PARKINSON'S DISEASE RESOURCE CENTRE

Parkinson's disease ia a chronic, progressive degenerative disorder of the nervous system.  Its average age of onset is in the early or mid 60's, but in a minority, can occur much earlier (Young-onset Parkinson's disease and Juvenile-onset Parkinson's disease).

Parkinson's Disease occurs when the nerve cells in the brain beak down and fail to produce enough dopamine, the chemical responsible for sending signals to the part of the brain which controls movement. On autopsy, the main pathological finding associated with Parkinson's is the loss of pigmented dopaminergic cells in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra, of the mid-brain.

Patients who suffer from Parkinson's Disease often have problems with balance and experience tremors which may affect the arms, legs and hands. Their muscles are stiff thus making movement slow and difficult. As Parkinson's is a progressive disease, the severity of the symptoms would vary with stage of the disease.

In the early stages of the disease, patients with Parkinson's disease usually present with tremors (usually more pronounced on one side), slowness of movements and muscle stiffness.  In the later stages, other symptoms may surface, including frequent falls, sleep disturbances, giddiness, erectile dysfunction and cognitive abnormalities.

Find a Neurologist