World Parkinson Day
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month with World Parkinson’s Day recognized on 11 April each year. It is to raise awareness of Parkinson’s Disease. Not enough people understand what it’s like to live with Parkinson’s. They don’t know it’s a serious condition. They don’t realize that treatments are limited and that there is no cure.
My mom was 54 when we knew she had Parkinson’s. We didn’t know anything about it, we had no clue at all. When the doctor said there is no cure and that she needs to take medicine for a lifetime so that it will not worsen. We felt devastated and helpless. We saw our mom go from being a strong independent woman to a helpless one. That is why I want to take part in awareness of this disease. I want to help create a future where no one lives with Parkinson’s disease.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
In 1817, James Parkinson published “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy.” The first such recognition of a disease that eventually would be known by his name.
Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that leads to shaking and stiffness. It also includes difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination.
Parkinson’s symptoms usually begin gradually and get worse over time. As the disease progresses, people may have difficulty walking and talking. They may also have mental and behavioural changes. Sleep problems, depression, memory difficulties, and fatigue.
What Causes Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Symptoms start gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in one hand. Tremors are common, but the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement.
It is also caused by a loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra.
Nerve cells in this part of the brain are responsible for producing a chemical called dopamine.
The loss of nerve cells is a slow process. The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease usually only start to develop when around 80% of the nerve cells in the substantia nigra have been lost.
Symptoms
Parkinson’s disease signs and symptoms can be different for everyone. Early signs may be mild and go unnoticed. Symptoms often begin on one side of your body and usually remain worse on that side, even after symptoms begin to affect both sides.
Parkinson’s signs and symptoms may include:
Tremor
A tremor, or shaking, usually begins in a limb, often your hand or fingers. You may rub your thumb and forefinger back and forth, known as a pill-rolling tremor. Your hand may tremble when it’s at rest.
Slowed movement (bradykinesia)
Over time, PD may slow your movement, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming. Your steps may become shorter when you walk. It may be difficult to get out of a chair. You may drag your feet as you try to walk.
Rigid muscles
Muscle stiffness may occur in any part of your body. The stiff muscles can be painful and limit your range of motion.
Impaired posture and balance
Your posture may become stooped, or you may have balance problems as a result of Parkinson’s disease.
Loss of automatic movements
You may have a decreased ability to perform unconscious movements. This includes blinking, smiling, or swinging your arms when you walk.
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