parkinsons background and symptoms

Question 1

what is the classic parkinsons description by James Parkinson?

Answer 1

1817- James Parkinson described the condition as involving-
involuntary tremulous motion
lessened muscular power
‘a prospensity to bend the trunk forwards’
a tendency to ‘pass from a walking to a running pace’

in his original description, he noted that the ‘senses and the intellects’ remained uninjured- however more modern perspectives may prove that this may be inaccurate.

Question 2

what are some of the early signs of parkinsons disease?

Answer 2

Bradykinesia= slowness of movement
drooling
dyskinesia= abnormality or impairment of voluntary movement
facial masking
postural instability
hypophonia- soft speech
dysathria- clear pronunciation
dyspenea- laboured breathing

Question 3

how do the tremors usually start?

Answer 3

usually start asymmetrically affecting only one side of the body- especially during early stages but with disease progression it can spread to both sides.

Question 4

what are the links between PD and depression?

Answer 4

Research estimates that at least 50% of people with PD will experience some form of depression during their parkinsons journey

40% will experience an anxiety disorder.