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.
