Parkinson’s Disease
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?1. Parkinson’s disease affects the way you move. It happens when there is
a problem with certain nerve cells in the brain. Normally, these nerve cells
make an important chemical called dopamine (多巴胺). Dopamine sends signals to the
part of your brain that controls movement. It lets your muscles move smoothly
and do what you want them to do. When you have Parkinson’s, these nerve cells
break down. Then you no longer have enough dopamine, and you have trouble moving
the way you want to.
? ? ?2. No one knows for sure what makes
these nerve cells break down. But scientists are doing a lot of research to look
for the answer. They are studying many possible causes, including aging and
poisons in the environment. Abnormal genes seem to lead to Parkinson’s disease
in some people. But so far, there is not enough proof to show that it is always
inherited.
? ? ?3. Tremor (颤抖) may be the first symptom you
notice. It is one of the most common signs of the disease, although not everyone
has it. Tremor often starts in just one arm or leg or only on one side of the
body. It may be worse when you are awake but not moving the affected arm or leg.
It may get better when you move the limb or you are asleep. In time, Parkinson’s
affects muscles all through your body, so it can lead to problems like trouble
swallowing or constipation (便秘). In the later stages of the disease, a person
with Parkinson’s may have a fixed or blank expression, trouble speaking, and
other problems. Some people also have a decrease in mental skills.
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? ?4. At this time, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. But
there are several types of medicines that can control the symptoms and make the
disease easier to live with. You may not even need treatment if your symptoms
are mild. Your doctor may wait to prescribe medicines until your symptoms start
to get in the way of your daily life. Your doctor will adjust your medicines as
your symptoms get worse. You may need to take several medicines to get the best
results.
? ?A. Tips for Patients with the Disease
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?B. Common Treatment for the Disease
? ?C. Means of Diagnosis
of the Disease
? ?D. Typical Symptoms of the Disease
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?E. Possible Causes of the Disease
? ?F. Definition of
Parkinson’s Disease
One of the most common signs of Parkinson’s is tremor,______.