Parkinson Disease

Parkinson Disease is a chronic condition that affects the nervous system, specifically the part of the brain that controls movement. It causes symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slow movements, which can make everyday activities difficult. The disease mainly affects older adults and gradually worsens over time. It happens because certain brain cells that produce dopamine, a chemical important for smooth and coordinated muscle movements, start to die. This loss of dopamine leads to the characteristic movement problems. People with Parkinson Disease may also experience changes in speech, balance, and mood. Overall, it impacts both physical abilities and quality of life.

Parkinson Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. This leads to a significant reduction in dopamine levels in the basal ganglia, disrupting motor control pathways. The hallmark pathological feature is the presence of Lewy bodies, which are intracellular inclusions composed mainly of alpha-synuclein. The disease typically presents with the classic motor triad of resting tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia, often accompanied by postural instability in later stages. The etiology is mostly idiopathic but can involve genetic mutations such as in the LRRK2 or PARK genes. Non-motor symptoms including autonomic dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and mood disorders are also common and contribute to morbidity. The progressive loss of motor function significantly impairs daily living and requires multidisciplinary management.