Causes of
Parkinson’s Disease
Fox Trail Memory Care Living takes a person-centered approach to providing comprehensive Parkinson’s care to people in north and central New Jersey and Manhattan, NY. Our residents receive compassionate memory care in our safe and comfortable senior living communities, and we strive to educate families about their loved ones’ cognitive conditions. Learn about the causes of Parkinson’s disease and the type of care you can expect from Fox Trail Memory Care Living.
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that results in uncontrollable or unintended movements or shaking. The condition is progressive, meaning symptoms start gradually and worsen over time as the brain deteriorates. If you have later-stage Parkinson’s disease, you may have difficulties walking and talking or have trouble with coordination and balance. You might also experience mental and behavioral changes, sleep problems, depression, memory difficulties, and fatigue.
Nearly one million people in the U.S. live with Parkinson’s disease, making it the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease. An estimated 90,000 new cases of Parkinson’s disease are reported each year. The condition’s prevalence increases with age, affecting 1% of the population over age 60.
Parkinson’s disease can affect every person differently, meaning your symptoms might be unique from others. The most common Parkinson’s symptoms include:
- Tremors: Usually starting in the hand or arm and more likely when the limb is resting
- Muscle stiffness: Can make it difficult to move around and maintain facial expressions
- Slowness of movement: Can limit a person’s ability to complete everyday tasks
Besides impacting movement, the condition can affect other areas of the body and cause symptoms like:
- Loss of smell
- Constipation
- Soft or low voice
- Urinary problems, such as frequent urination, urgency, or hesitancy
- Blood pressure changes that can cause dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up
- Tiredness
- Pain or cramps in muscles and joints
- Changes in cognitive function, which can impact memory and learning
Parkinson’s disease has five stages, which medical professionals use to characterize the severity of symptoms and their impact on daily living. The stages of Parkinson’s disease are:
- Stage 1: You experience mild symptoms, typically to one side of the body, with no significant impact on daily life.
- Stage 2: Symptoms worsen and affect both sides of the body, making independent living more difficult.
- Stage 3: Balance issues and falls become more common, and movements slow down. You can live independently, but activities like eating and dressing may require assistance.
- Stage 4: Symptoms are more severe and limit daily activities. Walking may require a walker or assistance from another person, and independent living is no longer possible.
- Stage 5: You experience the most advanced symptoms, which impact your ability to walk and cause mental impairment, such as hallucinations and delusions. Round-the-clock care is necessary at this stage.
What Causes Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease occurs when someone endures a loss of nerve cells in the substantia nigra, the part of the brain that plays a key role in controlling movement and other functions. Nerve cells in the substantia nigra are responsible for producing dopamine. This chemical serves as a messenger between the brain and nervous system, controlling bodily movements.
When the nerve cells in the substantia nigra die or become damaged, the brain experiences a decrease in dopamine. This leads to the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease, such as slow and abnormal movements. People usually begin to experience Parkinson’s disease symptoms when around 50% of the nerve cell activity in the substantia nigra is lost.
What Causes Nerve Cell Deterioration?
While researchers have linked Parkinson’s disease to the loss of nerve cells in the substantia nigra, they still have not concluded why the nerve cell loss happens in the first place. Studies are ongoing to uncover potential causes.
Many experts in the field believe the underlying cause is a combination of genetic changes and environmental factors.
Genetics
Scientists have conducted studies of people with Parkinson’s disease, looking at their DNA and comparing genes. The studies identified dozens of gene mutations associated with Parkinson’s disease, although why they make a person more susceptible to the condition is unclear. Experts estimate about 10 to 15% of all Parkinson’s cases are caused by genetics.
Environmental Factors
Some researchers argue environmental factors play a role in a person’s likelihood of developing Parkinson’s disease. They believe exposure to pesticides, herbicides, or industrial pollution may contribute to the condition. The evidence is inconclusive, and research continues.
Parkinson’s Care Fox Trail Memory Care Living
Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, families must begin thinking about ongoing care that accommodates their loved one’s unique needs and limitations.
Fox Trail Memory Care Living offers support to families whose loved ones are living with Parkinson’s disease. Our holistic approach delivers person-centered care that focuses on the interests, hobbies, cognitive abilities, medical histories, and personalities of our residents.
Parkinson’s care is offered in our communities, which are specifically designed with memory care in mind. Throughout our communities, recreational areas allow residents and their families to gather and engage in meaningful conversations. Each resident has private living quarters, ensuring you have a safe space to retreat for sleep and relaxation.
Our memory care communities were established to help older adults with cognitive impairments live fulfilling lives. Residents are encouraged to take part in wellness and lifestyle programs, which involve enrichment and socialization opportunities to continue experiencing the fullness of life.
Senior memory care is a major decision for families to make. We assure your loved one receives the best care possible at Fox Trail Memory Care Living by employing a team of highly trained and dedicated dementia-certified staff members. Our compassionate team is available 24/7 to ensure residents always have access to the care they need. We promise the well-being of your loved one is our top priority.
Tour Our Parkinson’s Care Communities Today
Fox Trail Memory Care Living is proud to provide comprehensive care and services for people who have Parkinson’s disease. Our offerings include professional Parkinosn’s care in our senior living communities in northern and central New Jersey.
Families interested in learning more about the person-centered care we provide or the wide range of amenities and support services available are encouraged to tour our communities and see firsthand. Contact us today to learn more about what causes Parkinson’s disease and the quality of care available at Fox Trail Memory Care Living.