management can ensure that the majority of sufferers can enjoy a good quality of life for a long time.