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According to the Parkinson Foundation, around 15% cases of Parkinson's Disease is inherited. In these cases, genetic mutation is passed down from one or both parents.

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We chose to study Parkinson's Disease because it is common disease that requires expertise to treat as-well as being an interesting topic to study when it comes to the brains relationship with the body and it's functions.

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Parkinson's disease typically develops around the age of 60 and above, but there are rare cases where the disease can develop at a younger age.

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Research shows that Parkinson's disease can be caused by the exposure to certain chemicals or metals that can harm neurological cells. things like pesticides, a certain head injury, or even a person occupation can lead to a higher risk of Parkinson's.

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Ethnicity is another risk factor of developing the disease. People of European ancestry may have a slightly higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease compared to other ethnic groups.

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Research shows that men are slightly more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than women, but the reasons for this difference are not fully understood.

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Parkinson's disease is more common in older people, usually at the average age of 60 years old. Men are more likely to be affected than women.

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As K. G. Prakash states in their National Library of Medicine article, the basal Ganglia structures are most affected by Parkinson's and cause major cognitive impairment. The basal ganglia, which houses the Thalamus, hypothalamus, and other important limbic system organs, begins to atrophy (deteriorate in mass and function) and because of this, the brain can't perform major processes associated with sleeping and major communications within the brain.

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The substantia nigra, a region in the brain, contains an important group of neurons. In Parkinson's disease, neurons of the substantia nigra progressively degenerate. The deterioration of the substantia nigra leads to a decrease in dopamine levels, causing the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with movement.

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Bradykinesia means slowness of movement or speed in activities. It is a common symptom in Parkinson's disease. It comes from a reduction in dopamine levels, which contributes to the impairment of motor function. This is caused by a decrease in dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, it disrupts the normal communication between brain cells that control movement.

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With Parkinson's disease, comes tremors. There are multiple types of tremors, the most well-known one being 'tremors-at-rest. It's shown that using SPECT scanning shows that tremor in Parkinson's patients correlates with dopamine depletion.

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Postural instability is an exceedingly debilitating symptom of Parkinson disease, as it is associated with an increased risk of falls and subsequent medical complications such as fractures, fear of falling, decreased mobility, social isolation self-restricted physical activity, and lessened quality of life.

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A major symptom of Parkinson's is a resting tremor where the patient will have uncontrollable shaking of the hands and other muscles. This symptom can be attributed to the low levels of dopamine in the brain and how low dopamine can inhibit major neurotransmitters.

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Since there isn't a specific test for Parkinson's, most diagnoses are made by a review of patient history. Physicians also look at patient symptoms to diagnose Parkinson's

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How is Parkinson's Disease Diagnosed? | Parkinson's Foundation

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Involves implanting electrodes into specific areas of the brain and connecting them to a pulse generator, helping regulate abnormal brain activity and improve symptoms.

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About 25% to 49% of people with Parkinson's disease struggle with anxiety. Anxiety can lead people with Parkinson's disease to have a lower quality of life and morbidity.

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One of the main symptoms of Parkinson's. Rigidity is when your muscles become too stiff or inflexible. Stiffness can occur on one or both sides of the body and contribute to a decreased range of motion. This can lead to problems with achiness or pain in the muscles or joints affected.

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Levodopa, often combined with carbidopa, is a common medication used to replenish dopamine levels in the brain, alleviating motor symptoms.

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Many doctors will preform some physical tests to see the intensity of symptoms. They will also do scans of the brain and look for issues with the Basal ganglia and other limbic organs.

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Another symptom is impaired posture and balance. Posture may become stooped. Or you may fall or have balance problems as a result of Parkinson's disease.

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Resistance Training for Anxiety within Parkinson's Disease 

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Resistance Training for Anxiety within Parkinson's Disease 

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It's been shown in studies that resistance training has been helpful for people with PD when it comes to their physical issues (balance, speed, spatial features of gait, reaction time, functional capacity, muscle strength, and power). It is also known that resistance training is helpful for adults with anxiety. Resistance training can help with both the physical symptoms of PD, as well as the mental symptoms (anxiety).

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Sleeping issues can arise due to motor and non-motor symptoms. Management involves lifestyle changes and medication adjustments.

The following sleeping issues can arise due to Parkinson disease

Insomnia

Excessive daytime sleepiness

Restless leg syndrome

REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep behavior disorder

Sleep apnea

Nocturia

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People with Parkinson's Disorder tend to suffer from mental disorders like depression and anxiety after living with their symptoms for a long time. Evidence shows that people become depressed due to the lack of ability to do activities or hobbies they enjoyed prior to their prognosis. The change in neurotransmitters and chemicals in the brain can also be the reason PD patients suffer from these disorders.

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One of the cognitive effects of PD is how people with PD think. For example, thinking becomes a lot slower, as well as processing information a lot slower. Another example is issues with sorting and planning tasks. Overall, their thinking is impaired

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With dementia, a person has permanent cognitive changes that are significant enough to impact daily living. The combination of movement and cognitive impairments can be particularly challenging, even limiting a person with Parkinson’s ability to participate in social settings and perform basic activities.

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DBS is a 2 part surgical procedure where electrodes are inserted into the target area of the brain. These electrodes measure the over and under-activity in specific areas of the brain. Next, an IPG is placed around the collarbone and acts as a pacemaker for the brain. It takes the information from the electrodes and monitors the brain's activity. This inhibits the brain activity that causes Parkinson's and severely moderates the physical effects. This surgery can cost from $35,000 to $100,000 and is likely not covered by insurance.

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Levodopa typically costs between $15 to $200 or more per month, with insurance often covering a portion of the expense. If someone opts out of levodopa treatment due to cost concerns, the long-term consequences could include worsening symptoms, decreased quality of life, heightened disability, and potential health complications associated with Parkinson's disease progression.

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Resistance Training programs go around from $50 to well over $100. Insurance does cover resistance training, as it can be considered a form of physical therapy. Some of the long-term consequences of not having any physical therapy is that the condition worsens over the years and an early death can occur.

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Speech therapy will cost within $100-150 per session. But insurance should be able to cover all treatment options, but you still may have to pay out of pocket. If someone decides not to seek treatment, that person may experience slurred speech, and struggle to even speak a simple sentence, especially overtime as the condition worsens.

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For someone with Parkinson's disease, a psychosocial rehabilitation treatment that may be necessary is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of therapy that helps individuals manage their thoughts and feelings to improve coping skills and overall well-being. It can be designed to treat the short-term effects of anxiety or depression commonly experienced by Parkinson's patients. This treatment would typically be delivered by a licensed psychologist or a therapist trained in CBT.

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Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness. Numerous research studies suggest that CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life. In many studies, CBT has been demonstrated to be as effective as, or more effective than, other forms of psychological therapy or psychiatric medications.

It is important to emphasize that advances in CBT have been made on the basis of both research and clinical practice. Indeed, CBT is an approach for which there is ample scientific evidence that the methods that have been developed actually produce change. In this manner, CBT differs from many other forms of psychological treatment.

CBT is based on several core principles, including:

1. Psychological problems are based, in part, on faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking.

2. Psychological problems are based, in part, on learned patterns of unhelpful behavior.

3. People suffering from psychological problems can learn better ways of coping with them, thereby relieving their symptoms and becoming more effective in their lives.

CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns. These strategies might include:

Learning to recognize one's distortions in thinking that are creating problems, and then to reevaluate them in light of reality.

Gaining a better understanding of the behavior and motivation of others.

Using problem-solving skills to cope with difficult situations.

Learning to develop a greater sense of confidence in one's own abilities.

CBT treatment also usually involves efforts to change behavioral patterns. These strategies might include:

Facing one's fears instead of avoiding them.

Using role playing to prepare for potentially problematic interactions with others.

Learning to calm one's mind and relax one's body.

Not all CBT will use all of these strategies. Rather, the psychologist and patient/client work together, in a collaborative fashion, to develop an understanding of the problem and to develop a treatment strategy.

CBT places an emphasis on helping individuals learn to be their own therapists. Through exercises in the session as well as "homework" exercises outside of sessions, patients/clients are helped to develop coping skills, whereby they can learn to change their own thinking, problematic emotions, and behavior.

CBT therapists emphasize what is going on in the person's current life, rather than what has led up to their difficulties. A certain amount of information about one's history is needed, but the focus is primarily on moving forward in time to develop more effective ways of coping with life.

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Numerous research studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life.

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A rehabilitation treatment that may be beneficial for someone with Parkinson's disease is support groups. Support groups provide a platform for individuals with similar conditions to share experiences, provide emotional support, and learn coping strategies from one another. They can help address the long-term effects of isolation, depression, and anxiety often associated with Parkinson's disease. These groups are typically facilitated by healthcare professionals such as social workers, psychologists, or counselors with experience in supporting individuals with chronic conditions like Parkinson's.

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One speech therapy treatment that may be necessary for someone with Parkinson's disease is Lee Silverman Voice Treatment.

it is a specialized speech therapy program designed to improve voice and speech in individuals with Parkinson's disease. It focuses on increasing vocal loudness and clarity.

The short-term effect of LSVT is to improve the volume and quality of speech, making it easier for the individual to communicate effectively. In the long term, it can help maintain or even improve speech function as the disease progresses.

A speech-language pathologist (SLP) with training in LSVT would be required to deliver this treatment.

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Local hospitals use Lee Silverman Voice Treatment for Parkinson's patients

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Amplitude training is a popular type of physical therapy for people with Parkinson's. Amplitude training focuses on moving the parts of the body in ways that stretch the muscles in ways that they wouldn't be in everyday life. This type of PT aims to stimulate the brain and keep the muscles in good shape. This is generally done by Physical therapists.

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Two lifestyle changes that may be necessary to help with the symptoms of Parkinson's disease are regular exercise and a balanced diet. Regular exercise can help improve muscle strength and flexibility, while a balanced diet can support overall health and well-being.

On a scale of 1 out of 10 (1 being the least difficult and 10 being the most), this would be rated a 5 out of 10. The reason for this is that the patient may take time to adapt to such schedule and planning and/or lack of motivation to start such plan.

A physical therapist or a nutritionist might help a person make these lifestyle changes. A physical therapist can create an exercise plan tailored to the individual's needs, while a nutritionist can provide guidance on maintaining a healthy diet to support their condition.

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Reciprocal Pattern therapy works to strengthen the usual movement that are used during daily life. These are patterns like swaying our arms while walking and moving from side to side. Parkinson's disease can also affect the inner ears and the ability to balance, so balance work aims to mend these issues and reinstate walking and standing balance. This type of therapy can be done by a physical therapist.

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Someone with PD who has poor sleep can lead to them having more stress, and stress could lead to a lower quality of life. Sticking to a regular bedtime routine and following 'sleep hygiene' tips can help someone sleep better. Sleep specialists (e.g. sleep-medicine physicians and behavioral-sleep specialists) can help people with PD develop a bedtime routine.

Difficulty: 7/10

When developing a bedtime schedule, there are a lot of changes. Some of these changes include eating meals a lot earlier, exercising earlier, and not using technological devices before bed. This might take some time to adjust, and depending on someone's current life situation can be challenging.

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Men may be more susceptible to having Parkinson's because of their career paths. Studies show that people who work around chemicals, certain metals, and other environmental factors can cause Parkinson's. Because men are primarily exposed to these working conditions, they are at high risk. Prevention for Parkinson's can include taking extra precautions when around these environmental causes and avoiding them if possible.

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Military veterans may be at an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease due to factors such as exposure to certain environmental toxins, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and stress associated with military service.

Challenges faced by military veterans with Parkinson's disease may include navigating the complex healthcare system, addressing unique psychological and emotional needs related to their military experiences, and accessing specialized care tailored to their specific needs, such as managing both Parkinson's symptoms and other diseases related to their military service.

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This group is most likely to develop PD because of their age. As one ages, sometimes their cells begin to die slowly. If someone's cells die much quicker they are more likely to develop PD. This only gets worse with age, and it's irreversible.

Challenges can include loss of mobility, mental health issues, and struggles with being able to care for themselves.

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YOPD refers to any case of Parkinson' Disease that is diagnosed before 50 years of age. There is an even smaller subset of people who are diagnosed before they turn 40 years old. Experts believe it may have to do with environmental factors, such as exposure to pollution. However, there may be a genetic cause as well.

YOPD often progresses slower than Parkinson's Disease in other populations. Though symptoms begin younger, symptoms are not as severe or extensive. This means that those living with YOPD often are independent longer. People with YOPD are less likely to develop dementia too. People with YOPD also are less likely to have other health conditions. This makes them good candidates for new medical innovations to treat PD.

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Regular exercise, such as aerobic activity and strength training, can help maintain brain health and reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Some challenges that may be faced could be a lack of access to safe exercise environments, and time constraints for maintaining a regular exercise routine.

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A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while low in processed foods and saturated fats, can also contribute to a lower risk of developing the condition. Some challenges that may be faced could be difficulty accessing affordable, healthy food options, especially in areas with limited resources. It can also be challenging for some individuals to maintain motivation and adhere to long-term lifestyle changes.

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In 2017 Researchers found that regular sauna use can dramatically lower one's risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions such as parkinson's disease. The heat from the sauna increases bloodflow to the brain, promoting the growth of new neurons, also the stress reducing effects can help keep the brain healthier for longer and prevent cognitive decline.

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Pesticides and herbicides have been heavily implicated in causing Parkinson’s. Researchers have found high levels of pesticides/herbicides in the brains of Parkinson’s sufferers, compared to those with regular dopamine levels. Furthermore, agricultural workers who find themselves exposed to these pesticides have significantly higher rates of Parkinson's than the general public. A challenge can be consuming too much and wanting to refer to other foods, whether it is healthy or not.

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This device delivers medication directly into the small intestine, providing a continuous and consistent dose of levodopa-carbidopa, which helps in the treatment of advanced Parkinson's disease symptoms. This may have potential drawbacks such as the risk of complications related to the administration of the gel, including issues with the delivery system, gastrointestinal side effects, and the potential for infection at the insertion site.

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MRI scans use magnets to take picture of the brain and look at the overall physical structure of the brain. these scans can be used to help diagnose Parkinson's. MRI's is not the only scan that should be taken when diagnosing Parkinson's, because MRI's dont capture how the brain is working. Because of this, MRI's should be taken to help diagnose Parkinson's, but should not be the only diagnosis tool.

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These wearable devices can help in the early detection of Parkinson's disease by monitoring changes in gait and balance, potentially aiding in the early diagnosis and intervention of the condition. Some concerns include privacy issues related to the collection and storage of personal health data, the reliability and accuracy of the data collected, and the potential for over-reliance on technology at the expense of traditional diagnostic methods.

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DaTscan is a scan used to see the dopamine system in the brain. The process consists of a patient being injected with a small amount of radioactive drug into the arm. Once injected, a SPECT scanner is used to measure the levels and location of the radioactive drug in the brain. If on the SPECT scan the drug is barely seen, then there is a high chance the patient has Parkinson's Disease. This scan overall helps patients get diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease.

One of the negative aspects of using this technology is discomfort. Oftentimes, symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vertigo, dry mouth, and mild to moderate dizziness were reported. Also, pain and hypersensitivity can be felt around the site of the injection.

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Xpand Laces can improve daily life for those with Parkinson's disease by taking the hassle out of tying their own shoe laces or having someone else tie their laces. Xpand laces use an elastic material that fits to the foot for an easy slip on instead of taking the time to fully tie there laces through tremors and other symptoms that may make the task difficult.

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Nutritional Guidelines and Public Health Campaigns

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Nutritional Guidelines and Public Health Campaigns

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Public health campaigns that promote diets rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods aim to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are believed to contribute to the development of Parkinson's. These interventions target individuals through educational outreach.

Challenges: Dietary changes can be hard to implement on a large scale due to varying personal preferences, socioeconomic status, and access to healthy foods. There is also the broader challenge of changing established eating habits and preferences.

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April is Parkinson's Awareness Month, specifically April 11. This type of awareness is used to help educate the public on Parkinson's Disease and help recognize the symptoms. The Parkinson's Foundation has this thing called "ABCs of PD", in which for every letter there is information about Parkinson's Disease.

Challenges: Not reaching the audience can be a major problem. When the information is not reached, nothing is changed.

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The National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act

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The National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act

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Around March of 2023, The National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act was introduced to the Senate. This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to carry out a project to prevent and cure Parkinson's disease, and help those living with Parkinson's Disease with financial and health burdens.

Challenges: Getting this bill passed is the biggest challenge. Another challenge is raising awareness of this bill.

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Parkinson's Disease Biomarkers Program (PDBP)

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Parkinson's Disease Biomarkers Program (PDBP)

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The Parkinson's Disease Biomarkers Program (PDBP) was developed to accelerate the discovery of promising new diagnostic and progression biomarkers for Parkinson's Disease.

the PDBP will facilitate research and the development of resources that bridge the gap between small pilot biomarker studies and validation studies of well replicated biomarker candidates. Their target is towards the environment and anyone who may have the disease.

Challenges: It may seem a little advanced for people.