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What is Parkinson's Disease?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Parkinson's Disease is a movement disorder which affects people over 50 primarily, especially men. This disease is familiar to many people, thanks to its distinctive symptoms. The most notable of these symptoms is probably the hand tremors which betray the beginnings of the disorder. This condition is considered chronic and progressive, and there is currently no cure, although a variety of treatments can be used to manage Parkinson's and to slow the progression of the disease.

This condition is caused by damage to the cells in the brain which produce and transmit dopamine. If more than 80% of these cells become compromised, the brain's owner will develop Parkinson's Disease, because their muscles lack this crucial chemical. Without dopamine, muscles don't move as smoothly, and the body has difficulty coordinating muscle movement.

Stem cell research has shown promise for treating Parkinson's disease.
Stem cell research has shown promise for treating Parkinson's disease.

In addition to the tremors associated with Parkinson's, the disease can also manifest in the form of poor balance, slurred speech, a shuffling gait, cramped handwriting, stiff or rigid movements, slow movements, difficulty swallowing, and the loss of reflex movements like blinking. Parkinson's patients can also experience depression and sleep problems, and they may develop involuntary twitches and tremors.

Individuals suffering from Parkinson's disease may experience an impaired ability to walk.
Individuals suffering from Parkinson's disease may experience an impaired ability to walk.

Doctor James Parkinson was the first to describe the disease, in 1817, and it is named in his honor. The causes are not fully understood, because many patients seem to develop the condition for no apparent reason. There is certainly a genetic component, with some people being more at risk than others, and severe head trauma, prolonged drug use, and exposure to certain toxins seems to increase the risk as well. Typically, the disease is diagnosed on the basis of symptoms, and sometimes a brain scan will be performed to confirm, by looking for the changes in brain activity associated with Parkinson's.

Parkinson's Disease is caused by damage to the cells in the brain which produce and transmit dopamine.
Parkinson's Disease is caused by damage to the cells in the brain which produce and transmit dopamine.

Treatment for Parkinson's Disease is focused on slowing the progression, making the patient more comfortable, and maintaining independence for as long as possible. Physiotherapy is used to keep limbs as flexible as possible, while drugs can be used to supplement the lost dopamine and manage the tremors. Parkinson's Patients may also be given diet and exercise recommendations, and in some cases deep brain stimulation is used as a treatment for Parkinson's.

Diphenhydramine can be used to treat the muscle spasms associated with Parkinson's disease.
Diphenhydramine can be used to treat the muscle spasms associated with Parkinson's disease.

Being diagnosed with Parkinson's isn't the end of the world, especially for patients who are willing to put the effort into physical therapy and exercise. It is helpful to be surrounded with supportive friends and family members, and it can be a good idea to research assistive devices which promote independence for patients with Parkinson's and other movement disorders.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon81347

kapikachhu himalaya is helpful in Parkinson's Disease

catapult43

It appears that drinking black tea helps in Parkinson's prevention.

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    • Stem cell research has shown promise for treating Parkinson's disease.
      By: selena09
      Stem cell research has shown promise for treating Parkinson's disease.
    • Individuals suffering from Parkinson's disease may experience an impaired ability to walk.
      By: marilyn barbone
      Individuals suffering from Parkinson's disease may experience an impaired ability to walk.
    • Parkinson's Disease is caused by damage to the cells in the brain which produce and transmit dopamine.
      By: marksykes
      Parkinson's Disease is caused by damage to the cells in the brain which produce and transmit dopamine.
    • Diphenhydramine can be used to treat the muscle spasms associated with Parkinson's disease.
      By: krutoeva
      Diphenhydramine can be used to treat the muscle spasms associated with Parkinson's disease.
    • Those with Parkinson's disease may benefit from physiotherapy focused on retaining flexibility and motor control.
      By: aykuterd
      Those with Parkinson's disease may benefit from physiotherapy focused on retaining flexibility and motor control.
    • The tremors associated with early-onset Parkinson's disease may make performing basic tasks difficult.
      By: Photographee.eu
      The tremors associated with early-onset Parkinson's disease may make performing basic tasks difficult.