Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease, or simply Parkinson's, is a neurodegenerative disease primarily of the central nervous system, affecting both motor and non-motor systems. Symptoms typically develop gradually, with non-motor issues becoming... Wikipedia

• Symptoms:  Main: Tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, postural instability (collectively known as parkinsonism), Other: Dysautonomia, depression, anxiety, sleep abnormalities
• Complications:  Falls, dementia, aspiration pneumonia
• Usual onset:  Age over 60
• Duration:  Long-term
• Causes:  Not clear / unknown, Deficiency of dopamine (neurotransmitter) that is produced in the substantia nigra, Substantia Nigra degenerates in PD, May be related to genetics, recurrent traumatic brain injuries and/or exposure to toxins
• Risk factors:  Family history, dyspepsia, general anesthesia, pesticide exposure, head injuries
• Diagnostic method:  Based on characteristic history & careful neurologic examination, Symptomatic, medical imaging, ↓ dopamine levels in urine
• Differential diagnosis:  Dementia with Lewy bodies, progressive supranuclear palsy, essential tremor, antipsychotic use, fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, Huntington's disease, dopamine-responsive dystonia, Wilson's disease
• Prevention:  Physical activity, nicotine, caffeine
• Treatment:  No known cure, therefore, treatment based on supportive measures & control of symptoms (physical, emotional, cognitive), Drugs: levodopa, anti­depressants, anticholinergics (tremor & rigidity), Medical marijuana, But, medical marijuana is currently being researched, only anecdotal evidence, Physical therapy -> maximize mobility, Deep brain stimulation, Supportive measure -> independence & self-care, Surgery
• Medication:  L -DOPA, COMT inhibitors, AAAD inhibitors, dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors
• Prognosis:  No cure for Parkinson's known. Near-normal life expectancy.
• Data source:  DuckDuckGo