The Main Causes of Parkinson’s Disease | What are the Early Signs?

17 Feb The Main Causes of Parkinson’s Disease | What are the Early Signs?

Parkinson’s disease is a disorder that affects the cells of the nervous system, leading to the dysfunction of cells or, in other words, cell death.

Commonly a neurodegenerative disorder, Parkinson’s mainly damages the neurons that produce and regulate dopamine.

These neurons are found highly in the substantia nigra, a specific part of the brain.

While initially people are asymptomatic, the progression varies from person to person with symptoms ranging from:

• Tremors
• Limb rigidity
• Balancing problems

There isn’t any specific cure for Parkinson’s but treatment can include medications and even surgery.

Eventually, the disorder is not fatal but its complications can make it severe and problematic to deal with on a daily basis. One example is Parkinson’s related dementia.

However, living with Parkinson’s is doable if you understand the disease and its spread well.

What Can Cause Parkinson’s Disease?

Since Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease, it is mainly caused by the loss of cells.

These cells are the ones responsible for secreting dopamine, which is the messenger hormone for the brain and nervous system regulating body movements.

The reduction in the cells hence hinders the regulation of the control of the brain over your body movements.

This degeneration is usually slow and shows the early signs only when 80% of the cells have been damaged.

But the question arises: what induces the nerve damage or what can trigger Parkinson’s!

The research for identifying the underlying cause of Parkinson’s is still going on, but till now it has been established that:

The main cause of Parkison’s disease is a mix of genetics and environmental factors. These interactions are complex but trigger changes.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors causing Parkinson’s can be physical trauma or exposure to toxins and chemicals.

#1. Physical Trauma

According to studies, traumatic brain injury increases the risk of Parkinson’s. It could lead to the gradual development of the disorder with the symptoms showing up after years.

The main cause behind head injuries developing into the disorder is inflammation in the brain.

However, not everyone suffering a head injury is likely to develop Parkinson’s. According to experts, it depends on factors like:

• Severity
• Frequency
• Type of the head trauma

For example, people pursuing boxing who suffer repeated blows on the head are more likely to get Parkinson’s than a person suffering a brain injury once.

#2. Toxins

Several studies establish a strong link between the high amount of toxins in the air and the development of Parkinson’s among people.

In such cases, the disorder is diagnosed at a higher rate than the expected normal rate.

Although there isn’t a clear explanation on how these toxins and pollutants conduct Parkinson’s is available.

What toxins can cause Parkinson’s disease:

• Air pollutants
• Metal ions – Exposure to metals in certain field exposures can lead to the development of PD. But long-term exposure cannot be measured and hence specific metal exposures are not identified yet.
• Paraquat – It is a common danger for health and even includes risks like the development of parkinsonism.
• Other toxins – Maneb, permethrin, beta-hexachlorocyclohexane.

#3. Pesticides and Herbicides

Many studies link usage of pesticides and herbicides containing chemicals as dangerous for your health as they can trigger the progression of PD.

However, we need more research for a clear establishment of these facts.

Two such herbicides studied for PD are paraquat and PCBs. The possibilities of paraquat being a causative agent are still being debated but there are still strong pieces of evidence in favor.

But because of its health hazards, it is banned in almost 32 countries including China.

Solvents and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs): It is mostly found in large quantities in groundwater. According to reports, people placed on fields or occupied as factory workers are potentially at risk of PD because of the solvent.

Studies show that PCB is present in large amounts in the brains of people suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

Other Risk Factors:

• Age – people above the age of 60 are at a higher risk of developing PD.
• Sex – men are more likely to develop Parkinson’s as compared to females.

How is Parkinson’s Hereditary?

If we had to rule out – what is the most common cause of Parkinson’s disease, it would be mutation!

However, despite specific genes associated with Parkinson’s, just 15 to 25% of the cases of Parkinson’s have a family history of the same.

The two genes responsible for the disorder are:

1. LRRK2 – Induces the leucine-rich kinase 2 enzymes. The enzyme is responsible for the development of PD, but the onset is slow and usually late.
2. SNCA – Stimulates the release of alpha-synuclein which forms clumps of toxins called Lewy bodies. These clumps form in the neurons of people suffering from PD.

Any mutations in these two genes result in the early onset and progression of the disorder.

These two genes usually act in the autosomal dominant manner which means the transfer of one gene from each parent. This causes early onset.

However, some other genes act in an autosomal recessive manner and only cause PD when mutated genes are transferred.

Other genes responsible for PD are:

• PARK7
• PINK1
• PARK2

Other Causes of Parkinsonism

Though Parkinson’s disease is the most common type of parkinsonism, some other types of Parkinsonism can occur because of:

1. Medication Induced Parkinsonism

The symptoms of Parkinsonism can appear after taking certain medications. However, once the person is off the medications, these symptoms usually improve.

Several chemicals or medications can induce parkinsonism as they can block the receptors for dopamine.

But, in such cases, only the symptoms match and the situation isn’t as complex as Parkinson’s disease.

What chemicals can cause Parkinson’s?

• Antipsychotic drugs
•  Anti-nausea medicine
• GIT prokinetics
• Calcium channel blockers

among many others…

2. Brain conditions Induced Parkinsonism

• Progressive supranuclear palsy causes problems in balancing, swallowing, vision and speech.
• Corticobasal degeneration has similar symptoms as Parkinson’s disease like limb rigidity and tremors.

Moving ahead, it’s time to check in with the early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

What are the Early Warning Signs of Parkinson’s Disease?

The disorder affects people in various ways. While some people can be asymptomatic, others can show symptoms of various intensities.

These PD symptoms are broadly divided into the five Parkinson’s disease stages:

• Stage one – It is the initial stage marked by mild symptoms, which do not interfere with daily chores.
• Second stage – The symptoms progress showing interference with daily movements.
• Stage three – Slow movements and imbalance are characteristics of the third stage.
• Stage four – Symptoms are severe where problems arise even in standing or walking.
• The fifth stage – This is an advanced stage, which can cause stiffness around the legs.

Based on these stages, four cardinal signs of Parkinson’s have been classified.

What are the Four Cardinal Signs of Parkinson’s Disease?

This neurodegenerative disorder is characterized by the following 4 cardinal signs:

#1. Tremor 

Parkinson’s mostly causes rest tremors and is less during sleep or while you are active. They mostly affect your hand and are often called pill-rolling. 

The symptoms can interfere with your daily chores. Tremors can also affect other parts of your body like the lower lip, jaw, or leg. Though, in most cases, it just affects one part of the body.

#2. Bradykinesia

As Parkinson’s progresses, it starts affecting your movement interfering with your daily tasks, making them difficult and time-consuming. 

For example, Parkinson’s can cause weakness in the legs making your steps shorter. This is because of impairment in the voluntary motor control leading to frozen movements.

#3. Rigor Or Stiffness

It occurs in the arms or legs on either side of your body and causes interference with movement. 

Moreover, it can even cause pain and aches in the body. Sometimes, rigidity in the muscles of the abdomen and face is also possible. Though it mainly affects activities involving movement, it can also affect your sleep.

#4. Postural Instability 

It is a primary motor symptom of Parkinson’s and usually appears late. 

Postural instability is characterized by the tendency of being unstable during standing as the disorder affects the reflexes involved in standing.

Other than these major signs, other symptoms of Parkinson’s can also be warning signs for you:

• Small handwriting than your usual handwriting
• Loss of smell
• Constipation
• Softer or lower voice than your normal voice
• Dizziness or fainting
• Hunching over

As you can see, these signs are much less susceptible for the patient as compared to the feeling of tremors or other movement difficulties.

Despite symptoms that can hinder your daily lifestyle, it’s still possible to live with Parkinson’s and enjoy a happy life.

How to Live with Parkinson’s Disease?

The first step of learning to live with the disorder is understanding the basic Parkinson’s disease causes, symptoms, and treatment.

While in broad terms, living life with Parkinson’s can be tough, but just making a few lifestyle changes can give you a fuller life.

A positive outlook and determination can help you adapt to living with the disorder, making your outlook more hopeful and happier.

Here are a few tips for living with Parkinson’s disease:

#1. Stress Management and Spiritual Wellbeing 

Stress makes it difficult to manage life and can even worsen Parkinson’s, especially the tremors. Hence, make sure to avoid taking stress as much as you can.

If someone you love has Parkinson’s, try to make every effort to keep them away from chronic stress.

You can even try out different stress management activities like:

• Yoga
• Meditation
•  Talking to a counselor
• Laughter clubs
• Dancing
• Following your passion and hobbies
• Taking time out to listen to good soulful music

#2. A Nutritious Diet

Diet has a connection with your health from every angle. Following a healthy balanced diet keeps your gut and mind happy, ensuring the medications and treatments work effectively.

You can try adding vivid colors to your diet by adding fruits and veggies with a good menu.

#3. Daily Workout

No, we don’t mean those high-intensity workouts.

Just moderate exercises daily are enough to give your body enough activity to revive the lost energy.

Following a good exercise routine daily would help in relieving the symptoms, especially rigidity and postural imbalance.

Workouts also affect the progression of disease positively.

#4. Socialize

Involve with people around you and work on your relationships with others as socializing boosts confidence and even gives you happy moments to remember.

Since Parkinson’s also affects people around you, working on your relationship with others builds a more positive environment.

#5. Take Care of Your Feet

If you are suffering from any problems in your feet, it’s time to check on it and get it treated soon as any problems in the feet can become severe in Parkinson’s.

It could turn into a severe problem interfering with your mobility too.

#6. Traveling

Though traveling would seem impossible with Parkinson’s, you can plan a bit and everything would be easy.

Make sure you check for the:

• Location
• Language and culture
• Health care system
• And financial systems

…before going out!

As you see, living life and managing Parkinson’s isn’t too interfering with your routine. All you need is dedication and positivity to make everything easier.

But treatment remains a priority, and here is what you can try out.

Treating Parkinson’s Disease [Best Treatment Options]

There isn’t any specific treatment available for Parkinson’s disorder, but there are still options that can relieve the symptoms.

#1. Therapies

Many therapies can help relieve your symptoms and make living easier with the disorder.

Popular therapies include physiotherapy where the professionals help in the movement of your limbs, especially in symptoms like rigidity.

It helps relax the muscles and joint aches and can even improve your flexibility in situations like postural imbalance.

Other therapies can also include:

• Speech therapy for patients having problems in speaking due to PD
• Occupational therapies to help you out with daily chores

#2. Medications

Medications are prescribed by doctors mainly to relieve the major symptoms of the disorder like rigidity and tremor.

But not all medicines work well for everyone as each of them has long-term and short-term effects.

So, it is best to consult a doctor for medication as a medical professional is going to explain to you everything about the effects and side effects of medications.

Regular reviews of the effects of the medications are also done by doctors.

#3. Surgery

Usually, most of the cases are treated with drugs. But in some cases, surgeries like deep brain stimulation can be done.

It is a type of surgery where a pulse generator is implanted. It requires precision as electric current stimulates the part of your brain.

Though usually surgeries don’t treat Parkinson’s, they have proven effective in relieving symptoms.

Missed something? Here are some commonly-asked questions for an overview.

FAQs

#1. Can stress cause Parkinson’s disease?

According to researchers, severe stressful incidents can increase your risk of developing Parkinson’s disorder. 

Animal studies are also indicative of stress damaging the neurons that produce dopamine causing severe parkinsonism effects. 

In the case of humans, acute stress is more of a causative agent of PD than chronic stress.

#2. What foods to avoid if you have Parkinson’s disease?

Here are the six foods that you should practically avoid if you or anyone is suffering from PD:

• Dairy products
• Proteins
• Processed foods
• Salty foods
• Acidic foods
• Foods that are too rigid to chew on

Instead, you should focus more on taking a balanced diet. 

#3. Does Parkinson’s affect memory?

The disorder is more of a movement disorder causing muscles to become rigid and weak, hindering daily activities like walking and running errands. 

However, it also causes tremors, which could further develop into cognitive abnormalities like dementia.

#4. Does Parkinson’s cause pain in the legs?

Yes, it can cause pain in the legs as most of the cases come up with complaints of cramps and pain in the legs. 

This could obviously be because of the stiffness of the muscles of the legs.

#5. Is Parkinson’s preventable?

How to prevent Parkinson’s disease is still a question as till now no credible answer has been found. 

The fact is there isn’t any way that you can prevent the disorder, but you can use medications to relieve the symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening.

#6. How to reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease?

The best way to reduce the risk of getting the disease is to eat healthily and stay active. Try to balance your meals with whole foods, fruits, and veggies. 

At the same time, aim for some exercise each day, starting today. Also, take alcohol in moderation. 

Final Take

Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common forms of parkinsonism caused by the loss of neurons.

As far as we know, it usually interferes with movements affecting your daily lives and can even cause complications that could be fatal.

Though common causes of the disorder are mainly genetic or environmental factors, some debaters also claim Parkinson’s disease is due to deficiency of Vitamin D.

However, no evidence about the same has been found yet.

In the end, Parkinson’s disease is still a disease that we can live with even if it doesn’t have any cure. Effective therapies are already in place to relieve the symptoms.

Surgeries and medications are usually the last treatment options.

So, hopefully, you’re taking something away from this blog. 

We always look forward to further discussion in the comments section. Feel free to use the social media options below to share the blog with others if the information was helpful.

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