Parkinson's Disease
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Parkinson's disease belongs to a group of conditions called motor system
disorders. Parkinson's and related disorders are the result of the loss of
dopamine-producing brain cells. Dopamine is a chemical messenger responsible
for transmitting signals within the brain. Parkinson's disease occurs when
certain nerve cells, or neurons, die or become impaired. Normally, these
neurons produce dopamine. Loss of dopamine causes the nerve cells to fire
out of control, leaving patients unable to direct or control their movement
in a normal manner. The four primary symptoms of Parkinson's are tremor or
trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; rigidity or stiffness of the
limbs and trunk; bradykinesia, or slowness of movement; and postural instability
or impaired balance and coordination. Patients may also have difficulty walking,
talking, or completing other simple tasks. The disease is both chronic and
progressive. Parkinson's is not usually inherited. Early symptoms are subtle
and occur gradually.
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A variety of medications provide dramatic relief from the symptoms, but
no drug can stop the progression of the disease. In some cases, surgery is
an appropriate treatment. Some doctors recommend physical therapy or muscle-strengthening
exercises.
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At present, there is no way to predict or prevent Parkinson's disease.
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American Parkinson
Disease Association
National Parkinson Foundation
Parkinson Alliance
Michael J. Fox Foundation
for Parkinson's Research
Parkinson's Action
Network (PAN)
Parkinson's
Disease Foundation (PDF)
Parkinson's
Institute
Parkinson's
Resource Organization
Worldwide Education & Awareness
for Movement Disorders
Bachmann-Strauss
Dystonia & Parkinson Foundation
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