Manganese Health Effects

Manganese is an essential dietary mineral for plants and animals, but in high doses becomes toxic and causes fatal health effects. Excessive manganese exposure is generally an occupational hazard for industrial workers, but high levels of manganese can be found in the environment from pollution and industrial waste. Manganese health effects range from developmental deformities and decreased mental capabilities in children to symptoms identical to those of Parkinson's disease in adults. >>Glossary of terms about manganism poisoning.

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a disorder characterized by shaky movements and difficulty with walking and coordination. The cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown, although it is known that symptoms of Parkinson's disease result from the degeneration of a specific group of nerves in the center of the brain called the substantia nigra. The progressive destruction of these nerve cells directly influences the body's control of muscle movement.

While the cause of Parkinson's disease is still a mystery, the cause of manganism is known to be exposure to, or inhalation of high levels of manganese. No direct link has been made of the cause of manganism to the cause of Parkinson's disease. Due to the similarities of manganism symptoms to those of Parkinson's disease, manganism has been classified as a Parkinson's syndrome. Find answers to questions about manganese health effects and Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's Disease Symptoms

The symptoms of Parkinson's disease are very similar in nature to manganism symptoms. Parkinson's disease and manganism symptoms include:

• Muscle stiffness
• Walking difficulties
• Diminished equilibrium
• Slow movements
• Muscle tremors
• Speech difficulties
• Loss of motor skills
• Facial expression changes
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Depression
• Memory loss
• Dementia

Parkinson's Disease Treatment

Manganism and Parkinson's disease treatment is aimed at treating symptoms rather than curing the disease. As of yet, no cure has been found. All Parkinson's disease treatment combines medication, exercise, stretching or yoga, and plenty of rest. Available medications work to balance the levels of dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain, the production of which are decreased as the disease attacks the substantia nigra. Dopamine and acetycholine help to regulate muscle movement and control. Regular exercise helps overall health and the body's response to dopamine medications. Stretching and yoga have a similar affect on the body during Parkinson's disease treatment. Sleep is crucial for those with manganism or Parkinson's disease as the brain recharges its levels of dopamine during resting cycles.

For more information about manganese health effects, contact our manganese attorneys today. If industry is responsible for your manganism symptoms, we may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve.

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