Parkinson’s disease is something we’ve all heard about. Since it gave its name in 1817, it receive a great deal of attention in both medical and popular culture. However, despite the fact that it is an illness that the majority of people are aware of, there is still a staggering amount of information that is lacking.
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects around 6.2 million individuals worldwide. Due to the fact that it affects the lives of so many people, we are interested to learn more about this strange condition. What are the signs and symptoms of this condition? Is Parkinson’s disease a hereditary disease? What measures can you take to avoid contracting the disease? Continue reading to find out the answers to these questions and more.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative ailment that affects the Central Nervous System (CNS; the brain and spinal cord). Tremors, trembling, sluggish movement, balance issues, and stiffness are all symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is most commonly found in adults over the age of 60.
Hereditary diseases are those that pass on from one generation to the next through the genes of the parents. A genetic condition can pass down through families, although this is not always the case. Some genetic disorders create by random mutations that pass on from one generation to the next by the parents.
According to recent research, genetic alterations are responsible for some occurrences of Parkinson’s disease. The presence of a hereditary etiology for this condition is extremely unusual. Only approximately 10 to 15 percent of persons who have Parkinson’s disease have a family history of the disorder, according to research. The cause of Parkinson’s disease, on the other hand, is typically unknown.
According to current research, a mix of hereditary and environmental variables may contribute to the development of Parkinson’s disease. In this post, we’ll learn more about this condition, as well as ways to avoid it.
Parkinson’s Disease Stages
This disease has 5 Stages as follows:
1St Stage
- Mild symptoms will experience by the individual, which will not interfere with regular activities in most cases. People with Parkinson’s disease may suffer tremors and other movement symptoms on one side of their bodies, as well as changes in their posture, walking style, and facial expressions.
2nd Stage
- The individual will begin to notice that their symptoms are becoming worse. Both the left and right sides of the body affect tremors, stiffness, and other movement abnormalities. Walking difficulties and bad posture may become more noticeable, and while the person is still able to live on his or her own, daily tasks may become more difficult and time-consuming.
3rd Stage
- Stage three is frequently referred to as the “middle stage.” People who are experiencing this will have a loss of balance and sluggishness in their movements, with falls becoming more regular. The individual is still completely self-sufficient, but the symptoms considerably impair daily activities such as dressing and eating.
4th Stage
- At this point, this disease is a constraint. The individual will provide assistance with daily chores such as eating and dressing, as they are unable to live on their own. While it is feasible to stand on one’s own, walking and other motions may necessitate the use of a cane or walker.
5th Stage
- The person will have leg stiffness, which will make it impossible for him or her to stand or walk. The individual is confined to a wheelchair or is bedridden, and he or she requires round-the-clock nursing assistance for all activities. In addition, the individual may experience hallucinations and delusions.
Parkinson’s disease is connected with a number of genes
Parkinson’s disease causes a combination of genes. Researchers are continuing to look for new mutations as well as other genes that may implicit in the disease.
Parkinson’s disease is related to a number of genes, including the following:
- Glucocerebrosidase (GBA)
- LRRK2 (leucine-rich repeat kinase 2)
- PARK2 (parkin)
- PARK6
- PARK7
- CYP2D6
- DNAJC13
- CHCHD2
- TMEM230
- RIC3
- SYNJ1
- DNAJC6
- VPS13C
- PTRHD1
- PODXL
- RAB39B
- UCHL1
- SNCA
Is Parkinson’s hereditary?
It is extremely rare for Parkinson’s disease to pass down from one generation to the next. The majority of cases of Parkinson’s disease are not hereditary. People who get early-onset Parkinson’s disease, on the other hand, are more likely to have inherited the disease.
It is possible that having a family history of Parkinson’s disease will enhance your chances of developing it. This means that having a parent or sibling who has Parkinson’s disease somewhat raises the probability of developing the disease.
Risks for Parkinson’s disease
This disease is a neurological disorder that has no recognized cause in the majority of cases. Researchers, on the other hand, have found a number of risk factors that can raise your chances of contracting this condition.
This disease is associated with a number of risk factors, including:
- Parkinson’s disease causes genetic mutations in certain genes.
- Having a family history of Parkinson’s disease or a first-degree relative who has Parkinson’s disease
- Being older, particularly if you are over the age of 60,
- Pesticides and herbicides used in agriculture.
- Being born a male despite being assigned as such
- History of traumatic brain damage
Testing for Parkinson’s Disease
In order to make a definitive diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, there is no objective test (such as a blood test, a brain scan, or an EEG) that can be performed. While we do not directly test for this disease, scientific evidence suggests that following a healthier lifestyle can delay the onset of this disease. To optimize your health through genetic testing, you can trust HealthCodes DNA™.
Instead, a doctor will obtain a detailed medical history and perform a comprehensive neurological evaluation on you. In this case, they are searching for two or more of the cardinal signs to be present in order to pass the test.
Also taken into consideration will be the doctor’s assessment of your response to Parkinson’s disease treatments, which will serve as additional evidence that Parkinson’s is the proper diagnosis.
Due to the fact that there is no definitive test for Parkinson’s disease and that the symptoms of the disease are similar to those of other neurological conditions, misdiagnosis of Parkinson’s disease occurs far too frequently, despite the fact that there have been advancements in the diagnostic process.
It may be worthwhile to seek a second opinion in some situations.
Parkinson Disease Prevention
Due to the fact that the majority of the causes of Parkinson’s disease are unclear, there are no particular preventative strategies available. Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the movement of the limbs. Additionally, being active and engaging in physical activity may help to reduce your risk.
Limiting dairy and red meat intake may also be beneficial. Furthermore, eating a Mediterranean-style diet may lessen your chances of developing Parkinson’s disease. The following are the main goals of this diet:
- Fish
- Vegetable
- Fruits
- Olive Oil
- Seeds
- Nuts
- Grains
If you have a family member who has Parkinson’s disease, you may want to think about getting tested for the disease. It is not a given that you will get the disease if you have a gene mutation. Genetic and DNA testing may aid researchers in better understanding this issue and the development of new therapeutic options.
Consult with a doctor about Genetic Testing to decide if it is appropriate for your circumstances.
When to See a Doctor (Symptoms of Parkinson’s)
There is no single test that can be used to diagnose Parkinson’s disease. The symptoms you are experiencing will be evaluated by your doctor, and many tests will be performed to identify whether or not you have the condition. Keeping yourself physically fit and healthy is always should be your first priority for a healthy life, and the best way to evaluate your fitness is through genetic testing. HealthCodes DNA™ will help you to give you the best testing kits at your doorstep. If you detect any of the early warning signs listed below, you should consult with your doctor.
The following are examples of early warning signals of Parkinson’s disease:
- Loss of Smell
- Tremors or shaking
- Sleeping Problem
- Smaller Handwriting
- Problems with moving and walking
- Change of Voice
- Constipation
- Fainting and Dizziness
- Slouching and Leaning
- Facial Expression Changes
You are not required to see a doctor if a member of your family has recently been diagnosed. You may or may not acquire Parkinson’s disease, and a genetic test is not a guarantee that you will develop the disease in the future.
Conclusion
It is frequently found in older persons with Parkinson’s disease, which is a neurological illness that affects the nerve system. People who inherit Parkinson’s disease are very uncommon – hereditary occurrences of the condition are extremely rare.
Genetic mutations may arise at any time and for any reason. Parkinson’s disease is thought to be caused by a mix of genetic and environmental factors, according to research.
Reference
Lana Bandoim. (2021, August 02). Is Parkinson’s Hereditary? Retrieved from
https://www.healthline.com/:
https://www.healthline.com/health/parkinsons/is-parkinsons-hereditary#takeaway