Parkinson's disease occurs when a group of cells, in an area of the brain called the substantia nigra, that produce a chemical called dopamine begin to malfunction and eventually die. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, that transports signals to the parts of the brain that control movement initiation and coordination. When Parkinson's disease occurs, for unexplained reasons, these cells begin to die at a faster rate and the amount of dopamine produced in the brain decreases. The four primary symptoms are:
- tremor of the 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.
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As many as one million Americans suffer from Parkinson's disease. While approximately 15% of Parkinson's patients are diagnosed before the age of 40, incidence increases with age. The cause is unknown, and although there is presently no cure, there are many treatment options such as medication and surgery to manage the symptoms.| < Prev | Next > |
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