Parkinson's Disease

Information on Parkinson's Disease: Parkinson Disease Treatment, Picture, Sign, Exercise, Medication, Sstatistics, Stage and History of parkinsons disease

Parkinson's disease is a disorder that affects nerve cells (neurons) in the part of the brain controlling muscle movement. Parkinson disease (PD) was first described in 1817 by Dr. James Parkinson, a British physician, for whom the disease was named.

Parkinsons-Dementia

Cause of Parkinson's Disease

There are many causes of tremor other than Parkinson disease, and it generally requires examination by a neurologist to distinguish between them.

Parkinson's Disease Symptoms and Signs

The symptoms vary from patient to patient and not every one is affected by all of them. In some people, the disease progresses quickly; in others it does not. The following are the most common primary symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis

Since there is no specific test or marker for PD, diagnosis is by a physician and depends on the presence of at least two of the three major signs: tremor at rest, rigidity, and bradykinesia, as well as the absence of a secondary cause, such as antipsychotic medications or multiple small strokes in the regions of the brain controlling movement. Patients tend to be most aware of tremor and bradykinesia, and less so of rigidity.

Parkinsons Disease Treatment and Medication

Because individuals with PD have a range of symptoms, the choice of medication (and the decision whether to treat with medication) varies considerably between individuals.  Moreover, over time, the dose of medications may need to be increased or new medications added.

Parkinsons Disease Prognosis

PD is both chronic, meaning it persists over a long period of time, and progressive, meaning its symptoms grow worse over time.  Although some people become severely disabled, others experience only minor motor disruptions.

Parkinson's Disease research

Current research programs funded by the NINDS are using animal models to study how the disease progresses and to develop new drug therapies. Scientists looking for the cause of PD continue to search for possible environmental factors, such as toxins, that may trigger the disorder, and study genetic factors to determine how defective genes play a role.

Cognitive Disorders

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Site last updated: March 4, 2008