Parkinson's Disease
Definition
Parkinson's Disease is a degenerative disease process that is associated with aging and affects the basal ganglia of the brain.
Cause
Parkinson's Disease is associated with a deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine. It is also associated with ageing.
Effect(s)
The effects of Parkinson's Disease tend to include tremors, rigidity and poverty of spontaneous movements.
The commonest symptom of Parkinson's Disease is tremor, which often affects one hand, spreading first to the leg on the same side then to the other limbs. It is most profound in resting limbs. It can interfer with actions such as holding a cup. The person affected may eventually exhibit further symptoms such as an expressionless face, unmodulated voice, an increasing tendency to stoop, and a shuffling walk.
See also diseases and disorders of the nervous system (all on one page).
Further information about the nervous system includes the main parts of the nervous system, parts of the brain and the pathway of a nerve impulse.
