Parkinson’s Information
What is Parkinson’s Diseases
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, more specifically a movement disorder, that affects the cells of the brain that control muscle movement. These cells, located deep in a section of the brain called the substantia nigra, produce an important neurotransmitter called dopamine.
Dopamine is important because it is the chemical messenger used to send signals from the brain to the muscles to complete smooth, coordinated movements. When 80% of these dopamine-producing cells have died, symptoms of Parkinson’s disease appear. The cause of death of these dopamine-producing cells is still unknown.
Who Gets Parkinson’s Disease?
It is estimated that approximately 1 million Americans are currently living with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Estimates also show that there are 60,000 individuals newly diagnosed each year, or one person every nine minutes. Parkinson’s disease affects men and women in equal numbers and shows no preference to ethnicity, race or socioeconomic status. While the average age of onset is age 55, 15% of those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease are under the age of 50.
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What are the Symptoms of
Parkinson’s Disease
Primary symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease include:
- Tremor
- Muscle Rigidity
- Postural Instability
- Slowness of Movement
Secondary symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease include:
- Difficulty Walking
- Depression
- Reduced Arm Swing
- Anxiety
- Decreased Facial
- Expression
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