People who have parkinsonism may also experience other symptoms like sleep problems, constipation and loss of smell, depression and fatigue. These symptoms can be more difficult to identify because they often occur with normal aging, so it’s important to talk with your doctor if you think you’re having problems.
Parkinson’s disease causes tremor; stiffness of the muscles that affects movement; a stooped, flexed posture; difficulty with walking or balance; and changes in voice and facial expression. Parkinson’s disease can happen at any age and is more common in men than women. There are no blood tests or imaging to diagnose the disease, but a physical examination and a neurological exam will help doctors determine if you have Parkinson’s.
The most common cause of Parkinson’s is a type of protein called Lewy bodies that develop in certain areas of the brain. These deposits look like clumps of coffee grounds under a microscope and are made up of several different substances. One substance that is found in all Lewy bodies is a natural protein called alpha-synuclein (pronounced ah-shin-UL-koon). Alpha-synuclein is an important part of nerve cells that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate movement. Scientists are currently investigating the role of alpha-synuclein in Parkinson’s disease.
Corticobasal degeneration is a type of parkinsonism that causes damage to multiple areas of the brain, including the outer layer (cerebral cortex) and the deeper region of the brain that controls movement (the basal ganglia). In addition to the movement problems associated with this disorder, people may experience dementia, memory problems, a stooped posture and trouble looking up and down. This disorder doesn’t respond as well to dopamine medications as Parkinson’s disease does.
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a type of parkinsonism caused by the buildup of the protein tau on brain cells. PSP is similar to ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. This condition typically starts in the early 60s and may cause a loss of balance that increases fall risk, uncontrollable muscle jerks, involuntary blinking and difficulty aiming the eyes. People with PSP may have a stooped or flexed posture and drooling.
There are no blood tests to diagnose this disorder, but the symptoms include a slowed ability to move; stiffness of the muscles; shaking or tremor; a soft, slow speech; and changes in thinking and emotion. People with this form of the disease have a harder time adjusting to their environment and finding ways to deal with the changes. They may have a tendency to become aggressive or to lose their sense of humor. They also may have a hard time with emotions such as sadness and anxiety. This condition is more likely to affect men than women, and it’s usually less common in people under 50. It is thought that inherited genes play an important role in the development of this type of Parkinson’s. Exposure to herbicides and pesticides can increase a person’s risk for developing this disease. Affected individuals are usually older than those who don’t have the disease.
