Parkinson's disease is a brain
disorder that occurs when certain nerve cells in a part of the brain
called the substantia nigra die or become impaired. Normally, these
cells produce a vital chemical known as dopamine which allows smooth,
coordinated function of the body's muscles and movement. When
approximately 80% of the dopamine-producing cells are damaged, the
symptoms of Parkinson's disease appear.
Signs & Symptoms of Parkinson's disease:
Who gets Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease affects both men and
women in almost equal numbers and shows no social, ethnic, economic or
geographic boundaries. In the U.S. there are approximately 1 million
Americans who have Parkinson's disease with an estimated 60,000 new
cases diagnosed each year. While the condition usually develops after
the age of 65, 15% of those diagnosed are under 50.
How is Parkinson's disease diagnosed?
The process of diagnosing Parkinson's disease
is difficult as there are no X-ray or blood tests that can confirm
Parkinson's. A physician arrives at the diagnosis only after a thorough
examination. Blood tests and brain scans known as magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) may be performed to rule out other conditions that have
similar symptoms. People suspected of having Parkinson's disease
should consider seeking the care of a neurologist who specializes in
Parkinson's disease, a Movement Disorder Specialist. |