Parkinson's Disease Outline
Alternative Names
Paralysis agitans; Shaking palsy
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Causes »
Parkinson 's disease most often develops after age 50. It is one of the most common nervous system disorders of the elderly. Sometimes Parkinson 's disease occurs in younger adults. It affects both men and women.
In some cases, Parkinson 's disease runs in families. When a young person is affected, it is usually because of a form of the disease that runs in families.
Nerve cells use a brain chemical called dopamine to help control muscle movement. Parkinson 's disease occurs when the nerve cells in the brain that make dopamine are slowly destroyed. Without dopamine, the nerve cells in that part of the brain cannot properly send messages. This leads to the loss of …show more content…
These surgeries do not cure Parkinson 's, but may help ease symptoms.
Deep brain stimulation involves placing electrical stimulators in specific areas of the brain that control movement.
Another type of surgery destroys brain issues that cause Parkinson 's symptoms.
Stem cell transplant and other clinical trials are currently ongoing in the USA. For information, see: www.pdtrials.org
In-Depth Treatment »
Back to TopSupport Groups
Support groups may help you cope with the changes caused by the disease.
See: Parkinson 's disease - support group
Back to TopOutlook (Prognosis)
Untreated, the disorder will get worse until a person is totally disabled. Parkinson 's may lead to a deterioration of all brain functions, and an early death.
Most people respond to medications. How much the medications relieve symptoms, and for how long can be very different in each person. The side effects of medications may be severe.
Back to TopPossible Complications
Difficulty performing daily activities
Difficulty swallowing or …show more content…
Back to TopReferences
Lang AE. When and how should treatment be started in Parkinson disease? Neurology . 2009;72(7 Suppl):S39-43.
Weaver FM, Follett K, Stern M, et al. Bilateral deep brain stimulation vs best medical therapy for patients with advanced Parkinson disease: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA . 2009;301(1):63-73.
Zesiewicz TA, Sullivan KL, Arnulf I, Chaudhuri KR, Morgan JC, Gronseth GS, et al. Practice Parameter: treatment of nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson disease: report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology . 2010 Mar
Paralysis agitans; Shaking palsy
Back to Top
Causes »
Parkinson 's disease most often develops after age 50. It is one of the most common nervous system disorders of the elderly. Sometimes Parkinson 's disease occurs in younger adults. It affects both men and women.
In some cases, Parkinson 's disease runs in families. When a young person is affected, it is usually because of a form of the disease that runs in families.
Nerve cells use a brain chemical called dopamine to help control muscle movement. Parkinson 's disease occurs when the nerve cells in the brain that make dopamine are slowly destroyed. Without dopamine, the nerve cells in that part of the brain cannot properly send messages. This leads to the loss of …show more content…
These surgeries do not cure Parkinson 's, but may help ease symptoms.
Deep brain stimulation involves placing electrical stimulators in specific areas of the brain that control movement.
Another type of surgery destroys brain issues that cause Parkinson 's symptoms.
Stem cell transplant and other clinical trials are currently ongoing in the USA. For information, see: www.pdtrials.org
In-Depth Treatment »
Back to TopSupport Groups
Support groups may help you cope with the changes caused by the disease.
See: Parkinson 's disease - support group
Back to TopOutlook (Prognosis)
Untreated, the disorder will get worse until a person is totally disabled. Parkinson 's may lead to a deterioration of all brain functions, and an early death.
Most people respond to medications. How much the medications relieve symptoms, and for how long can be very different in each person. The side effects of medications may be severe.
Back to TopPossible Complications
Difficulty performing daily activities
Difficulty swallowing or …show more content…
Back to TopReferences
Lang AE. When and how should treatment be started in Parkinson disease? Neurology . 2009;72(7 Suppl):S39-43.
Weaver FM, Follett K, Stern M, et al. Bilateral deep brain stimulation vs best medical therapy for patients with advanced Parkinson disease: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA . 2009;301(1):63-73.
Zesiewicz TA, Sullivan KL, Arnulf I, Chaudhuri KR, Morgan JC, Gronseth GS, et al. Practice Parameter: treatment of nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson disease: report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology . 2010 Mar