Health Tips

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic progressive disease that occurs when a group of cells in the substantia nigra of the brain malfunction and die. This results in a substantial loss of a neurotransmitter called Dopamine. Dopamine transports the signals to the part of the brain that controls movement, coordination and initiation of action.

Incidence of Parkinson’s Disease?
It is estimated 6.3 million people have the disease world-wide. Around one and a half million Americans have Parkinson’s. 1 in 10 people with Parkinson’s are diagnosed before the age of 50 years. 15% before the age of 40 years. Slightly more men than women have Parkinson’s disease.

What causes Parkinson’s Disease?
* Environmental factors-Toxins such as herbicides and pesticides have been suggested as the cause.

* Trauma

* In rare cases a few families do show an inherited predisposition. The gene being transmitted via an autosomal dominant trait. 15-25% of people with Parkinson’s disease have a relative with the disease. Twin studies show that hereditary factors are minimal.

Some scientists suggest cell death concepts are causal. These include;
* Oxidative Stress-Free radicals are believed to cause damage to tissues by oxidation.

* Excitotoxicity-Scientists have suggested that glucomate may be implicated in cell death.

* Mitochondrial dysfunction-mitocondria within the cells that produce energy no longer function properly.