parkinson’s disease

• parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons, primarily in the substantia nigra region of the brain. dopamine deficiency disrupts normal motor function, resulting in characteristic symptoms and affecting quality of life significantly.

• symptoms:

  • tremors (typically starting in one hand)
  • rigidity or stiffness of limbs and trunk
  • slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
  • impaired balance and coordination
  • gait disturbances, including shuffling walk
  • non-motor symptoms: cognitive decline, sleep disorders, mood disorders, loss of smell

• causes and risk factors:

  • exact cause unknown; combination of genetic and environmental factors
  • genetic predisposition in some cases (mutations in genes such as SNCA, LRRK2, PARK7)
  • age (most common in people over 60)
  • environmental exposures (pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals)

• treatment:

  • currently no cure; treatment focuses on symptom management:
  • medications to increase dopamine levels (levodopa, dopamine agonists)
  • supportive therapies (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy)
  • surgical interventions (deep brain stimulation) in advanced cases