Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease (also known as Parkinson disease or PD) is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that often impairs the sufferer’s motor skills and speech, as well as other functions.Parkinson’s disease belongs to a group of conditions called movement disorders. It is characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor, a slowing of physical movement (bradykinesia) and, in extreme cases, a loss of physical movement (akinesia).
What Is Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) belongs to a group of conditions called motor system disorders, which are the result of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. The four primary symptoms of PD are tremor, or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; rigidity, or stiffness of the limbs and trunk; bradykinesia, or slowness of movement; and postural instability, or impaired balance and coordination. As these symptoms become more pronounced, patients may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks.

Parkinson’s Disease Foundation

The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF) is a leading national presence in Parkinson’s disease research, education and public advocacy. We are working for the nearly one million people in the US living with Parkinson’s by funding promising scientific research and supporting people with Parkinson’s, their families and caregivers through educational programs and support services.

Causes of  Parkinson’s Disease

Heredity. Having one or more close relatives with Parkinson’s increases the chances that you’ll also develop the disease, although your risk is still less than 5 percent.Exposure to toxins. Ongoing exposure to herbicides and pesticides puts you at slightly increased risk of Parkinson’s.

The body’s ability to produce smooth, controlled, muscular activity is a product of many complex, interrelated functions. Few, however, are as critical as the functioning of the nerve cells, or neurons, in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra.

Treatments of Parkinson’s Disease

Medical Treatment

There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. Treatment centers on the administration of medication to relieve symptoms. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also has approved a surgically implanted device that lessens tremors.

Medication

Medication selection and dosage is tailored to the individual. The physician considers factors such as severity of symptoms, age, and presence of other medical conditions.
Dopamine agonists. Unlike levodopa, these drugs aren’t changed into dopamine. Instead, they mimic the effects of dopamine in the brain and cause neurons to react as though dopamine is present.

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