Basal Ganglia & Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is the result of nerve cells in the basal ganglia dying. The basal ganglia are collections of nerve cells located deep in the brain that help muscle movements be smooth and coordinated.

• The basal ganglia are nerve cells located deep in the brain.

Dopamine

• Cells in the basal ganglia communicate with other cells in the body by sending signals using chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. The main neurotransmitter that the basal ganglia uses is dopamine.

Dying Cells

• When cells in the basal ganglia die, less dopamine is produced, which weakens or destroys the signals that control muscle movement. The person with Parkinson's disease slowly loses the ability to control the start, speed and smoothness of his movements and often develops tremors.

Cause

• According to the Penn State College of Medicine, the cause of basal ganglia cells dying is not completely known. Researchers speculate that the cells can die or be damaged by infection, trauma, environmental toxins, the chemical MPTP (found in some illegal drugs) or some drugs used to treat psychosis.

Prevention

• No way is known to prevent Parkinson's disease.

Treatment

• Parkinson's disease has no cure. However, drugs are available that can improve movement and keep a person functioning.