Parkinson’s
Disease
By: Busra Berika Yucel
Mentor: Karen Bell
Institution: Columbia University Medical Center
Abstract
Parkinson’s is a disease that is defined with three main symptoms which are: tremor, stiffness,
and bradykinesia. The reason for Parkinson’s disease is still unknown, but it is for sure that it has a
connection with brain. Also there is no specific cure for the disease, however; there are some medicines
that reduce the symptoms.
Introduction
Parkinson’s is a disease that is usually seen in elder people. The disease affects about 1 to 2
percent of people over the age of 60 years and the chance of developing PD increases as we age.
Parkinson’s disease was first described by James Parkinson in his Essay on the Shaking Palsy in 1817. He
was a physician and surgeon practicing in London. He described the disease under the name ‘shaking
palsy’. The disease is known to be related to a chemical substance called ‘dopamine’. It is a chemical
that is produced naturally in the body. It functions as a neurotransmitter in the brain, and activates the
dopamine receptors. Since there are no x-ray or blood tests that could confirm the disease; making
Parkinson’s diagnosis is diffucult.
The condition is usually seen in people over 65 years old. However; there are some people who
get affected before 65. Michael J. Fox, who is an actor, was diagnosed at the age of 30. He now has the
biggest foundation of Parkinson’s disease research, which is “Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's
Research”. Muhammad Ali is an another famous person with Parkinson’s. It was noted that his illness
was probably brought on by repetitive head trauma.
Parkinson’s disease is not an inherited disease in most of the cases, however, in 5-10 % of the
cases there are some family history. Also, it is predicted that heredity may play a role in young-onset
cases.
Methods
Brain donation is really important for understanding the cause for Parkinson’s disease. It is
suggested to the patients to donate their brain after they decease, in order to find a cure for future
generations. Brain is observed after is has been cut into small pieces. It is seen that there are some
differences between a health brain and the brain affected with Parkinson’s.
There are some ways to treat Parkinson’s symptoms, such as; medication, physical therapy, and
surgery. Surgery may be used to control symptoms of Parkinson's disease and improve the quality of life
when medication ceases to be effective or when medication side effects, such as jerking and dyskinesias,
become intolerable. However, only 10% of Parkinson's patients are estimated to be suitable candidates
for surgery.
Since dopamine cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, dopamine given as a drug does not
directly affect the central nervous system. There are some medicines that converts into dopamine when
they reach the brain. But if some medicines are used over-dose, then they might lead to some
involuntary movements.
Results
There are some researches going on for the cure of the disease. There is a research being done
about stem cell therapy, where you inject dopamine to stem cells. Since stem cells are part of the
nervous system, it is suppose to effect directly to brain. But stem cell therapy is not a proven cure for
the disease. Doctors are also recommending to exercise, because it is seen that it helps to lose some of
the symptoms.
Acknowledgements
•
Dr. Karen Bell
•
Dr. Lucien Cote
•
CUMC
•
HCS staff
•
Dr. Sat
References
•
Parkinson’s Disease – Roger C. Duvoisin, M.D
•
www.parkinson.org
•
http://menshealth.about.com/od/diseases/f/parkinson_nine.htm
•
http://neurologicalillness.suite101.com/article.cfm/muhammad_alis_fight
•
http://www.maprc.com
•
http://www.neurologychannel.com/parkinsonsdisease/surgery.shtml
•
http://www.3dchem.com/molecules.asp?ID=289