What is Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder.  It is due to damage or death of dopamine-producing cells in the brain, leading to a decrease in the neurotransmitter called Dopamine. Dopamine is important for motor function. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease often manifest as:

• a resting tremor
• stiffness or rigidity
• a slow shuffling gait
• slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
• impaired balance
• a reduction in automatic movements – such as blinking, swallowing, arm swing and facial expression.

The cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown; however, several factors are thought to play a role in disease development.  These include rural living, exposure to pesticides or toxins, drinking well water and genetics.  Advanced age is also a risk factor for development of Parkinson’s disease.  The average age of onset is 60, but the disease starts at a younger age in some cases.  

Diagnosis

Most often the disease is diagnosed by symptoms and a careful neurological examination.  Sometimes, patients will be sent for a flurodopa PET (Positron Emission tomography) scan to help confirm the diagnosis.

Medical Treatments

Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, there is effective treatment. No treatment has been definitively shown to stop or slow disease progression, but several studies are underway. The main two treatment approaches are medical and surgical.