Neurological pathophysiologic processes
Parkinson’s condition is a degenerative disease that affects the central nervous system of an individual. The condition results from the deficiency of dopamine in the brain that interferes with the functions of the motor movements like body movement (Allen et al., 2015). Parkinson’s disease manifests with decreased body movement exhibited through tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Substantia nigra responsible for motor movement is depleted, implying that neurons have died or are impaired in the brain area. Dopamine plays a crucial role, and it affects neurotransmitters from Parkinson’s disease, which means that the neurotransmitter is deficient. When the neurons are functioning, they produce the required amount of dopamine. The deficiency of dopamine released by the neurons results in movement problems like tremors, stiffness, and experiencing difficulties while walking without assonance.
Musculoskeletal pathophysiologic processes
The next neurotransmitter is norepinephrine, which is affected when the end nerves do not function as expected or are impaired. Norepinephrine assists in automatic functions; thus, a deficiency results in abnormalities in the body’s organs that operate independently without our control (Barone et al., 2016). It includes abnormalities in blood pressure, hypertension, decreased operations in bowel movements, and fatigue. Parkinson’s disease is one of the common neurological disorders with more foundations in neuropathology with the presence of the “Lewy bodies,” which are the normal clamp of the protein from the neurons. The clamp results in the loss of pigment from the dopaminergic neurons found in the substantia nigra of the brain. The common known symptom of movement abnormality in Parkinson’s disease is called “pill-rolling movement” and mask-like appearance on the face.
Racial/ethnic variables impacting physiological functioning
Parkinson’s disease is more prevalent among Whites (Hispanics) compared to Asians and Blacks. Research indicates that Whites are 50% more prevalent in Parkinson’s disease than Asians and Blacks (Kim et al., 2019). Higher incidences of Parkinson’s disease are among Hispanics than non-Hispanic Whites, then Asians, then lastly, Blacks. 16.6% of 100000 persons have Parkinson’s disease compared to the non-Hispanic Whites, 13.6% of 100000 persons. 11.3% of Asians out of 100000 persons, and lastly, the Blacks, which is at 10.2% out of 100000 persons (Kim et al., 2019). Research indicates that the rate at which men are affected by the disorder is high compared to women, though the reason is unclear. Still, it is suggested that women are more protected by estrogen and are less exposed to head trauma than men. Men are exposed to occupational toxins and genetic factors.
How does the process interact to affect the client?
The patients experience psychological problems because of the limitation of movement. Because the patient cannot perform most of the essential task, it makes them feel useless, and at some point, they might experience depression in their life which worsen their situation (Prakash et al., 2016). Other essential tasks such as eating, walking, and bowel movement is a challenge to the patient, and they need assistance from their caregivers. A change in the position results in their blood pressure dropping and causing headaches and discomfort to such patients. Patients with Parkinson’s disease experience muscle pain and fatigue that discourages them from moving around from their resting position. Patients offering Parkinson’s disease are exposed to stigmatization because of the symptoms they display, such as difficulties in moving from their resting place and tremor in some parts of their body, like their hands.
References
Allen, N. E., Moloney, N., Van Vliet, V., & Canning, C. G. (2015). The rationale for exercise in the management of pain in Parkinson’s disease. Journal of Parkinson’s disease, 5(2), 229-239.
Barone, P., Santangelo, G., Amboni, M., Pellecchia, M. T., & Vitale, C. (2016). Pisa syndrome in Parkinson’s disease and parkinsonism: clinical features, pathophysiology, and treatment. The Lancet Neurology, 15(10), 1063-1074.
Kim, G., Allen, R. S., Wang, S. Y., Park, S., Perkins, E. A., & Parmelee, P. (2019). The relation between informal caregiving roles and subjective physical and mental health status among older adults: Do racial/ethnic differences exist?The Gerontologist, 59(3), 499-508.
Prakash, K. M., Nadkarni, N. V., Lye, W. K., Yong, M. H., & Tan, E. K. (2016). The impact of non‐motor symptoms on the quality of life of Parkinson’s disease patients: a longitudinal study.European Journal of Neurology, 23(5), 854-860.