Parkinson's Disease

Definition

Parkinson's Disease is a degenerative disease process (associated with aging) that affects the basal ganglia of the brain.

Cause

Associated with a deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Also associated with ageing.

Effect

Tremor, rigidity and poverty of spontaneous movements.
The commonest symptom is tremor, which often affects one hand, spreading first to the leg on the same side then to the other limbs. It is most profound in resting limbs, interfering with such actions as holding a cup.
The patient has an expressionless face, an unmodulated voice, an increasing tendency to stoop, and a shuffling walk.