Health is one of the best divine gifts but we realize its importance once we fell ill. Most of us never bother about taking proper diet, getting in shape through a physical workout, bother to go for a regular medical check-up or even think about any infirmity or medical disorder. The moment something unusual happens and we start rushing to doctors and hospitals. It shows our health is of the least priority for us until we become sick. There are many diseases that pose a severe threat to human health and Parkinson is one of the serious ones. What is Parkinson? It is a disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement, often including tremors.
Nerve cell damage in the brain causes dopamine levels to drop, leading to the symptoms of Parkinson. There is a little awareness in Pakistan about this disease. The two famous personalities which got infected with this disease are that of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali and Hollywood star Michael J Fox. Who can forget an all time best Muhammad Ali for his matchless skills in the ring. He was called a butterfly who stings like a bee and a black superman. He later earned the respect of the world for his principle stance over Vietnam war. It was very painful to see him shaking when he was diagnosed with this disease. Similarly no one can forget the youthful characters played by Michael J Fox in “Back to the Future” trilogy. His name was like a brand who is young and full of energy. But the his fans were shocked when Michael admitted his being diagnosed with Parkinson. He is still battling very bravely with this disease. But what are the symptoms? A tremor, or shaking, usually begins in a limb, often hand or fingers. Over time, Parkinson’s disease may slow your movement, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming. The steps may become shorter than normal walk and may drag feet while trying to walk. The Muscle stiffness may occur in any part of body which can be painful and limit the range of motion.
The posture may become stooped, or may have balance problems. The patient may have a decreased ability to perform unconscious movements, including blinking, smiling or swinging your arms when you walk. The patient may speak softly, quickly, slur or hesitate before talking. It may become hard to write, and the writing may appear small. There can be many causes of Parkinson. In this disease, certain nerve cells (neurons) in the brain gradually break down or die. Many of the symptoms are due to a loss of neurons that produce a chemical messenger in your brain called dopamine. When dopamine levels decrease, it causes abnormal brain activity, leading to symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. There is a long list of complications which a Parkinson’s patient has to face. He may experience cognitive problems (dementia) and thinking difficulties which usually occur in the later stages of this disease. Such cognitive problems aren’t very responsive to medications. He may experience depression, sometimes in the very early stages. Receiving treatment for depression can make it easier to handle the other challenges. He may experience other emotional changes, such as fear, anxiety or loss of motivation. He may develop difficulties with swallowing as his condition progresses. Saliva may accumulate in the mouth due to slowed swallowing, leading to drooling.
Chewing and eating problems. Late-stage Parkinson’s disease affects the muscles in his mouth, making chewing difficult. This can lead to choking and poor nutrition. People with Parkinson’s disease often have sleep problems, including waking up frequently throughout the night, waking up early or falling asleep during the day. He may also experience rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. The Medications may help the sleeping problems. Parkinson’s disease may cause bladder problems, including being unable to control urine or having difficulty urinating.
Constipation. Many people with Parkinson’s disease develop constipation, mainly due to a slower digestive tract. The patient may feel dizzy or lightheaded when you stand due to a sudden drop in blood pressure. He may experience problems with his sense of smell. He may have difficulty identifying certain odors or the difference between odors. Many patients lose energy and experience fatigue, especially later in the day. Some people with Parkinson’s disease experience pain, either in specific areas of their bodies or throughout their bodies. Some people with Parkinson’s disease notice a decrease in sexual desire or performance. Since there is no clear cut cure to this disease till date so it is always advised to take proper care of your health. A healthy way of life can protect you from all such problems. Be thankful to this greatest gift from Allah.
