Parkinson’s Disease−Defined

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that impairs motor function due to the loss of brain cells that produce dopamine.

Parkinson’s symptoms include resting tremors, stiffness and rigidity, slow movement − bradykinesia − and difficulty walking. While the exact trigger for this response remains unclear, research suggests that it is inflammation driven, both in onset and progression.

Parkinson’s is widely believed to be incurable, however it can be managed with medications and natural therapies to improve quality of life.

This challenging health issue affects both motor and non-motor function. Motor symptoms include hand tremors, small handwriting, stiff muscles, poor balance, and a reduced, “masked” facial expression.

Nonmotor symptoms, which seem to emerge early, include anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, constipation, loss of smell, and cognitive changes. Because the disease is progressive, the above symptoms typically worsen over time, especially affecting the central nervous system.