What is it?Parkinson’s is a disorder that affects nerve cells, or neurons in an area of the brain that controls muscle movements. In those who suffer from it, the neurons that produce a chemical called dopamine, which is responsible for coordinating movements, die or do not work properly.
Is written…The surname Parkinson is written with a capital initial if it is preceded by disease (Parkinson’s disease) and with a lower case when it is alone, used as a common name (suffers from Parkinson’s)
At what age?Although Parkinson’s disease mainly affects people in advanced ages – approximately 2% of those over 65 years of age – it is not uncommon to find patients under 40 years of age who begin to manifest symptoms of the disease: one in ten cases of Parkinson’s is early onset.
A mystery.The origin of Parkinson’s is 85% unknown, according to the Spanish Society of Neurology. 10% of tires are considered to be of genetic origin and the remaining 5% have been suggested that it could have an environmental or toxic origin.
The symptoms.Trembling, clumsiness, loss of balance, slowness and experiencing blockages -both physical and expressive- are usually the most characteristic symptoms of the disease. But also sexual dysfunction or sleep disturbances. In addition, up to 15% of patients in treatment may develop impulse control disorders: hypersexuality, gambling, shopping addiction, a tendency to binge eat …
Better with coffee.A recent study from Canada’s McGill University revealed that. the results were published in the journal ‘Neurology’, caffeine reduces motor problems in Parkinson’s patients. The key to this effect seems to lie in the so-called adenosine A2A receptor antagonists, which caffeine is capable of blocking, which gives it a certain neuroprotective role.
Diagnosis.Until recently, there were no methods to diagnose Parkinson’s beyond its symptoms. But scientists from the American Academy of Neurology recently demonstrated that there is a test that could allow the infallible diagnosis of the disease: taking a biopsy of one of your salivary glands. In diseased subjects, these glands contain abnormal proteins.
Unpredictable course.The evolution of symptoms in Parkinson’s disease can take 20 years or more. However, in some people the disease progresses more rapidly, and there is no way to predict it.
A treatment.Levodopa, which has been used for more than 40 years, remains the most effective treatment for the disease. Also called L-dopa, it is used by the body to make dopamine and replenish the diminishing brain supply.
Vitamin K2.In Parkinson’s patients, mitochondrial activity and electron transport are disrupted, and the mitochondria do not produce enough energy for cells. This supposes the death of many neurons in the brain. In recent years, scientists have been able to identify various genetic defects (mutations) that lead to this reduced mitochondrial activity. Fortunately, American scientists have found a way to remedy it: administering vitamin K2 improves the transport of electrons in the mitochondria and the production of energy.
