What is Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic brain disorder that typically begins between the ages of 50 and 60. It is caused by the damage and eventual death of a small group of cells in the brain (in the substantia nigra). As a result, these cells can no longer produce dopamine. And we need this chemical substance to move smoothly and maintain control over our movements.
Thanks to scientific research, doctors are now able to recognise and diagnose Parkinson’s disease at an increasingly early stage. New insights into early symptoms and improved imaging techniques make it possible to detect the disease sooner. This is crucial, because the earlier the disease is identified, the sooner appropriate care and support can begin.
Cause
The exact cause is unfortunately still unknown. However, scientific research has uncovered how certain forms of parkinsonism develop. Parkinson’s disease arises from the death of nerve cells in the brain. When around 70% of the dopamine-producing cells have died, the symptoms of Parkinson’s begin to appear. What remains unclear, however, is why these nerve cells die in the first place.
Different theories on the cause of Parkinson’s
Researchers have already been looking into genetic causes and abnormalities, as well as environmental factors that may play a role, such as:
- viruses
- bacteria
- toxic substances
- heavy metals
Who develops Parkinson’s disease?
No one is immune to Parkinson’s disease. It mainly affects people over the age of 50. More than 63,000 people in the Netherlands are living with Parkinson’s, and worryingly, we’re seeing a sharp rise among people in their thirties and forties. Due to an ageing population, this number is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. The disease is not contagious.
Parkinsonism
Parkinsonism, or Parkinson’s syndrome, is a collective term for conditions that resemble Parkinson’s disease. The actual disease – also known as idiopathic parkinsonism – presents differently in every patient. The word ‘idiopathic’ is a medical term meaning ‘of unknown cause’. In addition to Parkinson’s disease, there are also Parkinson-like disorders that fall under the umbrella of parkinsonism or Parkinson’s syndrome.
The key difference lies in dopamine. In Parkinson’s disease, the production of dopamine is disrupted. In parkinsonism, the issue lies in how the brain processes dopamine, meaning that Parkinson’s medications are usually ineffective in treating parkinsonism.
