Parkinson’s disease affects more men than woman and it’s believed the disease increases as population grows. It is a chronic neurological condition, named after Doctor James Parkinson who first described the condition in 1817. The progressive disease affects a person nerve cells with symptoms worsening over time. Brain and spine foundation said on their website: “People with Parkinson’s disease experience a loss of nerve cells in the part of their brains responsible for controlling voluntary movements. This part of the brain is called the substantial nigra, a small cluster of cells deep in the centre of the brain within an area called the basal ganglia.
“The nerve cells in the substantia nigra usually produce a chemical called dopamine which helps transmit messages from the brain to the rest of the body via the central nervous system.
“As these cells are lost, people with Parkinson’s disease experience a loss of dopamine and the messages controlling movement stop being transmitted efficiently.”
The exact cause of Parkinson’s is unknown however there is some evidence to suggest that there is a genetic factor which increases the risk of Parkinson’s disease within some families.
The disease can’t be diagnosed after one hospital test and GP’s will have to carry out a series of tests and investigations.
If you notice a burning feeling in the mouth, it could be a symptom of Parkinson’s disease. The burning sensation is likely to be caused by dry mouth which has been linked to the brain condition.
In a study with the US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health, a burning mouth syndrome in Parkinson’s disease was investigated.
The study noted: “Burning mouth syndrome has been reported as being more common in Parkinson’s disease patients than the general population.
“While the pathophysiology is unclear, decreased dopamine levels and dopamine dysregulation are hypothesised to play a role.”
In another study by Research Gate, the burning mouth sensation in Parkinson’s disease was looked at.
The study said: “Burning mouth syndrome has been reported as being more common in Parkinson’s disease patients.
“Based on our patient’s clinical course, in conjunction with earlier studies assessing the relationship between burning mouth syndrome and Parkinson’s disease, we discuss a potential role for dopamine in burning mouth syndrome in Parkinson’s disease.
Other symptoms of the disease include tremors, rigidity, slowness of movements, balance problems, and problems with posture.
If you suspect you or someone you know may have Parkinson’s disease it’s important to discuss this with your GP who will refer to a neurologist or other specialists.
A person’s medical history will be investigated and a neurological examination might take place to determine the cause.
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