Medical experts believe that environmental causes may help trigger Parkinson's disease. Exposure to farming chemicals, like pesticides and herbicides; Vietnam-era exposure to Agent Orange; and working with heavy metals, detergents and solvents have all been implicated and studied for a clearer link.
Lifestyle factors including physical activity, alcohol and caffein consumption, and smoking habit are important in that they are modifiable and can affect PD onset and progression. Several previous studies have reported the association between lifestyle factors and the incidence, progression, and mortality of PD.
Parkinson's disease is caused by a loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra. Nerve cells in this part of the brain are responsible for producing a chemical called dopamine.
Exercise and healthy eating
If your symptoms are complex or progressing, you can try less strenuous activities such as walking, or simple stretching and strengthening exercises. You should also try to eat a balanced diet containing all the food groups to give your body the nutrition it needs to stay healthy.
Most experts agree that PD is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors (chemicals, toxins, head trauma). The interactions between genetics and the environment can be quite complex. Some environmental exposures may lower the risk of PD, while others may increase it.
Research suggests that stressful life events may increase the risk of Parkinson's disease. In addition, animal studies indicate that stress damages dopamine cells, resulting in more severe parkinsonian symptoms. In humans, acute stress can worsen motor symptoms, including bradykinesia, freezing, and tremor.
Fox, who was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 29, believes Parkinson's to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. “Most likely I think is that I was exposed to some kind of chemical. What we say is that genetics loads the gun and environment pulls the trigger,” added the “Teen Wolf” star.
Berries, green leafy vegetables, eggs, fish and oil have neuroprotective properties which can reduce cognitive decline and improve memory function. Yogurt, kefir and raw sauerkraut, natural probiotics, can also increase natural dopamine production.
Because the cause of Parkinson's is unknown, there are no proven ways to prevent the disease. Some research has shown that regular aerobic exercise might reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease.
The main risk factor is age, because Parkinson's disease is most commonly found in adults over the age of 50 (although diagnoses can occur in much younger people). Men also have a higher risk of Parkinson's disease than women.
PSP is often misdiagnosed as Parkinson's disease, especially early in the disorder, as they share many symptoms, including stiffness, movement difficulties, clumsiness, bradykinesia (slow movement), and rigidity of muscles. However, PSP progresses more rapidly than Parkinson's disease.
So far, only two theories have shown to be helpful: exercise and diet. According to studies, physical activity is not only a good way to treat patients with Parkinson's disease, it appears to help prevent or delay the onset. Getting the body moving helps build strength, balance, endurance and coordination.
For example, from 1990 to 2016, the adjusted prevalence rates of Parkinson disease in China increased more than in any other country and more than doubled [9].
Tremors, muscle stiffness and slowness of movement are all common early symptoms of Parkinson's – but there are also other signs to be aware of. Sleep and night-time problems are common in Parkinson's.
What the research says. Depression may appear before the physical symptoms of Parkinson's disease become noticeable. An older study from 2013 found that people with a diagnosis of depression were 3.24 times more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those without.
These nerve cells die or become impaired, losing the ability to produce an important chemical called dopamine. Studies have shown that symptoms of Parkinson's develop in patients with an 80 percent or greater loss of dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra.
Parkinson's disease (PD), like most common disorders, involves interactions between genetic make-up and environmental exposures that are unique to each individual. Caffeinated-coffee consumption may protect some people from developing PD, although not all benefit equally.
Following a balanced diet improves general well-being and boosts your ability to deal with symptoms of the disease. Eating plenty of whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, lean protein, beans and legumes, and whole grains, and staying hydrated are key ways to stay energized and healthy overall.
There are a number of foods that a person can eat that may reduce their Parkinson's symptoms. These include fish oils, fava beans, foods that are high in antioxidants, and foods that are rich in vitamins B1, C, and D.
Green tea is a great beverage if you wish to increase your dopamine levels naturally. Green tea is high in caffeine which boosts our energy levels. Along with this, it also boosts our metabolism. It is also rich in antioxidants and promotes better overall health.
Nuts and seeds
In order to produce dopamine, your body needs to break down an amino acid known as tyrosine, which is present in abundance in nuts such as almonds and walnuts, and seeds such as flax seeds. Snacking on a handful of them during the day can up your dopamine levels and help you a great deal.
Michael J.
Fox is one of the most recognizable Parkinson's advocates in the world. Fox became a household name as Marty McFly in Back to the Future and led an illustrious acting career, winning Emmys and a Golden Globe. Fox began noticing symptoms of young-onset PD when he was just 29 years old.
Parkinson's disease does not directly cause people to die, but the condition can place great strain on the body, and can make some people more vulnerable to serious and life-threatening infections. But with advances in treatment, most people with Parkinson's disease now have a normal or near-normal life expectancy.