The Effects of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that is caused by low levels of the chemical dopamine in the brain, which causes physical impairments such as tremors and poor balance. People with this disorder eventually have a difficult time functioning because the disorder causes them to become progressively worse.

Significance

• According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Parkinson's disease affects about one million people in the United States. The majority of these patients are over 50 years old.

Effects

• Many people with Parkinson's disease have problems with the muscles in their neck, legs and face; have tremors in their hands; walk with a stooped posture; have difficulties with balance; develop speech problems; experience sexual impotence and/or have problems with involuntary movements.

Considerations

• Parkinson's disease can cause people to develop other mental illnesses, including depression and dementia. Depression causes emotional and physical symptoms, including sadness, hopelessness, insomnia and/or suicidal behavior. Dementia is a degenerative condition that causes people to have memory problems, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Identification

• Parkinson's disease can be difficult to diagnose because there are no tests that can be used to find out if a person has the disorder. The National Institute on Aging states that doctors usually perform a neurological exam to look at whether an individual has symptoms of the disorder, such as balance problems.

Treatment

• The disorder is often treated with drugs that increase dopamine levels in the brain. Medications that are used for Parkinson's disease include Levodopa, dopamine agonists and monoamine oxidase (MAO) B inhibitors.