Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disease. It is the 2nd most common type of neurodegenerative disease. The chances of Parkinson’s Disease increase with age. There are 50,000 – 60K cases of Parkinson’s Disease each year in the United States. Parkinson’s Disease is characterized by motor problems. In early stages Parkinson’s Disease has slow movement, muscle rigidity, poor coordination, instability, shaking in multiple body parts including arms, legs and face. During later stages cognitive decline is present. Some people also experience depression and other emotional changes, difficulty swallowing and chewing, skin problems, constipation or urinary problems, and sleeping problems. The spectrum of Parkinson’s Disease is large some people experience severe disability while others have only mild motor problems. Parkinson’s Disease is caused by the lack of a dopamine producing cell in the substansia niagra. Some early cases of Parkinson’s Disease are linked to problems in the PARK2 and PARK gene. However, research continues especially with stem cells.

Source: Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson's  ( Organization for research on Parkinson's Disease)