Parkinson’s disease – Causes, symptoms, diagnosis and more

Parkinson’s disease – Causes, symptoms, diagnosis and more

As we age, our body changes both physically and mentally. We become prone to a lot of diseases. One of them is Parkinson’s disease. People who develop Parkinson’s at times begin to show early signs from the age of 50. These early symptoms are mild and can go unnoticed. Hence, it is important to stay informed about Parkinson’s disease. Read to know more.

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the brain. The disease affects the nerve cells that are in charge of producing dopamine. It causes tremors, stiffness, loss of balance, and loss in coordination. The disease progresses over time and leads to behavioral changes, depression, memory loss, and even fatigue.

What are the causes and risk factors of Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is the result of brain cells dying or becoming impaired. These cells produce dopamine and if the brain cells produce low amounts of the chemical, it can affect the movement of the body. Unfortunately, even science does not know the reason behind the degradation of the neurons. Despite this, they have managed to note down possible causes and risk factors for Parkinson’s disease.

  • Genetic predisposition
    Research has shown that people who have Parkinson’s disease, tend to have a certain genetic mutation. But, even this is uncommon and will be seen in extremely rare cases. It’s also shown that there is a possibility of having Parkinson’s if any close relative has it.
  • Environmental triggers
    Certain environmental factors could lead to Parkinson’s later in life. But, the risk factor is rather small.
  • Presence of lewy bodies
    According to research, clumps of substance in the brain are markers of possible Parkinson’s disease.
  • Age
    One of the factors that influence the occurrence of Parkinson’s is age. People develop this neurodegenerative disorder once they hit the age of 60.
  • Gender
    Research and study have shown that men are more likely to develop Parkinson’s than their female counterparts.

What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

There are major and minor symptoms when it comes to Parkinson’s disease.

The four major symptoms are:

  • Stiffness
  • Slow movement
  • Loss of balance and coordination
  • Tremors throughout the body

Though the progression of the disease differs for different people, these symptoms are commonly seen. There are other minor symptoms too. These include depression, urinary issues, sleep disorders, and trouble with swallowing, eating, and talking.

How to diagnose Parkinson’s disease?

Diagnosing Parkinson’s disease can be rather difficult. This is because Parkinson’s does not have any fixed blood or lab tests that can confirm the diagnosis, especially when it comes to nongenetic cases.

Not to mention, there are a whole lot of different conditions and disorders that have similar symptoms, which makes it very difficult to diagnose Parkinson’s disease.

When it comes to confirming a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, the way to do it is by considering the individual’s medical history and neurological function based on examinations.

What are the effective treatment options for Parkinson’s disease?

While there is no definitive cure for Parkinson’s disease, the symptoms can be managed with prescription medication. Different medication tackles different symptoms. Certain medication is prescribed to increase dopamine, while some manage the level of the chemical in the brain. Another medication is used to monitor the non-motor symptoms. Besides this, there is a therapy called L-dopa which is used mainly to increase the level of dopamine in the brain. L-dopa should never be stopped without consulting the doctor. Other therapies such as speech and physical therapy can also be used to manage the symptoms.

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Hyperkalemia – 10 foods to avoid

Potassium plays a huge role in the health of our heart muscles and nerve cells. And high levels of this element in the blood cause hyperkalemia. If you consume meals high in potassium, your doctor may advise you to decrease portion sizes and concentrate on fruits and vegetables with a lower potassium content. Here is a list of foods rich in potassium that must be avoided if you have hyperkalemia. Yogurt and dairy products A serving of nonfat yogurt weighing eight ounces has roughly 625 mg of potassium, making it one of the dairy aisle's highest sources of potassium. Even reduced fat milk contains 366 mg of potassium in a glass of cow's whole milk. Ricotta and cottage cheese are also high in potassium. Goat cheese is a low potassium food, proving that not all cheeses are made equal. Likewise, About 131 milligrams of potassium may be found in a half cup of vanilla ice cream. Bananas When people consider foods high in potassium, bananas frequently come to mind. A banana normally contains 422 mg of potassium. Among all the fruit, bananas are athletes' favorite as they provide energy. However, it could be highly dangerous for someone suffering from hyperkalemia. Consult your doctor if you have hyperkalemia and stick to fruits such as apples and berries. Leafy vegetables About 420 milligrams of potassium can be found in only a half cup of cooked spinach. Raw spinach, young or mature, has roughly 167 mg per cup. Fennel, bok choy, beet greens, and Swiss chard are also high in potassium. You can opt for kale instead. Kale has more nutrients than these other dark leafy greens, but it has less potassium. 73 mg is present in one cup of raw kale. Fish Clams, which provide 534 mg of potassium in just 3 ounces, are the finest source of protein from seafood. Around three ounces of skipjack tuna offers 444 mg, another major source of potassium. One of the most popular fish, salmon, frequently has a lower potassium content. Keeping a check on what type of fish you are eating if you have hyperkalemia is a must. Kidney beans Beans are a balanced addition to any meal plan as they're rich sources of protein and fiber. However, according to data from the USDA, one cup of the kidney-shaped type has 713 mg of potassium. A half-cup of black beans has 489 mg of potassium. Avocado This creamy, green-fleshed fruit is packed with 690 mg of potassium and is high in fiber and heart-healthy lipids. Although it might seem good for your heart, you should avoid it if you have hyperkalemia. Potatoes Potassium is heavily concentrated in potatoes; 925 milligrams of potassium may be found in a baked potato. A three-ounce portion of french-fried potatoes has 470 mg of potassium and a lot of fat and calories. The potassium content in an ounce of potato chips is 465 mg. Indulging in fast foods like fries is adverse for those with hyperkalemia. Oranges A single orange has 240 mg of potassium, making it a food with a high potassium content. With 450 mg per 8 oz glass, orange juice is a more potent source of potassium. Fruits vary in their potassium content. Berries are a poor source of potassium and can be a decent substitute for oranges and orange juice. Another good option is apples. Dried fruits The nutrients in fruit, including potassium, that have been dried are concentrated. You get roughly 750 milligrams from half a cup of dried apricots. Also, even though raisins and dried plums make a fantastic snack, they should be avoided by someone with hyperkalemia. Legumes and beans Legumes are a significant source of potassium as well. White beans have the most, with 600 mg of potassium in a half cup. In half a cup serving, other legumes such as lima beans and pinto beans have between 300 and 350 mg.

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5 simple tips for better oral hygiene

Maintaining oral hygiene is an important aspect of your overall health care routine, and just brushing and flossing does not ensure it. Going for routine dental checkups, making a few lifestyle and dietary changes, and regularly monitoring your pearly whites reduce the risk of mouth and teeth problems like decay, gum disease, gingivitis, and chipping of the teeth enamel. While some signs of a developing oral health issue are obvious, many others may go unnoticed until it’s too late.Pay attention to these common signs of mouth and teeth related problems and follow an effective oral hygiene routine to prevent these issues in the first place.Look out for any physical signs of teeth decayRegularly check for signs of persistent bad breath, plaque and tartar buildup, or red and swollen gums that may indicate a developing infection. Noticing these visual indicators early helps understand the problem so that you can book an appointment for a dental checkup. Periodic dental checkups should anyway be part of your health care routine to ensure proper mouth and teeth care.Check for broken or chipped teethSeveral things can chip your teeth and expose the dentin. In many cases, you might not even notice it, as it doesn’t necessarily cause pain. Only a thorough visible inspection can identify broken and chipped teeth and exposed dentin. Immediate medical attention is advisable as there are high chances of a tooth getting infected when the dentin is exposed. There is also a risk of serious fracture complications, exposing the nerves and blood vessels around the injured area.Ensure oral care at homeEnsure that you regularly brush, rinse, floss, and gargle to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Also, clean your tongue thoroughly as plaque can just as easily accumulate on the tongue. Remember, prevention is better than cure, so use a quality fluoride toothpaste and a special bristle brush designed specifically to reach those tough spots. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and protects the enamel. Also, brush after every meal, if possible, to prevent food particles from accumulating in the gaps.Incorporate a few lifestyle changesCertain beverages like coffee and strong-colored acidic drinks can damage the enamel, so avoid consuming them regularly. Additionally, smoking affects gum health and can severely affect the healing of tissues after a dental procedure. It’s advisable to quit the habit to prevent an infection and also improve overall health.Go for routine cleaningGo for a professional cleaning from time to time. Your dentist will perform scaling and polishing to remove debris clinging to the molars, which can trigger a gum infection if left unchecked. Professional teeth cleaning also helps retain that shine and prevents the buildup of harmful compounds.Remember, dental care does not stop at just getting a routine checkup. A major part of mouth and teeth self-care must be done at home by practicing these simple oral hygiene techniques regularly.

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