Strokes and Parkinson’s disease have long been thought to have no correlation between them. However, recent studies show that strokes and Parkinson’s appear to be related, much like Alzheimer’s disease.
Parkinson’s disease and stroke are both common neurological disorders often associated with old age, genetics, and certain lifestyles.
What is a stroke?
A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident(CVA), is a medical condition that occurs due to a disturbance to the brain’s blood supply. There are two types of strokes; Ischemic and Hemorrhagic.
Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery that supplies the brain. Hemorrhagic stroke, on the other hand, is when blood vessels within the brain rupture and leak after bursting or breaking.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system and often leads to disability.
It primarily affects the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating movement and emotions in an individual. The cause of Parkinson’s disease is not yet fully understood, although environmental and genetic factors have been linked to the condition.
Relationship between Parkinson’s disease and stroke
Recent studies have shown that certain health conditions could contribute to the development of Parkinson’s disease. One of these conditions is a stroke.
The study suggests that people who have suffered from a stroke may be more prone to developing Parkinson’s disease, compared to those who have not experienced a stroke.
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Parkinson’s and strokes share similar features, much like Alzheimer’s
The relationship between strokes and Parkinson’s disease was investigated in a cohort study of 712,299 Medicare beneficiaries surviving a stroke in the United States.
Results showed that Parkinson’s disease incidence rates within ten years of stroke were 2.3% compared with 1.1% among a reference group of individuals without a stroke history.”
How stroke can lead to Parkinson’s disease
The study shows that a stroke can cause damage to the brain, which can change its structure and alter the way its neurons function. The changes in the brain structure can cause Parkinson’s-like symptoms, and over time, this can cause severe degeneration of the brain cells.
The specific type of stroke that can lead to Parkinson’s disease is not yet known. Still, researchers believe that both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke subtypes’ effects can lead to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.
Research findings on the relationship between Parkinson’s and stroke
A study published in the journal JAMA Neurology also linked the lastly discussed issue. The study included over 2.5 Million people of age 66 or more for over ten years.
It showed that people who experienced a stroke were 50 percent more likely to develop dementia or Parkinson’s disease.
The results of this study suggest that preventive measures should be considered for persons with stroke risk factors, just like with people who have dementia or Parkinson’s disease.
Conclusion
In conclusion, studies have shown that strokes and Parkinson’s disease are significantly related. People who have suffered from a stroke are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease compared to those who have not experienced a stroke.
This may be due to the damage a stroke can cause to the brain structure, resulting in the alteration of neurons’ function. It is essential that individuals take preventive measures, including lifestyle changes, to manage stroke’s risk factors. This can help reduce the likelihood of developing Parkinson’s disease.
