Parkinson's disease Talks

Parkinson's disease (PD), or simply Parkinson's, is a neurodegenerative disease primarily of the central nervous system, affecting both motor and non-motor systems. The motor symptoms, collectively called parkinsonism, include tremors, slowness in initiating movement (bradykinesia), rigidity, and difficulty maintaining balance (postural instability). Non-motor symptoms such as autonomic nervous system failures (dysautonomia), sleep abnormalities, decreased ability to smell (anosmia), and behavioral changes or neuropsychiatric problems, such as cognitive impairment, psychosis, and anxiety, may appear at any stage of the disease. Symptoms typically develop gradually and non-motor issues become more prevalent as the disease progresses.

Parkinson's disease has no single cause: rather, genetic and environmental factors interact to affect critical cellular processes. Parkinson's disease (PD) involves the gradual decay and loss of dopamine producing neurons in a brain region called the substantia nigra and other related cell groups in the brainstem. This is accompanied by the accumulation of misfolded proteins such as alpha-synuclein which can build up to form clumps of proteins called Lewy bodies if not cleared from cells by cellular degradation systems. Accumulation stimulates the release of pro-inflammatory molecules by the microglia, a protective response that can cause neuroinflammation and neuronal damage, and disrupt metabolic systems if it becomes chronic.

Diagnosis is primarily based on signs and symptoms, typically motor-related, identified through neurological examination. Medical imaging techniques such as PET scanning can support the diagnosis. PD typically manifests in individuals over 60, with about one percent affected. In those younger than 50, it is termed "early-onset PD".

No cure for PD is known, and treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms. Initial treatment typically includes levodopa, MAO-B inhibitors, or dopamine agonists. As the disease progresses, these medications become less effective and may cause involuntary muscle movements. Diet and rehabilitation therapies can help improve symptoms. Deep brain stimulation is used to manage severe motor symptoms when drugs are ineffective. Little evidence exists for treatments addressing non-motor symptoms, such as sleep disturbances and mood instability. Life expectancy for those with PD is near-normal, but is decreased for early-onset.

From Parkinson's disease on Wikipedia