- parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons, primarily in the substantia nigra region of the brain. dopamine deficiency disrupts normal motor function, resulting in characteristic symptoms and affecting quality of life significantly.
symptoms:
- tremors (typically starting in one hand)
- rigidity or stiffness of limbs and trunk
- slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
- impaired balance and coordination
- gait disturbances, including shuffling walk
- non-motor symptoms: cognitive decline, sleep disorders, mood disorders, loss of smell
causes and risk factors:
- exact cause unknown; combination of genetic and environmental factors
- genetic predisposition in some cases (mutations in genes such as SNCA, LRRK2, PARK7)
- age (most common in people over 60)
- environmental exposures (pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals)
treatment:
- currently no cure; treatment focuses on symptom management:
- medications to increase dopamine levels (levodopa, dopamine agonists)
- supportive therapies (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy)
- surgical interventions (deep brain stimulation) in advanced cases