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PD 101: What You Need to Know about Parkinson's Disease
Contributed by: Jariat Oyetunji, Pharm.D. Candidate
KU School of Pharmacy
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What is it?
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a brain disorder that affects movement and coordination. It is a chronic and progressive disease, meaning that symptoms continue and worsen over time. As many as one million Americans suffer from PD and it can lead to significant disability. While approximately 15 percent of people with Parkinson's are diagnosed before the age of 50, incidence increases with age. Parkinson's disease occurs when certain nerve cells (neurons) in a part of the brain begin to malfunction or die. Normally, these cells produce a vital chemical known as dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical messenger that allows smooth, coordinated function of the body's muscles and movement. When approximately 80% of the dopamine-producing cells are damaged, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease appear.
What are the symptoms?
The key signs of PD are:
1. Tremor (shaking) of the hands, arms, legs, jaw and face
2. Rigidity (stiffness) of the limbs and trunk
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3. Slowness of movement
4. Postural instability (difficulty with balance and coordination)
Other signs of Parkinson's disease may include small, cramped handwriting; stiff facial expression; shuffling walk; muffled speech; depression; sleep disorders; and difficulty swallowing.
What are the causes?
The real cause of the disease is not known, however, genetic or environmental factors may lead to the disease. For example, about 15 to 25 percent of people with Parkinson's report having a relative with the disease. Environmental factors include toxins such as pesticides or herbicides. Certain medications may also cause symptoms of PD so it is important to talk to your physician if these symptoms occur after you begin a medication.
How is it treated?
There is no cure for PD. A couple of medications are available to decrease the symptoms of the disease. Since most of the symptoms are caused by lack of dopamine, these medications
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attempt to either replace or mimic dopamine, which improves the tremor, rigidity and slowness associated with Parkinson disease. Rehabilitation, exercise and nutrition help to maximize the benefits of these drugs. Surgical treatment, such as the Deep Brain Stimulation, is an option but is not indicated for all patients with Parkinson's disease due to the risks associated with brain surgery.
For more information on Parkinson's disease, go to www.parkinson.org or visit the Parkinson's Disease Foundation at www.pdf.org or talk with your pharmacist or physician.
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Balls Hen House Pharmacies
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8120 Parallel Parkway
Kansas City, KS 66109
(913) 334-1660
6238 N. Chatham Road
Kansas City, MO 64151
(816) 746-1475
1015 N.E. Rice Road
Lee's Summit, MO 64086
(816) 525-1479
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13600 S. Blackbob
Olathe, KS 66062
(913) 782-2039
2724 W 53rd St
Fairway, KS 66205
913-236-4983
6900 W. 135th Street
Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 814 WELL (9355)
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Sprint Campus
6450 Sprint Parkway
Overland Park, KS 66251
(913) 315-8646
Merriam Town Center
5800 Antioch Rd.
Merriam, KS 66202
(913) 831-4140
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