There are hundreds of thousands of people who have Parkinson’s disease. While this disease can’t be cured right now, there are many treatments that can slow down its progression. There are also many ways to manage the symptoms of this disease. If your elderly loved one has Parkinson’s disease or you are worried they might get it, it can help to start learning more about the causes of this disease today.
Genetic Mutation
About 15% of people who have Parkinson’s disease have a genetic mutation that causes it. This means they also have a sibling or a parent who has Parkinson’s disease. While not everyone who has a parent or sibling with this disease will get it, the risk significantly increases if they do. Professionals believe that the genes producing dopamine often have mutations in cases of Parkinson’s disease. The more mutations there are, the higher risk there is for the person to have Parkinson’s.
Age and Gender
Research also shows that age and gender play a role in Parkinson’s disease. Generally, a person would not show symptoms of this disease until they are 60 or older. With this being said, the disease often develops in men before they are 50 years old. Studies have shown that men have almost double the risk of getting this disease than women. If you believe your elderly loved one has Parkinson’s disease, you or an elder care provider can get them tested by a doctor.
Factors from the Environment
There are some environmental factors that may play a role in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, as well. If your elderly loved one had long-term exposure to harmful chemicals, this may have caused damages to the neurons in their brain. Some of the chemicals that may cause this issue include manganese, lead, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and trichloroethylene.
Conclusion
There are various things that can increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease. If you know that your elderly loved one falls into any of these categories, it might be best to have them see their doctor. You or an elder care provider should especially take your elderly loved one to the doctor if they are displaying signs of Parkinson’s disease. This may include weakened muscles, muscle twitching, or difficulty moving. If your elderly loved one gets a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, they may need elder care providers to provide regular care for them. The more the disease progresses, the more help your elderly loved one is going to need.
Sources
https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Causes