How Does Parkinson's Disease Affect the Body?
Physical Effects
Parkinson's Disease is a brain disorder that affects a person's motor skills. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, early symptoms include a noticeable tremor, combined with muscle stiffness and a bent-over posture. The affected person can also have aches or numbness in her limbs. As the disease advances, the physical effects become more pronounced. For example, a person will have trouble blinking or making facial expressions such as smiles. They can also have problems talking and swallowing. Their mobility is impaired because of balance problems, and they may fall frequently.
Mental Effects
Parkinson's Disease can have mental effects, such as impairing a person's cognitive abilities and impairing their ability to concentrate. As the disease progresses and their cognitive functioning declines, the University of Maryland Medical Center warns that they might behave erratically. According to WebMD, there are other mental effects that are commonly associated with Parkinson's Disease, such as low self-esteem, depression, and possible thoughts of suicide. The mental effects can keep a person from sleeping, resulting in fatigue, or lead them to sleep excessively.
Progression
Parkinson's Disease is a progressive disease, which means that the effects get steadily worse as time goes on. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, in the early years symptoms can be barely noticeable. Even if they are, medication can be very effective at keeping them under control and preventing them from interfering with a person's day to day activities. Unfortunately, the effects will worsen each year, and in five to ten years they usually get to a point where daily life is disrupted --- even with medication.
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