Overview of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's. The disease primarily affects movement but can also impact thinking processes and emotions. Parkinson's is characterized by symptoms such as tremors, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), small steps, stooped posture, flat affect, and reduced voice volume. The disease is caused by the degeneration of dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra, a part of the brain. While there is no cure for Parkinson's, there are medications available to manage symptoms, such as levodopa-carbidopa, dopamine agonists, and drugs that inhibit dopamine breakdown. Deep brain stimulation is also a treatment option. Lifestyle interventions, including exercise, a healthy diet, and good sleep, can slow down disease progression. It is important to differentiate Parkinson's from other conditions that mimic its symptoms, such as essential tremor, multiple system atrophy, corticobasal degeneration, and others. Diagnosis is typically based on a thorough neurological exam and may involve MRI and PET scans to assess brain function and structure. While there is currently no screening test for Parkinson's, individuals with a family history of the disease should focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle to reduce their risk.