Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological
disorder that results from degeneration of neurons in a region of the brain
that controls movement. Parkinson's disease (PD) belongs to a group of
conditions called motor system disorders, which are
the result of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells.
The primary symptoms of
Parkinson's disease are:
- Tremors or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw,
and face
- Rigidity, or stiffness of the limbs and trunk
- Bradykinesia, or slowness of movement
- Inability to move (akinesia)
- Postural instability
- Impaired balance and coordination
- Slow movement (bradykinesia)
- A shuffling gait
- Stooped posture
- Foot pain and toe curling
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
As these symptoms become more
pronounced, patients may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other
simple tasks. Parkinson’s disease usually affects people over the age of 50.
Early symptoms of PD are subtle and occur gradually. In some people the disease
progresses more quickly than in others.
As the disease progresses, the
shaking, or tremor, which affects the majority of people with Parkinson’s may
begin to interfere with daily activities. Other problems associated with
Parkinson’s include:
- Depression and other emotional
changes
- Difficulty in swallowing, chewing, and speaking
- Urinary problems or constipation
- Skin problems
- Sleep disruptions
There are currently no blood or
laboratory tests that have been proven to help in diagnosing sporadic PD.
Therefore the diagnosis is based on medical history and a neurological
examination. The disease can be difficult to diagnose accurately. Doctors may
sometimes request brain scans or laboratory tests in order to rule out other
diseases.
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