Parkinson's disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, and the number of people affected worldwide is expected to exceed 25 million by 2050.
Scientists from Perm University of Science and Technology explain the role of the hormone dopamine in the development of Parkinson's disease, as well as the reasons for its prevalence among men and the possibility of reducing its risks.
Parkinson's disease is a chronic brain disorder that affects motor control, causing tremors, rigidity, slowness of movement, and balance problems. It is often accompanied by sleep disturbances, a diminished sense of smell, and memory decline, and in some cases, can lead to dementia.
According to Professor Nina Vishnevskaya from the university, dopamine plays a pivotal role in the development of the disease, as it not only regulates the feeling of pleasure, but also contributes to controlling movement.
Dr. Valery Litvinov points out that dopamine is produced in the substantia nigra of the brain and ensures precise and smooth movement. A deficiency of dopamine leads to an imbalance between neuronal activation and inhibition, causing tremors and slowed movement.
This deficiency is linked to the death of dopamine-producing nerve cells, as a result of the accumulation of the pathological “alpha-synuclein” protein, which disrupts cell functions and leads to their damage.
The main danger of the disease lies in its complications; in advanced stages, patients lose the ability to move independently, suffer from falls, pain and bedsores, and swallowing difficulties may lead to pneumonia, and in severe cases, complications may cause blood poisoning.
Symptoms of the disease usually appear after the age of 50 to 60, and men are affected at a rate about 1.5 times higher than women. Scientists attribute this to the protective effect of estrogen, which slows down the death of nerve cells.
Risk factors include genetic predisposition, exposure to toxins such as pesticides, cerebrovascular diseases, and prolonged use of certain medications.
Early symptoms may appear 5 to 10 years before diagnosis and include tremors at rest, slowed movements, poor concentration, and sleep disturbances. These signs are often misinterpreted as normal signs of aging, and diagnosis relies on neurological examination as there is no specific test for the disease.
According to doctors, Parkinson's disease cannot yet be completely cured, but treatment can slow its progression. Dopamine-boosting drugs such as levodopa are the primary treatment option, while deep brain stimulation is used in severe cases.
A healthy lifestyle can also contribute to reducing the risk of developing the disease. Interestingly, some studies suggest that coffee may have a protective effect, with consuming up to three cups a day being associated with a lower risk of the disease.
However, experts emphasize that the disease cannot be completely prevented, but following a healthy lifestyle may help delay its onset and lessen its severity.
