When brain cells (neurons) deteriorate, Parkinson's disease is the result. It is considered a chronic condition, as opposed to acute, because it has no cure and doesn't go away by itself. It is also a degenerative disease, meaning that it breaks down the body of the person it attacks. Muscle control is lost due to a lack of dopamine in the brain and, because of this, a difficulty in walking, coordination, and severe shaking develop.
Characteristics and Signs of Parkinson's
Some of the signs of Parkinson's to look out for include:
? Tremors or Trembling: for nearly three quarters of patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, the appearance of tremors or trembling is the first noticeable symptom.
? Muscle stiffness -Parkinson's patients experiencing stiffness or rigidity may not notice any other symptoms of this characteristic. In fact, the person may not even notice the signs of rigidity unless a physician notes it during a physical examination.
The presence of physical rigidity, such as decreased arm swing, is especially useful in helping medical personnel establish a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
This may also include 'Freezing' which is the sudden inability to move when you want to , a foot on one side starts to drag, and difficulty walking through doorways and hallways.
? Lacking coordination
? Difficulty maintaining balance
? Difficulty controlling facial muscles - Akinesia and bradykinesia - these characteristics may manifest themselves in the face, for example, as reduced facial expression, infrequent blinking, and slow swallowing resulting in increased saliva secretion, and occasionally, drooling.
A person with Parkinson's disease may also notice a change in his or her voice: it may become low and monotone, with little or no inflection. Akinesia and bradykinesia may also appear as trouble executing certain movements, and increased slowness when movements are attempted or executed.
? Talking more quietly
? Raspy voice
? Difficulty with motor skills - The result is lessened in fine motor skills dexterity and may mean the person with Parkinson's may require help with everyday tasks such as shaving, tying laces, fastening buttons, and handwriting.
? Oily skin and dandruff - Seborrheic dermatitis: Parkinson's patients may notice that they have developed greasier skin, especially around the nose and eyebrows, and a greasier scalp. This symptom is usually accompanied by increased sweating.
? Non-specific sensory symptoms - Unusual sensory feelings such as numbness, pain, burning sensation, restlessness and fatigue can also be indicators of Parkinson's disease.
? Depression and senility, as well as dementia, are secondary symptoms of Parkinson's.
Feeling anxious, angry, discouraged or downright depressed is common as the brain is undergoing a number of chemical changes. Approximately 40-70 percent of Parkinson's sufferers experience depression at times, while 20 percent of these are considered a major depressive disorder.
Anxiety or panic attacks are common psychological elements of the disease as well. An average of 70 percent of people who have pre-existing depression also develop anxiety whereas 90 percent who first experience anxiety fall victim to depression.
Dementia is evidenced in 20-30 percent of sufferers and this gradual decline first starts with slowness in thought and advances to a difficulty in properly organizing thoughts.
In most cases, only one side of the body will be affected in the early stages of the disease, and the hands and feet are the most likely area where tremors will first be noticed.
One symptom does not mean that you have Parkinson's. It usually arrives in the form of a combination of symptoms over a prolonged period.
If you have concerns, consult your doctor.
People with Parkinsons disease often appear stooped and move slowly as the disease progresses. Age is a factor, as is evidenced by a great deal of the older population showing symptoms. Their walk is often a shuffling gait with very short steps. The person has trouble lifting their feet. Arms dont move, or move little, when the person is walking. Range of movement is impaired and their hands shake. This palsy is the most telltale sign of Parkinsons.
Other symptoms that develop can be even more debilitating. Problems with speech, and swallowing, cause an inability to communicate. Fatigue and depression are present in nearly half of Parkinsons cases. Parkinsons disease affects distal muscles first (muscles farthest from the body, like hands and feet). As the disease progresses, proximal, or the muscles closer to the trunk of the body, become affected.
This disease often is attributed to having no cause. Some factors can play a role, such as head trauma, drug use, toxins, or genetic predisposition. While there are several pharmaceuticals on the market, some of them seem to become counter-productive, but there are new and encouraging development trials.
At present, there doesnt seem to be a break-through drug to stop the advancement of Parkinsons disease. However, physical activity and therapy can alleviate some symptoms. The more the body and mind are active, and work together, the more successful treatments are for patients. Yoga works to unify the mind, body, and spirit.
Yoga practice engages the mind and clarifies focus. In the process, the postures, breathing, and movement, stimulate the nervous system and improve health. Pharmaceuticals, in conjunction with Yoga practice, seem to be the best option for students with Parkinsons disease.
Yoga instructors, working with students that have Parkinsons disease, must respect the limitations and goals of these individuals. As with any number of physical and neurological ailments, the effective postures and routines will vary. As a general rule, asana practice might require modifications, props, extra support, or assisting for students with Parkinsons disease.
Balance is something that the unconscious mind controls for most people. A benefit of moving personal balance to the conscious mind is the result of more stability. In the mind of a person with Parkinsons, these unconscious functions have been damaged by the disease. Students with Parkinsons should focus primarily on bringing the functions of the body, to the forefront of the mind, during yoga practice.
The strength-building postures improve range of motion and balance, which is essential to effective yoga therapy. Despite the fact that movement is difficult, people with Parkinsons, are highly encouraged to participate in regular, gentle activities. Yoga is a perfect program because of its low impact nature and unifying, nurturing atmosphere. Students should be challenged in a comfortable way that allows for growth.
Yoga improves the overall sense of well-being, and worth, for the yoga student. Any chronic disease can wear you down emotionally. Many people, with Parkinsons disease, begin to feel helpless, as they lose independence. The highly positive and healing environment of the yoga classroom, adds to the physical benefits, but also encourages emotional balance.
Postures, recommended for people with Parkinsons disease, include the cow pose, cobra pose and camel pose. All poses can be modified to meet any students needs. Also suggested are the boat, bow, and bridge poses.
The bow pose increases muscle strength in the back, upper legs, hips, and abdominal muscles - improving the center of balance. The camel pose also strengthens the back and increases flexibility of the spine - complementing the bow pose. Each of these poses strengthens the body, or stimulates the nervous system, in a way that will benefit a practitioner with Parkinsons.
Both Mike Herman & Ben Needles are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Mike Herman has sinced written about articles on various topics from Mental Health, Arthritis Signs and Sleep Disorders. Get The Information You Need About Parkinson's By Going to . Mike Herman's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.
Ben Needles has sinced written about articles on various topics from Business Credit Cards, Anger Control and Business Credit Cards. About the Author (text)Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. He is an author of many books on the subject of Yoga and has been a certified Master Yog. Ben Needles's top article generates over 550000 views. to your Favourites.