PARKINSON DISEASE - SCI
& TECH
News: Newfound genetic variant that causes Parkinson’s shows a way to beat it
What's in the news?
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Scientists discovered a new genetic variant linked
to Parkinson’s that sheds light on the evolutionary origin of multiple forms of
familial parkinsonism, opening doors to better understand and treat the
disease.
Parkinson’s Disease:
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It is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of
the body controlled by the nerves.
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It is a condition in which a patient holds limited
or no control over his movements and body balance.
●
It occurs and progresses
with ageing, but in rare cases, it is also witnessed among children and
teenagers as well.
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It has no
cure.
Findings:
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Many studies have suggested that men are more likely to be affected by
Parkinson’s than women.
Cause:
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It is caused by the degeneration of nerve cells in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra, which controls
movement.
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These nerve cells die or become impaired, losing
the ability to produce an important chemical called dopamine.
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Dopamine operates with other neurotransmitters to help
coordinate the millions of nerve and muscle cells involved in the movement.
Symptoms:
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Tremors (trembling in the hands, arms, legs, and
jaw); rigidity (stiffness of the limbs); slowness of movement; and impaired
balance and coordination.
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Parkinson’s patients may also experience other symptoms such as difficulty in
swallowing, chewing, and speaking, urinary problems, constipation, skin
problems, depression, emotional changes, and sleep disruption.
Diagnosis:
● Currently, no blood laboratory or radiological tests are available to diagnose Parkinson’s disease.