Parkinson’s disease

Causes of Parkinson’s: On the trail of the disease

The exact causes of Parkinson’s disease are still not fully understood. Current research assumes that various factors are involved in the development of the neurodegenerative disease. In addition to deposits of a defective protein in the affected nerve cells, inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, increased exposure to environmental toxins and, in some cases, genetic changes probably also play a decisive role. Here we would like to explain to you how certain changes in the brain – in particular the breakdown of nerve cells in the black substance (substantia nigra) – can cause the characteristic Parkinson’s symptoms such as akinesia (slowness of movement), tremor (trembling) and rigor (muscle stiffness) as well as the many accompanying symptoms – from difficulty swallowing to digestive problems.

In order to better understand the possible causes and processes in the body when a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is made, we will take you on a search for clues about the possible causes, triggers and risk factors. We draw on the latest scientific findings and show how various influences interact.

Complaints from A-Z: from the first signs to late symptoms

Here we inform you about the first signs of Parkinson’s as well as the symptoms that only become apparent as the disease progresses. The early symptoms are often not correctly classified and are initially attributed to other causes. The first signs of Parkinson’s disease include olfactory disturbances or even total loss of smell, exhaustion, depressive moods or anxiety. However, sleep disorders such as REM sleep behavior disorder (e.g. excessive movements during the dream sleep phase) are often noticeable right from the start.

Symptoms that only appear later in the course of the disease include severe tremors, muscle stiffness that makes it difficult to stand up, for example, or the so-called cogwheel phenomenon (jerky movements). In addition, the mask face, in which facial expressions are severely restricted or completely absent, is typical of advanced Parkinson’s disease. Dyskinesia (twitching), dysphagia, digestive problems and psychological symptoms such as severe forgetfulness, depression or pronounced changes in character are generally not present in patients at the beginning of the disease, but only occur as it progresses.