Parkinson’s disease: risk factors and how to avoid them

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Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s. It affects about 160,000 people in Spain Already more than 6.5 million worldwide. Every April 11, this disease day is celebrated in honor of James Parkinson, who was born on this day in 1755 and was the first to describe the disease that now bears his name.

The most famous evil is his The most visible effect: The agitation and tremor it causes in the hands, arms, and other parts of the body. On the other hand, much less is known about its possible causes, risk factors and early signs of the disease – in general -.

Is a substance closely related to Parkinson’s Dopamine. This neurotransmitter is often referred to as the “pleasure hormone” because the brain secretes it when a person performs actions that make him feel good. It is connected to the reward system and is activated through drug use, gambling and also love.

But dopamine also plays a very important role in the motor function of the body. In fact, the death or degeneration of neurons that produce dopamine is the physiological cause of the onset of the disease. Unfortunately, science so far Could not be determined Why these neurons are mistaken or dying.

“Without dopamine, cells that control movement cannot send Relevant messages for muscles Explained the document of the National Library of Medicine of the United States-. This complicates their control. “This damage is slowly getting worse over time.”

The most widely accepted today is that the disease “can be caused by A. A combination of factors “Genetically, environmentally and due to the aging of the organism itself,” said the Spanish Parkinson Foundation (FEP). This is why risk factors are grouped into these three aspects:

Early signs of disease

Parkinson’s has not yet been cured, although there are various treatments Improving the quality of life From affected people. This treatment is more effective the sooner the problem is identified. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the possible early signs of the disease.

The U.S.-based Parkinson’s Foundation lists ten early warning signs. They are as follows:

1. Tremor. As mentioned, this is the most visible and most famous effect. And while it is usually more noticeable on the hands and arms, it is also more noticeable on the chin, lips, feet or other parts of the body. And in addition to these forms of excitation, cramps in the limbs may occur.

2. DIY. Sudden changes in handwriting, such as a much smaller handwriting or a tendency for words to converge, can also be early signs of illness. It is true that handwriting is becoming less and less common, but it can be important to maintain it and pay attention to it.

3. Loss of smell. This symptom is strongly associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, but it can also be caused by other problems. Some are temporary and not serious, such as a cold or flu; Other, more complex issues, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease.

4. Movements during sleep. There are many pathologies related to sleep. Including limb movement disorders, which include repetitive movement of the arms and legs during sleep. Something that might even be related to Restless Legs Syndrome. But you should pay attention, because it may also be a sign of Parkinson’s disease.

5. Has difficulty moving or walking. It is possible that certain problems with movement or movement are caused by diseases such as arthritis or a specific injury. But if these possible causes do not exist, muscle strength, lack of hand movement while walking, or pain are often symptoms of something bigger.

6. Constipation. This is a fairly common problem and can be caused by a variety of factors. But be careful if it appears along with other items on this list.

7. Low or rough sound. Certain changes in the voice may be due to Parkinson’s disease. There are times when a person has a feeling that everyone around him is turning around, but what has changed is his voice being heard less.

8. Lack of facial expression. This characteristic, also called “mask appearance” – always makes a person serious, sad or in a bad mood. This fact is almost always noticed and pointed out by others.

9. Dizziness or fatigue. Parkinson’s disease is associated with low blood pressure. This, in turn, can lead to dizziness (for example, when getting up from a chair or bed) and even loss of consciousness.

10. Chakhlechili. Body posture may indicate early Parkinson’s disease: a sloping spine or shrugging of the shoulders is also a sign to look out for.

In general, none of these isolated events pose a specific risk for Parkinson’s disease. But you have to be careful Two or more of them occur simultaneously.

In addition to the symptoms already mentioned, Parkinson’s can affect the daily lives of affected people in other ways. Its potential complications range from depression and other emotional changes to fatigue, sexual dysfunction, chewing and eating difficulties, and Cognitive problems.

Treatment – which has developed significantly in recent decades – focuses on three main goals. First, to restore the level of cerebral dopaminergic activity that allows Relieve symptoms Both motor and non-motor.

On the other hand, an attempt is made to delay the evolution of cognitive impairment as much as possible. Ultimately – and this is the third of the goals – the goal is to “preserve autonomy and Enhance social and psychological well-being This is stated in an article by Eric Freire, a neurologist at Ambassador General University Hospital.

Is it possible to prevent Parkinson’s? Because the exact causes of the disease are unknown, experts also can not indicate specific measures for its prevention. Some research shows that mate and other products containing caffeine may reduce the risk of suffering from this disease.

Beyond these signs, the most recommended thing to do to prevent motor and cognitive impairment associated with neurodegenerative diseases is, as explained by neurology expert Thomas Gonzalez Hernandez in an interview with todaytimeslive.com. “Maintain a healthy life in its various aspects“.

That is: eat a balanced diet, exercise, sleep well, avoid contact with toxins (such as herbicides and pesticides) and Keep an active mindEspecially through social interactions and activities such as reading, music or board games.

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Source: El Diario

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