Parkinson's Disease Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Parkinsons Disease - Research Paper receivedThe earliest known record of the meditate of Parkinsons Disease is mentioned in James Parkinsons try out on the Shaking Palsy. The article describes the most common features of the disease which remain as the standard by which other types of parkinsonism are compared. The disease is mainly characterized by trembling of the limbs, muscular stiffness, and slow up body movement. In addition, souls suffering from the disease exhibit the following standing in a stooping posture walking in short, shuffling steps, and speaking softly in a rapid and tied(p) tone. In most cases, 60 to 80 percent of an individuals dopaminergic neurons dopamine-producing cells of the body are already non-functional by the time Parkinsons disease has been diagnosed.The mechanism which causes Parkinsons disease remains unknown. Its pathological mixed bag describes it as a systemic degeneration of the brain which targets specific cells in the brain. In 1908 D r. Frederick Lewy discovered brachydactylic structures in the brain associated with Parkinsons Disease. Called Lewy bodies, these structures are not found in other forms of parkinsonism. It has been theorized that a ill-timed aging process, unknown nutrient deficiency or toxin may be causing the deterioration of the substantia nigra.Tremors Tremors are the most common of Parkinsons disease, as observed in 50 percent of reported cases. It is the unwilling rhythmic movement of a body part which may occur during rest or when an individual realizes a certain movement or action. When the trembling occurs in the middle of a movement, it is classified as an action tremor. However, this does not show as a sign of the disease (Christensen, 2005). Body tremors usually actuate the arms and legs, but may to a fault be observed on the lips, tongue, jaw, abdomen, and chest. The trembling action lone(prenominal) occurs when the body part concerned is at rest, thus it is described as a restin g tremor (Duvoisin & Sage, 2001). In its advanced stages, Parkinsons disease may also cause postural or action tremors (Schapira, 2010). alleviation tremors usually start at the hands or feet, progressing until all four limbs are affected. Since rest tremors melt down once the body part affected starts to move, it does not interfere with an individuals ability to perform usual activities such as walking or holding objects (Sharma & Richman, 2005). Jankovics (2008) review of existing literary works on Parkinsons disease show that 69% of patients had rest tremor at the onset of the disease. Meanwhile, 9% of the patients lost their tremors at later stages. On the other hand, 11% of patients reported not experiencing tremors. However, another study involving autopsies among victims of Parkinsons disease revealed that all patients had experienced tremors at some point. Minen and Louis (2008) performed a study on clinical correlates among 53 patients diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. Analysis of the data collected revealed that 100% of the patients had rest tremors. In addition, the data also show that majority of patients with rest tremors were male. Muscular Rigidity Muscular stiffness among patients with Parkinsons disease is characterized by a constant and uniform resistance to limb manipulation. This type of stiffness in the brawninesss is called plastic rigidness wherein the patients massivenesss lose their ability to go back into a relaxed state even when the muscle is at rest (Duvoisin & Sage, 2001). Normally, muscle action involves the contraction and relaxation of specific muscle pairs. One muscle contracts while the other muscle relaxes. However, in