Parkinson's disease occurs when the brain cells that make dopamine, a neurotransmitter, begin to die off. According to a report from the University of Texas, dopamine is a messenger that sends signals in the brain, and it controls certain motor functions. In Parkinson's disease, the obvious physical symptom is uncontrolled muscle movement. Dopamine deficiency affects the mental state of Parkinson's disease as well, producing specific symptoms.
Confusion
One of the first non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, as listed by the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, is confusion or dementia. This can start mildly, such as forgetting where you put your keys, or going to the store without remembering what you went there for. As time progresses, the symptoms of dementia and confusion become much more obvious. You may temporarily forget names of family or friends, be unable to talk to someone and do something else at the same time, such as drive, and be unable to think of common words. The National Parkinson's Disease Foundation also reports that if you suffer from Parkinson's, you may not be able to process visual information as fast as you should. For example, you may have a hard time judging distances between two objects, which can make driving, and even walking, more difficult.
Depression
Although suffering with Parkinson's disease can make you feel depressed, it is more often brought on because of the brain's inability to function properly, rather than a response to your symptoms. In a report from the National Institute of Mental Health, depression in a Parkinson's disease patient can also be triggered from simple stress or a reaction to medication. There will be a greater degree of anxiety, sadness and suicidal thoughts. The report also states that the suicide rate is low, despite the higher level of suicidal thoughts.
Compulsion
Compulsive behavior is yet another non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease. Again, this can be the result of the brain not functioning properly, or it can be triggered by medication. A study in the December 2007 issue of the Journal of Clinical Neuroscience reports that the compulsion effect in Parkinson's disease appears to be a side effect of dopamine supplementation. Some of the compulsions that have been noted are gambling, inappropriate sexual behavior and singing at inappropriate times. A Parkinson's Disease Foundation report on compulsory behavior states that it can become severe, and disabling, in 3 to 5 percent of Parkinson's patients.
