A 73-year-old woman comes to the office for evaluation of new onset of tremors. She is not taking any medications, herbs, or supplements. She has no chronic medical conditions. She does not smoke or drink alcohol. She walks into the examination room with slow, shuffling steps. She has decreased facial mobility with a blunt expression without any changes in hair distribution on her face. Based on this description, what is the most likely reason for the client's symptoms?

Respuesta :

Answer: Parkinson's disease

Explanation: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a long-term degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that mainly affects the motor system. As the disease progresses, non-motor symptoms become more common. The symptoms usually emerge slowly. Early in the disease, the most obvious symptoms are tremors, shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement, and difficulty with walking. Thinking and behavioral problems may also occur. Depression and anxiety are also common, occurring in more than a third of people with individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's diseases. Though the cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown, it is believed to involve both genetic and environmental factors. Those who had a family member already affected are more likely to get the disease themselves in the future. There is a higher risk in people exposed to certain pesticides and among those who have had prior head injuries to be affected with the disease, while there is a reduced risk in tobacco smokers and those who drink coffee or tea. It normally affects the elderly at the ages over 60 years old. There is actually no cure for Parkinson's disease. Treatment aims to improve the symptoms. Initial treatment is typically with the antiparkinson medication levodopa (L-DOPA), followed by dopamine agonists when levodopa becomes less effective. As the disease progresses and neurons continue to be lost, these medications become less effective. Though dieting and some forms of rehabilitation have shown some effectiveness at improving symptoms. So based on the question asked the client symptoms shows that the client has Parkinson's disease.