Parkinson's Disease Research Paper

Parkinson's Disease goes as far back as the 12th century B.C king Drooling described symptoms of the disease but was not documented until 1817 by James Parkinson. The term parkinsonism[->0] is used for a motor syndrome[->1] whose main symptoms are tremor at rest, stiffness, slowing of movement and postural instability. Parkinson's disease causes neuropsychiatric disturbances, which include mainly cognition, mood and behavior problems, and can be as disabling as motor symptoms. Most people with Parkinson's disease are described as having idiopathic[->2]. A small proportion of cases, however, can be attributed to known genetic factors. Parkinsonisms can be divided into four subtypes according to their origin: primary or idiopathic[->3], secondary
Parkinson's disease[->5] is caused by the progressive impairment or deterioration of neurons (nerve cells) in an area of the brain known as the substantia nigra. When functioning normally, these neurons produce a vital brain chemical known as dopamine. Dopamine serves as a chemical messenger allowing communication between the substantia nigra and another area of the brain called the corpus striatum. This communication coordinates smooth and balanced muscle movement. A lack of dopamine results in abnormal nerve functioning, causing a loss in the ability to control body movements. Now you are probably wondering why it occurs like me but Parkinson's disease occurs and how the neurons become impaired is not known. There is considerable controversy surrounding the possibility of a genetic cause of Parkinson's disease. In a small number of families, specific genetic abnormalities leading to the illness have been identified. There is also some evidence that certain toxins in the environment may cause Parkinson's disease[->6]. Scientists have suggested that external or internal toxins may selectively destroy the dopaminergic neurons, causing Parkinson's disease. Toxins that may be linked to Parkinson's include manganese, carbon monoxide[->7], carbon disulfide, and some other
But medications or surgery can sometimes provide dramatic relief from the symptoms. Medications for PD fall into three categories. The first category includes drugs that work directly or indirectly to increase the level of dopamine in the brain. The most common drugs for PD are dopamine precursors – substances such as levodopa that cross the blood-brain barrier and are then changed into dopamine. Other drugs mimic dopamine or prevent or slow its breakdown. One is Levodopa,a very successful at reducing the tremors and other symptoms of PD during the early stages of the disease. It allows the majority of people with PD to extend the period of time in which they can lead relatively normal, productive lives. Dopamine agonists. which include bromocriptine, apomorphine, pramipexole, and ropinirole, mimic the role of dopamine in the brain. They can be given alone or in conjunction with levodopa. They may be used in the early stages of the disease, Amantadine. An antiviral drug, amantadine, can help reduce symptoms of PD and levodopa-induced dyskinesia. It is often used alone in the early stages of the disease. After several months, amantadine's effectiveness wears off in up to half of the patients taking it. Anticholinergics. These drugs, which include trihexyphenidyl, benztropine, and ethopropazine, decrease the activity of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and help to reduce tremors and muscle rigidity. Only about half the patients who