Parkinson’s disease is a progressive degenerative disease that affects your nervous system. It causes your body to produce too much of an enzyme called dopamine, which in turn results in tremors, stiffness, and other types of movement difficulties. These symptoms are most often present as a mild tremor that worsens over time and becomes more noticeable as it progresses.
If left untreated, Parkinson’s can lead to motor complications such as fine tremors, rigidity, and slowness of movement. Keeping this condition under control is essential if you want to live the highest quality of life possible. Long-term exposures to paraquat can also result in Parkinson’s disease. If you got diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease caused by paraquat, you could file a lawsuit to get compensated. Paraquat lawsuit settlement amounts vary between $10,000 to $200,000, depending on the quality of the lawyer you hire. Here’s what you need to know about the progression, risk factors, and treatments for Parkinson’s.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative neurological condition that affects the nervous system. It causes the part of your brain that controls movement to become less able to send appropriate signals to your body. In the advanced stages of the disease, the disease may also cause involuntary movements such as shaking, stiffness, and reduced movement of your jaw. The most common form of Parkinson’s is idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.
In addition to progressive motor symptoms, people with Parkinson’s also experience cognitive impairment, depression, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Parkinson’s disease is a complex condition that develops over time due to a number of risk factors that may interact with genetics. For this reason, it is best to be assessed by a specialist to identify the condition’s exact onset and progression.
Risk factors and symptoms
Genetics: It’s been found that people who have a parent with Parkinson’s have an increased risk of developing the disease. Additionally, people who have relatives with Parkinson’s disease are at a slightly increased risk of developing the condition.
Environment: Certain environmental factors, such as exposure to pesticides, have been linked with an increased risk of developing the condition.
Aging: As we age, our levels of dopamine in the brain decrease. This means that our bodies are less able to handle the increased risk of developing Parkinson’s. We don’t know all the factors that contribute to Parkinson’s, but we do know that genetics, aging, and environmental factors, such as exposure to pesticides, may all play a part. While Parkinson’s affects men and women, women are more likely to develop symptoms at younger ages.
Treatments for Parkinson’s disease
The goal of treatment for Parkinson’s disease is to manage symptoms and prevent the progression of the disease.
Physical therapy: This type of treatment aims to improve gait and posture. It can also reduce pain and improve function.
Medications: Often, low-dose antipsychotic medication is used to help ease symptoms such as hallucinations, agitation, and hallucinations associated with severe hallucinations, such as paranoia.
L-dopa therapy: This is the only medication that can significantly prolong life by slowing the progressive loss of dopamine in the brain. It works by replenishing dopamine that has been used up. The success of Parkinson’s disease treatments is largely dependent on the patient’s adherence. It is important to take medications as prescribed, even if you feel better.
Coping strategies for people with Parkinson’s disease
There are many ways to cope with the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including:
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Connecting with other patients and caregivers at your local Parkinson’s disease support group.
- Identifying and exploring your personal identity, interests, and values.
- Finding activities that make you feel a sense of accomplishment.
- Developing healthy relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.
Prolonging life with PDD and L-dopa therapy
The drug levodopa is the only medication that has been proven to prolong life in people with Parkinson’s disease. It is given as a once-daily pill that increases dopamine levels in the brain. There are two types of levodopa. The most common is called Sinemet, which is taken once daily and is given to people with Parkinson’s disease with mild to moderate symptoms. The other type of levodopa is most commonly used to treat advanced Parkinson’s disease, called Dysport. It is injected once every few months and is not taken once daily. Approximately 50% of people treated with levodopa have a relapse after a year. This means that their dopamine levels decline again. However, L-dopa therapy has been proven to prolong life.
Conclusion
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease that can affect your quality of life. While it cannot be prevented, it can be kept under control through healthy living, regular physical activity, and treatment with L-dopa therapy. These treatments are not cheap. You could get compensation for these financial losses if you developed Parkinson’s disease due to Paraquat exposure. By filing a lawsuit, you can get help to deal with your condition.
