Description of Parkinson’s Disease Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. It develops gradually, often starting with a slight tremor in one hand. The disease occurs when nerve cells (neurons) in the brain that produce dopamine, a chemical messenger responsible for transmitting signals that coordinate movement, become damaged or die. As…
Definition of Parkinson’s Disease Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement. It is characterized by a loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to a range of motor and non-motor symptoms. The disease is named after Dr. James Parkinson, who first described the condition in 1817 in his work “An…
Overview of Parkinson’s Disease Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and can also cause cognitive and behavioral changes. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease, affecting approximately 1% of people over the age of 60 and becoming more prevalent with age. Named after the English physician James…
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement. The main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include: Tremors: Involuntary shaking of hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head. Muscle Stiffness: Rigidity in the limbs or trunk, making movement difficult. Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement, affecting tasks such as walking or buttoning a shirt….
Main Anatomic Area Affected in Parkinson’s Disease Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects the substantia nigra, a region of the brain located in the midbrain. The substantia nigra is a critical part of the basal ganglia, a group of structures involved in movement control. The substantia nigra is responsible for producing dopamine,…
Definition of Dyskinesia in Parkinson’s Disease Dyskinesia is a common motor complication that occurs in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. It is characterized by involuntary, erratic, and uncontrollable movements that can be disruptive and challenging to manage. These movements often appear as writhing, twisting, or jerky motions, which can affect various parts of the body, including…
Michael J. Fox’s Battle with Parkinson’s Disease Michael J. Fox, a beloved actor known for his work in films like “Back to the Future” and the TV series “Family Ties,” has been a powerful advocate for Parkinson’s Disease awareness since he was diagnosed with the condition in 1991 at the young age of 29. Fox…
Scientific Name for Parkinson’s Disease Parkinson’s Disease is commonly referred to by its scientific name, Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD). It is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects dopamine-producing neurons in a specific part of the brain called the substantia nigra. This results in a lack of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting signals that control…
Factors that Influence Life Expectancy in Parkinson’s Disease Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder, can impact various aspects of a person’s health and well-being. Several factors play a crucial role in determining the life expectancy of individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Understanding these factors is essential for effective management and care. Let’s explore some of the…
Overview of Parkinson’s Disease Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system. It is characterized by a variety of motor symptoms such as tremors, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity, and postural instability. The disease is caused by a decrease in dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to a lack of dopamine,…