What causes Parkinson's disease? What are the risk factors? What are the occurrences of disease? ?? Check facts and advice from experts. Prof. Dr. Rungroj Pittayasiri, Head of the Center of Medical Excellence for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Group Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society The body's mechanism of disease in every disease has both risk factors and protective factors. When disease occurs because various factors are out of balance, with the risk factors being more For Parkinson's disease, when looking at risk factors There must be a comprehensive look at what are risk factors that can be modified. And what are the risk factors that cannot be corrected? Risk factors 'cannot be modified' A risk factor that cannot be corrected is increasing age. According to statistics on Parkinson's disease patients collected in Thailand Over 60 years old 1 percent Over 80 years old: 3 percent The average age is approximately 63 years. This is something that cannot be fixed. Risk fact ors 'can be fixed' For risk factors for Parkinson's disease that can be modified For example, an obvious example is 1. About insecticides (insecticides) and pesticides (Pesticides) are external factors. Related environmental factors It is something that can be prevented and fixed. 2. Continuous head impact It is a factor specific to certain occupations, such as Thai boxers having a high risk of this disease group. from an impact on the head As for the corrective mechanism, it involves the use of protective equipment or the like. In addition, there are many smaller risk factors, such as the current increase in pollution. And there is starting to be more research on the issue of air. Drinking groundwater or anything else, but it's a small factor with relatively little study. This makes it evident that these factors are probably related to people. But it is an additional factor for which currently the information is not very clear. How can toxins (drugs) that kill insects or toxins (drugs) that kill pests c ause Parkinson's disease? Essentially, these toxins cause dopamine-producing cells to deteriorate or die. By the mechanism of these toxins, they cause cells to function poorly. There is deterioration of the nervous system. When dopamine decreases Parkinson's patients will have problems with 4 main movement symptoms as follows: 1. Tremor is the most common prominent symptom. That is, you will start to see it on your hand. It's on one side first. And occurs while still, the tremor will decrease when the hand is used for work. 2. Rigidity occurs in the same arm or leg that is trembling. causing the most hardship to patients Movement becomes slower. In addition, the letters that the patient writes begin to change. The letters will be smaller and closer together. 3. Slow movement symptoms (Bradykinesia) and little movement (Hypokinesia) It takes a long time to start moving. 4. Postural instability : Patients tend to walk frequently and with small feet. In the form of leaning forward and walk without swinging your arms In addition, it is now known that the symptoms of Parkinson's disease include non-motor manifestations such as forgetfulness, depression, constipation, and motor impairment. sex Many toxins can cause parkinsonism in patients or laboratory animals. (Parkinsonism) such as MPTP, Paraquat, Organochlorines and Rotenone which are used as ingredients of pesticides. and manganese poisoning, etc., which these substances can cause Parkinsonism symptoms which may be difficult to distinguish from general Parkinson's patients In addition to exposure to insecticidal toxins through breathing, It is also absorbed through the skin, so the protection mechanism is not just about wearing a mask alone. The important thing to keep in mind is what you eat. Eating vegetables or various foods that are involved in the accumulation of insecticidal toxins. pesticides which is received directly External risk factors and Parkinson's genetics In people who have been exposed to external risk factors (Insecticide poison pesti cides) and has Parkinson's genetics. It is not always necessary to have Parkinson's disease. People who already have Parkinson's genetics are at increased risk, for example if they are exposed to insecticides or pesticides. It will have an effect on cells that produce dopamine. While people do not have Parkinson's genetics The effect on various cells will be less. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid toxic insecticides or pesticides to help reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease. Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides information on toxic substances that pose a risk to the nervous system. You can see more from the website. Center of Medical Excellence for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Group Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society Avoiding certain risk factors It may be an important part of disease prevention. Interview by Peeraphon Anutarasothi Compiled by Khomsthanon Sukajjasakul See more items Be sure before sharing FACTSHEET: Risk factors for Parkinson's disea se. Be sure before sharing FACTSHEET: Preventing risk factors for Parkinson's disease. Source: Thai News Agency