Parkinson's: Ways to Cope with Walking, Balancing, and Falling

Movements affecting the ability to do ordinary daily activities are one of the hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease. It is a progressive and chronic disease, and the symptoms become worse over time. Tremors or rhythmic shaking, stiffness of the muscles, and bradykinesia or slow movement are systematic of Parkinson’s. It also manifests itself in non-motor symptoms like sleep problems, anxiety, depression, constipation, fatigue, and heartbreak for family members.

Estimates place 1 million Americans living with Parkinson’s disease and more than 10 million people globally. Parkinson’s usually does not appear after the age of 50, but 10 percent of those diagnosed with Parkinson’s occur at younger ages, which is known as early-onset Parkinson’s. Although it is common, it is almost like a gloomy sentence of disability.

Because of the symptoms, patients with Parkinson's disease have difficulty with walking and their overall balance. It's vital for patients and loved ones to understand why this happens and learn ways to combat these issues.

What causes Parkinson’s disease?

Dopamine, or an organic chemical belonging to the phenethylamine and catecholamine families, functions as a neurotransmitter in the brain. Dopamine is released by neurons or nerve cells to send signals to other cells. The brain has set dopamine paths that provide a significant role in motivated behavior, motor control, and the release of other hormones.  Diminished neurotransmitter dopamine and the cells that manufacture dopamine causes compromised movements.

In addition to dopamine, alpha-synuclein is a protein that clumps up in Lewy bodies and contributes to Parkinson’s disease. (Lewy bodies are abnormal masses of protein that develop in nerve cells in Parkinson’s disease.)

Science is still baffled about what causes Parkinson’s disease. There is some argument that genetics or environmental factors cause Parkinson’s, and some scientific studies point to a combination of genetics and environment plus other causes. Although there is a great deal of research and investigations into the sources of Parkinson’s, right now it is considered idiopathic, or the cause is not known.

• Genetic factors or a mutation in a gene called LRRK2 found in families of Jewish or North African descent may be a cause in about 10% of Parkinson’s disease.
• Environmental factors like exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, or even repeated head injuries can cause an increased risk of the disease. Still, many people do not show an environmental cause for the diagnoses, and there may be many years between exposure to environmental factors and the actual symptoms.
• Other risk factors for Parkinson’s disease is age.  Parkinson's usually waits until someone is at least 50 years old before striking.
• Men tend to have higher risks of Parkinson’s than women.
• Caucasians are affected more often than African Americans or Asians. Why this is, is unknown.

How is Parkinson’s diagnosed?

It is sad to say that every 9 minutes someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Physicians come to this determination by a combination of patient interviews and a detailed neurologic examination. There is no positive test for Parkinson’s, but a general neurologist can detect the disease. Medical practice recommends that you also seek a diagnosis from a movement disorder specialist or MDS.

At least three motor symptoms need to be present before a doctor considers a diagnosis of Parkinson's. Tremor, slowness of movement or rigidity are a few of the most general symptoms.