Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that often paralyses the motor skills and speech.

Parkinson's disease is a disorder that affects nerve cells, or neurons, in a part of the brain that controls muscle movement. In Parkinson's disease, neurons that make a chemical substance called DOPAMINE die or do not work properly.

The strangest part is that the exact cause of Parkinson's disease is not known.

Parkinson's disease characterizes the movement disorders. It is characterized by muscle rigidity, slowing of physical movement and, in extreme cases, loss of physical movement. Neurons produces a chemical in the brain called DOPAMINE, which is responsible for transmitting signals associated with the muscular activity between one part of the brain which is called as SUBSTANTIA NIGRA and another part of the brain which is named the CORPUS STRIATUM. Parkinson's disease occurs when these neurons die or cease to function properly.

Symptoms of this disease include disorders of mood, behavior and sensation.

Other symptoms of Parkinson's disease may include :

- Trembling of hands, arms, legs, jaw and face
- Stiffness of the arms, legs and trunk
- Slowness of movement
- fatigue
- Difficulty rolling in bed or rising from a seated position;
- Overall loss of movements
- Dizziness and fainting
- Reduction or loss of sense of smell
- Muscle, joints pains

As symptoms get worse, people with the disease may have trouble walking, or talking. They may also have problems such as depression, sleep problems, swallowing or speaking.

Parkinson's disease affects both men and women. However, age is a clear risk factor. It is observable that most people who have Parkinson's disease are usually over the age of 50 to 55, but it is said that the Parkinson's disease can appear at any age.

A new study says that cigarette smoking protects against Parkinson's disease. Specifically, the new research shows a relationship between smoking and reduced risk of Parkinson's disease.

The goals of treatment will be to minimize disability, and reduce the side effects of therapy, because there is no said cure for this disease, the symptoms can certainly be controlled. In recent times surgery is an option for advanced Parkinson’s disease.

Slow movements and breathing exercises included in Yoga are well suited to people who are suffering from the Parkinson's disease.