Michael J. Fox Essays Example

Michael J. Fox, a Canadian Hollywood actor was diagnosed in 1991, at the age of 30, with Parkinson Disease. His initial symptom was a twitch in his left little finger. As his disease progressed, he started feeling tremors and stiffness. In 2000, he launched the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research to raise public awareness about the disease and to raise funds for its research.
The parts of the brain that are affected by Parkinson disease are the nerve cells in the midbrain, called the basal ganglia. These nerve cells degenerate resulting in the reduction of the neurotransmitter, dopamine, which transmits nerve impulses. This part of the brain is responsible for controlling body movements; thus, without dopamine the brain is unable to receive messages on when and how to move.
Parkinson disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system which exhibits both motor and non-motor symptoms. Motor symptoms include a slowness of movement, rigidity or unusual stiffness in a limb or other body part, resting tremor, which is a movement which cannot be controlled, and postural instability during standing or walking. The non-motor symptoms are cognitive impairment, mood disorders, sleeping disorder, low blood pressure, constipation, difficulty in speech and swallowing. Some patients also find it difficult to move the facial muscles, resulting in unchanging facial expressions.
One of the more common drug for Parkinson is Levodopa which is converted by the brain to dopamine. Brain surgery is also another option for patients with Parkinson but it can only remove the tremors. To date there is still no known cure to stop the progression of Parkinson in an individual but there are medications to control its symptoms.

References

Cassoobhoy, A. (2014, January 31). Slideshow: A visual guide to Parkinson's Disease. Retrieved from WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/ss/slideshow-parkinsons-overview
Mayo Clinic. (2014, May 28). Parkinson's disease. Retrieved from Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/basics/definition/con-20028488
The Michael J. Fox Foundation. (n.d.). Parkinson's disease symptoms. Retrieved from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research: https://www.michaeljfox.org/mobile/topic.php?symptoms