Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects the basal ganglia in the brain. It occurs when levels of the hormone dopamine decrease within the body,.

Causes of Parkinson’s Disease

The sources indicate that a specific single cause for Parkinson’s disease has not yet been identified; instead, it is considered multifactorial,. Known contributing factors include:

• Familial/Genetic Factors: The disease can run in families.
• Environmental Exposure: Exposure to certain pesticides is linked to the condition.
• Head Trauma: Repeated injuries to the head, as seen in the case of boxer Muhammad Ali, can lead to the development of the disease,.

Primary Symptoms

Symptoms are categorized into two types: motor (related to movement) and non-motor,.

Motor Symptoms:

• Resting Tremor: Often starts in one hand and may later affect both; it frequently presents as “pill-rolling,” where the individual appears to be rolling something between their thumb and index finger,.
• Bradykinesia: General slowness of movement.
• Rigidity: A feeling of tightness throughout the body.
• Postural Instability: Frequent falls and a loss of balance while walking.
• Facial and Voice Changes: A “mask-like face” with no expression, a decreased blinking rate, and a husky or unclear voice.
• Physical Adjustments: Stooped posture, reduced arm swinging while walking, and micrographia (handwriting that becomes very small and cramped).

Non-Motor Symptoms:

• Mental Health and Cognition: Depression, lack of interest in activities, memory loss, and hallucinations.
• Sleep Issues: Difficulty sleeping at night and excessive sleepiness during the day.
• Physical Dysfunction: Urinary incontinence, excessive salivation, dizziness, and excessive sweating.

Progression Stages

Parkinson’s disease typically progresses through five stages:

• Stage 1: Symptoms, such as tremors, affect only one side of the body.
• Stage 2: Symptoms progress to affect both sides of the body.
• Stage 3: The individual experiences significant balance issues and instability while walking.
• Stage 4: Symptoms become severe to the point where the person cannot stand or maintain balance without help,.
• Stage 5: This is the most advanced stage where the individual is unable to walk without total assistance and becomes bedridden.