Parkinsons Disease

Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the brain that leads to shaking (tremors) and difficulty with walking, movement, and coordination. Sometimes known as Shaking palsy, Parkinson’s disease affects about two of every one thousand people, most often after age 50. It affects both men and women and is one of the most common neurologic disorders of the elderly. The disease occurs when the brain nerve cells that control muscle movement are gradually destroyed. The damage gets worse with time. The disorder may affect one or both sides of the body, creating varying degrees of loss of function.

In Parkinson’s disease nerve cells, which are dependent on a brain chemical called dopamine, gradually decrease, disturbing the balance between nerve-signaling substances (transmitters). Loss of dopamine in certain brain areas affects pleasure and mood as well as motivation and the ability to make voluntary movements. Common symptoms include muscle rigidity, stooped posture, loss of balance, shuffling walk, muscle aches, tremors, voice or speech change and loss of fine motor skills which can affect eating and writing. Depression, memory loss and confusion are also possible. Medications are used to control symptoms primarily by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain.

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