1.1 Describe Parkinson’s disease

This guide will help you answer 1.1 Describe Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease is a long-term condition that affects the brain. It causes problems with movement, muscle control, and balance. It develops slowly and gets worse over time. It mainly affects older adults, though younger people can develop it too.

The condition happens when nerve cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra stop working properly and die. These cells produce dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical that sends signals to help control movement. If dopamine levels drop, the brain cannot send clear movement messages to the body.

As dopamine continues to reduce, symptoms become more noticeable. The cause of the cell loss in Parkinson’s disease is not fully known. Research suggests it may be linked to genetic changes, environmental factors, or both.

Main Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Symptoms can vary from person to person. They often start mildly and gradually get worse. There are three main physical symptoms known as motor symptoms.

• Tremor – shaking that usually starts in the hand or arm when it is at rest
• Bradykinesia – slow movement, making everyday tasks take longer
• Muscle rigidity – stiffness in the muscles, which can cause pain and limit movement

Other symptoms may develop over time, including poor posture, balance problems, and small, cramped handwriting (micrographia).

Non-Motor Symptoms

Parkinson’s disease does not only affect movement. It can cause non-motor symptoms that can have a big impact on daily life.

These may include:

• Problems with sleep such as insomnia or vivid dreams
• Depression and anxiety
• Fatigue and low energy
• Memory problems or slow thinking (also called cognitive changes)
• Constipation
• Loss of sense of smell
• Speech changes such as soft or slurred voice
• Swallowing problems

Non-motor symptoms can sometimes appear years before motor symptoms.

How Parkinson’s Disease Progresses

The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease get worse over time. This is known as a progressive condition. The speed of progression can vary from person to person.

Stages are often described using the Hoehn and Yahr scale:

• Stage 1 – Symptoms on one side of the body only. Mild changes with little effect on daily life.
• Stage 2 – Symptoms on both sides of the body. Possible problems with posture and movement.
• Stage 3 – Balance problems appear. Increased risk of falls. Still physically independent but tasks take longer.
• Stage 4 – Movement is more limited. The person may need help with daily activities.
• Stage 5 – Severe symptoms. The person may be unable to walk without help and may use a wheelchair.

Not every person will experience these stages in exactly the same way.

Causes and Risk Factors

The direct cause of Parkinson’s disease is not fully clear. The main known factor is the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. There are factors that can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.

Age – Risk increases with age, most often diagnosed over age 60.

Genetics – Some people inherit genes linked to a higher chance of developing Parkinson’s.

Environmental risks – Exposure to certain chemicals or toxins in the environment may contribute to the damage of brain cells.

Gender – Men are slightly more likely to develop Parkinson’s than women.

How it is Diagnosed

There is no single test to diagnose Parkinson’s disease. A specialist, often a neurologist, makes a diagnosis after reviewing symptoms and medical history. They may carry out physical and neurological examinations.

Tests may include:

• Checking reflexes, muscle tone, and coordination
• Blood tests to rule out other conditions
• Brain scans, such as MRI or DaTSCAN, to look at dopamine activity

Diagnosis can take time because early symptoms are mild and can be similar to other health issues.

Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease

There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease yet. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Medicines are the main form of treatment:

• Levodopa – Replaces lost dopamine. Often combined with carbidopa to reduce side effects.
• Dopamine agonists – Mimic dopamine’s effects in the brain.
• MAO-B inhibitors – Help prevent breakdown of dopamine in the brain.

Dosage is closely monitored and adjusted as symptoms change over time.

Surgery may be an option for some people:

• Deep brain stimulation (DBS) – Electrodes are implanted into the brain to help control movement symptoms.

Therapies and lifestyle help:

• Physiotherapy to improve mobility and flexibility
• Speech and language therapy for speech or swallowing problems
• Occupational therapy for help in adapting daily routines
• Exercise programmes to keep muscles strong and reduce stiffness

Living with Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease affects many areas of daily living. Adjusting routines and activities can help manage the impact.

Daily challenges may include:

• Dressing and personal care taking more time
• Trouble writing or using small objects
• Changes in facial expression making communication harder
• Difficulty maintaining balance

Mental health support is important, as mood changes are common.

Support can come from:

• Family and friends
• Support groups
• Parkinson’s UK or similar organisations offering advice and peer contact

Complications that may arise

As Parkinson’s disease develops, some people may face complications such as:

• Falls leading to injuries
• Swallowing problems, which can cause choking or chest infections
• Weight loss due to reduced appetite or swallowing issues
• Dementia or significant cognitive decline in later stages
• Low blood pressure that can cause dizziness

These complications may need extra care and support.

Research and Future Outlook

Research into Parkinson’s disease is looking at ways to slow or stop brain cell damage. New drug treatments, gene therapies, and improved surgical techniques are being studied. Scientists are also studying how lifestyle factors such as exercise might influence symptoms.

At present, treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and maintaining independence for as long as possible.

Impact on Health and Social Care

In health and social care, knowledge of Parkinson’s disease is important for providing good care. Workers need to understand that symptoms vary daily. They should be patient and supportive, allowing more time for the person to complete tasks.

Key care approaches include:

• Treating the person with dignity and respect
• Promoting independence where possible
• Adapting the environment to make movement safer
• Communicating clearly and giving time for responses
• Being aware of medication routines

Care planning should be flexible to adapt to changes in symptoms.

Final Thoughts

Parkinson’s disease is a serious condition that affects movement, thinking, and everyday life. It develops slowly, and no two people experience it the same way. The main cause is the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells, but why this happens remains uncertain.

By learning about how it presents and progresses, health and social care workers can better support people living with Parkinson’s. Practical help, patience, and clear communication can make a big difference to someone’s quality of life. Good support allows individuals to feel valued, understood, and able to live as independently as possible.