Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease impairs the body's ability to control movement, resulting in tremors, stiffness and imbalance. As the disease progresses, speech and walking become more difficult.

History

• Parkinson's disease is named for James Parkinson, the physician who first noted the disease in 1817. It was studied by several other neurologists, but the condition undoubtedly had existed for centuries prior because Chinese and Indian medical texts noted the same symptoms.

Neurology

• Parkinson's disease is not well-understood, but researchers do know that the problems originate in the area of the brain that controls movement when damaged neurons impact the levels of dopamine, a chemical essential to transmitting information to the brain. The brain cannot then govern body movement properly.

Theories

• The exact cause of the neurological degeneration that causes Parkinson's is not known. Researchers theorize that environmental and disease factors both play a part, with a genetic weakness making certain people more susceptible. Toxins are suspected as increasing the risk, particularly pesticides and other toxins in the environment.

Progression

• Most people begin to show symptoms of Parkinson's disease in late middle age and older. The symptoms come on gradually with a slight tremor that becomes more apparent when the body is at rest. It then progress to the visible shakes and tremors that indicate the advanced disease. The actual progression of the disease varies from one person to another and can be controlled to a certain extent through medications, but it cannot be cured.

Diagnosis

• It's difficult to diagnose Parkinson's disease other than to note its symptoms and perform a neurological exam. Brain scans can be done, although the scans are primarily to ensure that there is no other cause for the motor problems.

Treatment

• A cure is not possible for Parkinson's, however drugs, such as Levodopa, Carbidopa, Bromocriptine, Ropinirole, Amantadine and others, can help ameliorate the symptoms. Surgery and electrodes used to stimulate the brain are also being tried. Additional research is being done to help patients control the most severe motor problems.

Research

• A number of nonprofit and research organizations have been formed to help patients with Parkinson's disease. These include the National Parkinson Foundation, the American Parkinson Disease Association and the Michael J. Fox Foundation.