Narrative Essay
3/06/2014
Parkinson’s disease
I chose Parkinson’s disease because I have an intimate relationship with this disease, I suffer from it!
Parkinson’s is diagnosed based on factors such as signs/symptoms, patient history, physical examination and a thorough neurological examination.
Most people are diagnosed when they are in their 60’s. But there is an estimated 15% of the people may have an early onset form of Parkinson’s disease before they are 40.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive chronic neurodegenerative disorder that effects movement, muscle control and balance as well as numerous other functions.
Parkinson’s actually affects most of the systems in the body. Since Parkinson’s is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disease, it can eventually work its way through all systems: digestive (gastrointestinal) respiratory and circulatory systems, musculoskeletal, excretory and urinary systems, reproductive systems, immune system and the endocrine system.
The major symptoms of Parkinson’s are asymmetrical tremors at rest, rigidity, and slowness in movement. There currently is no cure for Parkinson’s disease; it is always chronic and progressive, meaning the symptoms always exist and always worsen over time.
As the disease progresses these complications are often associated:
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Sleep disturbances
• Cognitive impairment
• Dementia
• Sexual dysfunction
Parkinson’s disease itself is not a fatal disease. The rate of progression varies from person to person, as does the intensity of the symptoms. Usually death is caused by secondary complications, such as pneumonia, or fall related injuries.
I have a great resource for information pertaining to this disease.
www.medicinet.com/parkinson_disease index