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What
is Parkinson's
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a slowly progressive disorder
of the central nervous system that affects movement,
muscle control, and balance. PD was named for James
Parkinson, a general practitioner in London during the
19th century who first described the symptoms of the
disease. PD occurs when cells are destroyed in certain
parts of the brain stem, particularly the area known
as the substantia nigra. Nerve cells in the substantia
nigra send out fibers to the corpus stratia, gray and
white bands of tissue located in both sides of the brain.
There, the cells release dopamine, an essential neurotransmitter
(a chemical messenger in the brain). Dopamine is one
of three major neurotransmitters known as catecholamines
which help the body respond to stress and prepare for
the fight-or-flight response. Loss of dopamine in the
corpus stratia is the primary defect in Parkinson's
Disease. By the time symptoms develop, there is an 80-90%
loss of dopamine-producing cells.') |
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How is
it Treated
Medication,
surgical procedures, and alternative treatment. |
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