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Parkinson's disease (also known as Parkinson disease or PD) is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that often impairs the sufferer's motor skills, speech, and other functions. Parkinson's disease belongs to a group of conditions called movement disorders. It is characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor, a slowing of physical movement (bradykinesia) and, in extreme cases, a loss of physical movement (akinesia). The primary symptoms are the results of decreased stimulation of the motor cortex by the basal ganglia, normally caused by the insufficient formation and action of dopamine, which is produced in the dopaminergic neurons of the brain. Secondary symptoms may include high level cognitive dysfunction and subtle language problems. PD is both chronic and progressive. PD is the most common cause of chronic progressive parkinsonism, a term which refers to the syndrome of tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability. PD is also called "primary parkinsonism" or "idiopathic PD" (classically meaning having no known cause although this term is not strictly true in light of the plethora of newly discovered genetic mutations). While many forms of parkinsonism are "idiopathic", "secondary" cases may result from toxicity most notably of drugs, head trauma, or other medical disorders. The disease is named after English physician James Parkinson, who made a detailed description of the disease in his essay: "An Essay on the Shaking Palsy" (1817). www.wikipedia.com
The National Parkinson Foundation is collaborating with 23andMe , a personal genetics company formed by the wife of Google co-founder, Sergey Brin, in recruiting 10,000 persons with Parkinson's Disease for an innovative web-based research project. The reduced price of $25 to participate in the study is only for those who have been diagnosed with PD. Otherwise it's much more than that. Since the NPF and the Michael J. Fox Foundation have gotten onboard with it, we feel it is something we can share with you so you know about it and can make an informed decision about participating. Here's a link to the NPF website announcing the study.
Dr. James Parkinson
Parkinson's Disease
What is Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder. It occurs when certain nerve
cells (neurons) in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra die
or become impaired. Normally, these cells produce a vital chemical
known as dopamine. Dopamine allows smooth, coordinated function
of the body's muscles and movement. When approximately 80%
of the dopamine-producing cells are damaged, the symptoms of
Parkinson's disease appear.
What are the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease?
Theloss of dopamine production in the brain causes the primary
symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The key signs of Parkinson's
disease are:
- Tremor (shaking)
- Slowness of movement
- Rigidity (stiffness)
- Difficulty with balance
Other signs of Parkinson's disease may include:
- Small, cramped handwriting
- Stiff facial expression
- Shuffling walk
- Muffled speech
- Depression
Who gets Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease affects both men and women in almost
equal numbers. It shows no social, ethnic, economic or
geographic boundaries. In the United States, it is estimated that 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, joining the 1.5 million Americans who currently have Parkinson's disease. While the condition usually develops after the age of 65, 15% of those diagnosed are under 50.
How is Parkinson's disease diagnosed?
Theprocess of making a Parkinson's disease diagnosis can be difficult. There is no X-ray or blood test that can confirm Parkinson's disease. A physician arrives at the diagnosis only after a thorough examination. Blood tests and brain scans known as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be performed to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. People suspected of having Parkinson's disease should consider seeking the care
of a neurologist who specializes in Parkinson's disease.
What is the treatment for Parkinson's disease?
There are a number of effective medicines that help to ease the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Most symptoms are caused by lack of dopamine. The medicines most commonly used will attempt to either replace or mimic dopamine, which improves the tremor, rigidity and slowness associated with Parkinson's disease. Several new medicines are being studied that may slow the progression. Many promise to improve the lives of people with Parkinson's disease.
Can surgery help Parkinson's disease?
Surgery can ease the symptoms of Parkinson's disease,
but it is not a cure. Because of the risks associated with
brain surgery, it is usually not considered unless all appropriate medications have been tried unsuccessfully. When considering surgery, it is important to see both a neurologist and brain surgeon who specialize in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
