Parkinson's Disease

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Parkinson's Disease Guide

Alison Beaver Guide

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Parkinson's Disease Definition

Definition

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive movement disorder that causes:

  • Muscle rigidity
  • Tremor at rest
  • Slowing down of movements (bradykinesia)
  • Difficulty moving and gait instability

It is caused by a loss of nerve cells in the brain. This includes loss in an area called the substantia nigra . The loss decreases the amount of dopamine in the brain. Low dopamine results in PD symptoms.

Substantia Nigra—Yellow Section

Substansia Nigra
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

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