Parkinson’s Disease
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder, which affects a part of the brain that controls the movement of muscles, balance, speech and posture.1,2, 3, 4
Parkinson’s disease places a substantial burden on patients, their families and carers, as well as on society as a whole.1
Who does it affect?
Parkinson’s disease is most commonly diagnosed at 50-60 years of age although diagnosis can occur at a much younger age.5 Ten percent of patients are diagnosed before the age of 45 years.2
Around 10-30 percent of those with Parkinson’s disease progress to the severe late stage of the disease .6
There are estimated to be 80,000 Australians are currently living with Parkinson’s disease.5
What causes Parkinson’s disease?
The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is still unknown. It is not considered to be genetic though 10 percent of cases have a familial incidence.2
In people with Parkinson’s disease, there is a progressive loss of neurones (nerve cells), which occurs in a particular area of the brain called the substantia nigra, responsible for movement. This causes a deficiency in the availability of dopamine; a chemical neurotransmitter (messenger) necessary for movement.5
What are the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease?
Typical motor (movement-related) symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include tremor, muscle rigidity, instability and slowness of movement.3 Non-motor symptoms include mood disorders, sleep disturbances, impaired brain function and autonomic dysfunction (e.g. constipation, bladder function, sexual dysfunction and sweating).2,7
What is the effect on quality of life?
People with Parkinson’s disease experience changes in their quality of life as the disease progresses, which are attributed to factors such as depression, motor complications and surgery.1
The quality of life of carers and families is also significantly impacted. Living arrangements, sex lives, taking care of their own family, and stress levels are affected.1
The socially isolative effect of Parkinson’s disease can limit the social activities of the whole family. For family members, leisure activities, household chores, driving, and the capacity to maintain current income can be disrupted or limited.2
How is Parkinson’s disease managed?
While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, there are effective treatment and therapy options to help manage the symptoms.5
The aims of treatment are to increase the level of dopamine that reaches the brain, stimulate the parts of the brain where dopamine works and block the action of other chemicals that affect dopamine.8
Where can I get more information?
Consult your doctor or specialist for more information about Parkinson’s disease. The Parkinson’s Australia website is also a useful resource. Visit the website at http://www.parkinsons.org.au/
1. Dowding CH et al. 2006. A review of the health-related quality of life and economic impact of Parkinson’s disease. Drugs Aging. 2006;23(9):693-721
2. Parkinson’s Australia – What is Parkinson’s? – http://www.parkinsons.org.au/about-ps/whatps.html#Cause. Accessed 11 April 2011
3. Parkinson’s Australia Inc. fact sheet – Parkinson’s Symptoms
4. Parkinson’s Australia Fact Sheet – Description and Incidence
5. Parkinson’s NSW Inc. Parkinson’s Disease – http://www.parkinsonsnsw.org.au/about-parkinsons-disease/parkinsons-disease/. Accessed 28 March 2011
6. Parkinson’s Australia Inc fact sheet – Better Treatment Options
7. Hayes M et al. 2010. Current concepts in the management of Parkinson disease. MJA. 192:144-149
8. Parkinson’s Australia websites – Symptom Management http://www.parkinsons.org.au/about-ps/treatments.htm Accessed 20 April 2011