A HOOK TO PARKINSON'S
What is Parkinson's disease?
THE ORIGIN OF THE DISEASE
Parkinson’s Disease named after the English Physician, James Parkinson, who first described it in 1819, occurs when a certain type of cells in the brain stop producing a particular substance, Dopamine, which regulates movement but also other functions in our bodies.
It is estimated that about 6 million people in the world are affected by this disease. As far as Tuscany is concerned, the number of people affected is about 20,000; in Florence alone the number is about 3,000.
THE CAUSES OF PARKINSON'S
GENETIC FACTORS
It is estimated that about 30 percent of cases of the disease are of genetic origin To date, some genes responsible for the onset of the disease have been identified, but still others are yet to be discovered.
ENVIRONMENTAL & EXTERNAL FACTORS
Among this it has been seen that head trauma, especially if repeated, can lead to the onset of Parkinson’s. Other factors may include pesticides or otherwise toxic substances.
AGING
Aging is a risk for the onset of Parkinson’s, as it has been seen that nerve cells, as they age, reduce the production of dopamine.
COMBINATION OF FACTORS
Researchers believe that Parkinson’s is caused by a combination of two or more factors: from genetic to environmental, to external factors.
THE CAUSES OF PARKINSON'S
GENETIC FACTORS
It is estimated that about 30 percent of cases of the disease are of genetic origin To date, some genes responsible for the onset of the disease have been identified, but still others are yet to be discovered.
ENVIRONMENTAL & EXTERNAL FACTORS
Among this it has been seen that head trauma, especially if repeated, can lead to the onset of Parkinson’s. Other factors may include pesticides or otherwise toxic substances.
AGING
Aging is a risk for the onset of Parkinson’s, as it has been seen that nerve cells, as they age, reduce the production of dopamine.
COMBINATION OF FACTORS
Researchers believe that Parkinson’s is caused by a combination of two or more factors: from genetic to environmental, to external factors.
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PARKINSON'S SYMPTOMS
Symptoms can vary widely from person to person. A distinction is made between “motor” symptoms, i.e., affecting movement, and “non-motor” symptoms
MOTOR SYMPTOMS
- Stiffness: affects muscles and joints to varying degrees.
- Slowness: manifests in walking, less swinging of the arms during walking, and generally in movements in activities of daily living.
- Resting tremor: may affect only the fingers or be spread to the hand or entire arm. It disappears with voluntary movements.
NON-MOTOR SYMPTOMS
- Involuntary dysfunction: constipation, orthostatic hypotension (dizziness on getting up), increased sweating, urinary problems (frequent urination or incontinence).
- Mood changes: apathy, memory and concentration problems, character disorders (depression and anxiety), psychosis (visual hallucinations or false beliefs).
OTHER PHYSICAL CHANGES
Parkinson’s can cause several additional difficulties, such asexcessive salivation due to reduced swallowing, daytime sleepiness or fatigue often related to medication, and localized or generalized pain. Skin changes may occur , such as dryness or oily skin, with an increased risk of melanoma, and sleep problems, including insomnia and restless legs syndrome. The disease can also lead to loss of sense of smell, speech difficulties, with a soft voice or mumbling, and swallowing problems, such as choking or coughing during meals Finally, visual changes may be observed, such as dry eyes, double vision, and difficulty reading.
A small gesture, a big help
THE
CHANGE
Parkinson’s disease doesn’t just affect movement—it impacts lives. Un Gancio al Parkinson helps those affected fight back through boxing-based therapy, physical activity, and community support.
Your donation provides specialized training, expert guidance, and a supportive space for those battling the disease.
Join the fight. Donate today!
By making a donation, I acknowledge that I have read and accepted the Privacy Policy and expressly consent to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of processing the donation and issuing the receipt.
A small gesture, a big help
THE
CHANGE
Parkinson’s disease doesn’t just affect movement—it impacts lives. Un Gancio al Parkinson helps those affected fight back through boxing-based therapy, physical activity, and community support.
Your donation provides specialized training, expert guidance, and a supportive space for those battling the disease.
Join the fight. Donate today!
By making a donation, I acknowledge that I have read and accepted the Privacy Policy and expressly consent to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of processing the donation and issuing the receipt.
