Parkinson’s disease (PD) is most often diagnosed in persons over the age of 60, and is therefore often considered a “senior citizen’s disease.” In fact, only 4% of Parkinson’s cases occur before the age of 50.
We speak a lot about Alzheimer’s in our blog. But Parkinson’s deserves some explanation as well, as it is the second most common age-related nerve degenerating disease after Alzheimer’s. Parkinson’s affects 1 percent of the population over the age of 60. However, incidence increases to 5% once individuals reach the age of 85. Therefore, one of the most significant risk factors for Parkinson’s disease is aging itself.
Elderly Are More Affected by Parkinson’s Disease
As stated, age is the most prominent risk factor for this disease. While scientists have not been able to pin down the exact root cause of the condition, many believe Parkinson’s results from a combination of genetic and external factors. However, these are general assumptions, as many of the likely contributing factors have yet to be identified.
- PD affects several areas of the body and brain. The death of nerve cells in the brain (known as neurons) is primarily responsible for loss of motor function symptoms – such as tremors, rigidity, and loss of spontaneous movement.
- The chemical dopamine is a messenger that transmits the signals necessary for smooth, intentional movement. Studies have reported that the substantia nigra pars compacta region of the brain exhibits more neuron loss than other areas of the brain.
- These neurons seem to be especially sensitive to toxins that target the mitochondria responsible for generating ATP. ATP is responsible for producing energy in each individual cell.
- As the body and brain ages, there is a decline in the functional organelles responsible for cleaning up and removing damaged proteins in cells, specifically the neurons.
- Researchers estimate that by the time the motor symptoms appear, seniors living with Parkinson’s have already lost between 60 and 80 percent of the dopamine-producing neurons in their body. As a result, as the disease progresses, the decreased function of mitochondria and the build-up abnormal alpha-synuclein is likely to cause additional neuron loss.
Parkinson’s Symptoms in Senior Citizens
People of all ages who are afflicted with Parkinson’s experience the same types of symptoms. Both motor and non-motor symptoms occur in elderly people, including:
- Tremors in the hands, arms, legs, or face
- Increased rigidity around limbs and torso
- Slow movement and impaired balance
- Gradual loss of spontaneous movement
- Lack of coordination
- Loss of sense of smell
- Depression, anxiety and sleep problems
- Memory and cognitive difficulties
- Issues with urination and constipation
- Incidents of nausea, dizziness and vertigo
- Changes in vision
- Orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure drops when standing up or sitting down)
- Increased salivation and sweating
Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
There is currently no cure for PD, nor a treatment known to delay the progression of the disease. However, the symptoms can often be managed effectively. The goal of treatment in senior-aged patients is to maintain an appropriate activity level and optimize quality of life. Once a senior citizen with Parkinson’s becomes sedentary due to their condition, it is challenigng to reverse any of the damage. Therefore, if you have a loved one living with Parkinson’s, keeping them as engaged as possible both mentally and physically is vital to their well-being.
A Banyan Residence is a professional assisted living and memory care center located in Venice, Florida.
