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PARKINSONS DISEASE OVERVIEW

What causes Parkinsons disease?

Parkinson's disease occurs when nerve cells, or neurons, in an area of the brain known as the black substance is altered or disappear. Normally, these neurons produce some chemicals important in the brain called dopamine and serotonin.

The black substance is a gray structure located in the mesencephalon. It is part of the basal ganglia and has an important role in the stability of all motor movements.

Dopamine is a chemical neurotransmitter responsible for sending signals. The lost of dopamine produces abnormal schemes of nervous activation within the brain that cause significant movement disorders. It is knwon that most patients affected with Parkinsons disease have lost an average of 70% or more of the dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra. Dopamine is directly related with norepinephrine, the main chemical messenger of the sympathetic nervous system.

What are the symptoms of Parkinsons disease?

Parkinsons disease causes movement disorders which are mainly of: shaking of the hands, arms and legs, limb stiffness and slowness of movement. It can also cause balance instability. The symptoms begin gradually and worsen over the time. The first symptoms of Parkinsons disease are mild and develop gradually. The people affected can feel mild shaking or have difficulty to stand up from a chair. May notice people talking very softly or that their handwriting is slow and tightly or small. They can also lose track of a word or train of thought, or feel very tired, irritated or depressed for no apparent reason. This early period can last for a long time before the more real classic symptoms of the disease appear.

Gradually, the shaking that affects most of the patients, will interferes with their daily activities. The shaking is a classic symptom that makes those people affected with Parkinsons disease to become aware of it and search for medical help.

Over time the symptoms worsen:

who may suffer from Parkinson's disease?

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