Parkinson's disease belongs to a group of diseases linked to an insufficiency of dopamine in the part of the brain known as the basal ganglia. In the United States, more than 1 million people suffer from Parkinson's disease. Risk factors include older age and genetic predisposition, according to the American Family Physician. The exact cause remains unknown and there is currently no cure.
Function of Dopamine
A structure of the brain known as the substantia nigra produces a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine functions as a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, that sends information to the parts of the brain that control movement and coordination, according to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation.
Decreased Dopamine Effects
Parkinson's disease occurs when dopamine-producing cells malfunction and die, according to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation. The amount of dopamine produced in the brain decreases as dopamine-producing cells begin to die. The brain delivers messages to the body telling it how and when to move more slowly, which leaves a person incapable of initiating and controlling movements in a normal way.
Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
According to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, the most common symptoms of Parkinson's disease include a tremor of the hands, arms, legs, jaw and face, rigidity or stiffness of the limbs and trunk, bradykinesia or slowness of movement, and postural instability or impaired balance and coordination. An article from American Family Physician says that, unlike Alzheimer's disease, cognitive function, or the ability to process thoughts, remains intact in people with Parkinson's disease.
Treating Parkinson's Disease
Current treatment strategies include reducing symptoms and maintaining a quality of life, according to American Family Physician. The drug levodopa remains the most effective treatment for Parkinson's disease, but must be administered and carefully monitored by a qualified physician or health care provider. Another treatment strategy includes a surgical procedure known as deep brain stimulation, but may cause serious complications. Parkinson's disease sufferers should always see a qualified physician or provider before beginning any type of treatment.
Future Research
The Parkinson's Disease Foundation reports that in 2009, scientists from Columbia University identified the most common genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease. A mutation in a gene known as GBS significantly increases a person's risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The cause of Parkinson's Disease remains unknown, however, and there is still no cure. Researchers continue to work to find the cause and cure Parkinson's disease.
