An Overview

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a slow progressive brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking (tremors), stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.

The most prominent signs and symptoms of PD occur when the nerve cells producing a neurotransmitter called Dopamine die prematurely. Dopamine is responsible for the regulation of movements and mood. A reduction in the normal levels of Dopamine causes PD. The exact cause of this is unknown - but research attributes it to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Symptoms usually begin gradually and worsen over time. As the disease progresses, people may experience slowed movement, tremors, and difficulty walking and talking. Later on, people develop loss of balance. They may also suffer from mental and behavioural changes, sleep problems, depression, memory difficulties, and fatigue.

Although there is no cure for PD, medicines, surgical treatment, and other therapies can help to relieve symptoms and make life easier. Medicines can help treat the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s by increasing the level of dopamine in the brain.

For people with PD who do not respond well to medications or develop untoward side effects of dopaminergic drugs, deep brain stimulation may be recommended. It involves a neurosurgical procedure that uses implanted electrodes to electrically stimulate movement related areas in the brain leading to reduced movement issues.