Parkinson’s Disease – PBMC Samples

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder. The first signs are problems with movement.

Although, smooth and coordinated bodily muscle movements are made possible by dopamine, a substance in the brain. Dopamine is produced in a part of the brain called the “substantia nigra.”

However, in Parkinson’s, the cells of the substantia nigra start to die. When this happens, dopamine levels are reduced. When they have dropped 60 to 80 percent, symptoms of Parkinson’s start to appear.

Some of the early symptoms of Parkinson’s can begin several years before motor problems develop.

Because these earliest signs include the following:

• Constipation
• Decreased ability to smell (anosmia)
• Small, cramped handwriting
• Stooped posture
• Voice changes

Also, the four major motor problems seen are:

• Poor balance and tendency to fall
• Slow movements
• Tremors (shaking that occurs at rest)
• Stiffness of arms, legs, and trunk

In addition, secondary symptoms include:

• A tendency to get stuck when walking
• Blank facial expression
• Decreased blinking and swallowing
• Muffled, low-volume speech
• Parkinsonism gait, which is the tendency to fall backward
• Reduced arm swinging when walking

Furthermore, other associated symptoms may include:

• Anxiety
• Depression 
• Difficulty with visual-spatial relationships
• Flaky white or yellow scales on oily parts of the skin
• Hallucinations
• Increased risk of melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer
• Problems with attention and memory
• Psychosis
• Sleep disturbances including vivid dreams, talking, and movement during sleep

In fact, early signs of Parkinson’s disease may go unrecognized. Your body may try to alert you to the movement disorder many years before movement difficulties begin with these warning signs.

The exact cause of Parkinson’s is unknown. Although, it may have both genetic and environmental components. However, some scientists believe that viruses can trigger Parkinson’s as well.

In fact, low levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, a substance that regulates dopamine, have been linked with Parkinson’s.

Furthermore, abnormal proteins called Lewy bodies have also been found in the brains of patients with Parkinson’s. However, scientists do not know what role, if any, Lewy bodies play in the development of Parkinson’s.

While there’s no known cause, research has identified groups of people who are more likely to develop the condition, which include:

There’s no specific test for diagnosing Parkinson’s. However, diagnosis is made based on health history, a physical and neurological exam, as well as a review of signs and symptoms.

Also, imaging tests, such as a CAT scan or MRI, may be used to rule out other conditions. A dopamine transporter (DAT) scan may also be used. While these tests do not confirm Parkinson’s, they can help rule out other conditions and support the doctor’s diagnosis.

Treatment for Parkinson’s relies on a combination of:

• Lifestyle changes
• Medications
• Therapies

Also, adequate rest, exercise, and a balanced diet are important. However, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy can also help improve communication and self-care.

In fact, in almost all cases, medication will be required to help manage the various physical and mental health symptoms associated with the disease.

Medication

Surgical interventions are reserved for people who do not respond to medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

For example the following two primary types of surgery are used to treat Parkinson’s disease (PD):

Deep Brain Stimulation

During deep brain stimulation (DBS), surgeons implant electrodes in specific parts of the brain. A generator connected to the electrodes sends out pulses to help reduce symptoms.

Pump-delivered Therapy

In January 2015, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a pump-delivered therapy called Duopa.

The pump delivers a combination of levodopa and carbidopa. However, in order to use the pump, your doctor will have to perform a surgical procedure to place the pump near the small intestine.

Parkinson’s dementia is a complication of PD. It causes people to develop difficulties with reasoning, thinking, and problem solving. It’s quite common — 50 to 80 percent of people with Parkinson’s disease will experience some degree of dementia.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease dementia include:

• Confusion
• Depression 
• Changes in appetite
• Sleep disturbances
• Changes in energy level
• Delusional disorder
• Hallucinations
• Mood swings
• Slurred speech

Parkinson’s disease destroys chemical-receiving cells in the brain. Over time, this can lead to dramatic changes, symptoms, and complications.

Certain people are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease dementia. Risk factors for the condition include:

• Sex. Men are more likely to develop it.
• Age. The risk increases as you get older.
• Existing cognitive impairment. If you had memory and mood issues before a Parkinson’s diagnosis, your risk may be higher for dementia.
• Severe Parkinson’s symptoms. You may be more at risk for Parkinson’s disease dementia if you have severe motor impairment, such as rigid muscles and difficulty walking.

Researchers believe both your genes and the environment may play a role in whether you get Parkinson’s. How much of an impact they have, however, is unknown. Most cases occur in people with no apparent family history of the disease.

Hereditary cases of Parkinson’s are rare. It’s uncommon for parents to pass Parkinson’s to a child.

According to the National Institutes of Health, only 15 percent of people with Parkinson’s have a family history of the disease.

There’s currently no cure for Parkinson’s, a disease that is chronic and worsens over time. More than 50,000 new cases are reported in the United States each year. But there may be even more, since Parkinson’s is often misdiagnosed.

Also, it’s reported that Parkinson’s complications was the 14th major cause of death in the United States in 2016.

Complications from Parkinson’s can greatly reduce quality of life and prognosis. For example, individuals with Parkinson’s can experience dangerous falls, as well as blood clots in the lungs and legs. These complications can be fatal.

However, proper treatment improves your prognosis, and it increases life expectancy.

Although, it may not be possible to slow the progression of Parkinson’s, but you can work to overcome the obstacles and complications to have a better quality of life for as long as possible.

Life Expectancy of Parkinson’s Disease (PD)

Diet can play an important role in daily life for patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. While it will not treat or prevent progression, a healthy diet may have some significant impact.

In fact, Parkinson’s disease is the result of decreased dopamine levels in the brain. You may be able to increase levels of the hormone naturally with food.

Likewise, a nutrient-rich, balanced diet that focuses on specific nutrients may be able to help reduce some symptoms and prevent progression of the disease.

These foods include the following:

Antioxidants

Foods high in these substances may help prevent oxidative stress and damage to the brain. Antioxidant-irich foods include nuts, berries, and nightshade vegetables.

Fava beans

These lime green colored beans contain levodopa, the same ingredient used in some Parkinson’s medications.

Omega-3s

These heart- and brain-healthy fats in salmon, oyster, flaxseed, and some beans may help protect your brain from damage.

In addition to eating more of these beneficial foods, you may want to avoid dairy and saturated fat. These food groups may increase your risk for Parkinson’s or accelerate progression.

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and Dopamine