Parkinson's disease

It is the second most common neurodegenerative pathology, affecting around 1 in every 500 people. It consists of a progressive disease of the nervous system characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, which are responsible for the control of movement, thus manifesting in the form of movement disorders.

Parkinson's disease occurs when the nerve cells or neurons in the basal ganglia, an area of the brain that controls movement, deteriorate and/or die. Normally, these neurons produce dopamine, so their destruction involves the production of less dopamine, which causes movement problems. However, the exact cause of the degeneration of these neurons is currently unknown. Some cases of Parkinson's appear to be hereditary and can be attributed to specific genetic changes, but it is currently believed that it may be the result of a combination of genetic changes and environmental factors.

In addition to genetic predisposition, the following risk factors have been described:

• Gender: men are more likely to develop Parkinson's disease.
• Age: most people with Parkinson's develop the disease for the first time around the age of 60, and the risks increase with age. However, 5-10% have "early onset" disease that begins before the age of 50.
• Exposure to toxins: constant exposure to herbicides and pesticides can slightly increase the risk of Parkinson's disease.

The signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease can vary among individuals. Early signs may be mild and go unnoticed. The rate of progression differs among people, and even initial symptoms can be categorized as aging. Symptoms often begin on one side of the body and continue to worsen on that side, even after symptoms begin to affect both sides.

The symptoms most frequently associated with this disease are:

• Tremors in hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head.
• Rigidity of the limbs and trunk.
• Slowness of movement.
• Impaired balance and coordination, which sometimes leads to falls.

People with Parkinson's often develop a Parkinsonian gait, which includes a tendency to lean forward, small rapid steps as if hurrying forward, and reduced arm swing. They may also have trouble starting or continuing movement. Other symptoms may include depression and other emotional changes, difficulty swallowing, chewing, and speaking, urinary problems or constipation, skin problems, and sleep disorders.

Some cases of Parkinson's disease are hereditary and may be caused by genetic changes, but in many cases, the disease is sporadic (not hereditary). Because the specific cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown, proven ways to prevent it are also limited. Some research has suggested that regular physical exercise may reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Other studies indicate that caffeine consumption from coffee, tea, or cola drinks is associated with a lower risk. However, currently, there is not enough evidence to indicate that caffeine consumption has a protective effect against Parkinson's disease.