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Parkinsonism

Parkinson's is a progressive, neurological disorder. It occurs when 80 percent of the cells, which produce dopamine, are lost. It is not known why these cells die. It affects every aspect of daily living. At present there is no cure.

Parkinson's is named after Dr James Parkinson (1755-1824) a London, GP. His essay, The Shaking Palsy, published in 1817, provided the first clear description of the main features of Parkinson’s. Parkinson's occurs in every culture and race. The overall
prevalence of Parkinson's disease in the world is estimated to be 1.6 per 100 persons over 65 years of age. More than 1 in 10 people are diagnosed under the age of 50 years.

What is Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's disease (often referred to as Parkinson's or PD) affects the part of the brain that is responsible for the control of movement. Normally, the brain acts like the automatic pilot on a plane, organising and controlling movements without our being aware of it. All aspects of movement are carefully attuned to each other as a matter of course. With Parkinson's something goes wrong with the automatic pilot, which means that movement is no longer simple and straightforward.

What is the cause?

In Parkinson's, a small part of the brain known as the "black nucleus" or substantia nigra is damaged. This nucleus of nerve cells plays an important role in enabling a smooth flow of movement. This takes place by means of a chemical substance called dopamine, which is manufactured in the substantia nigra. Dopamine is a chemical messenger (neurotransmitter). Parkinson's damages the cells of the substantia nigra, so that insufficient dopamine is produced. This results in movement difficulties, muscular stiffness, and tremor. At present no one knows what causes the brain damage that results in Parkinson's. We do know that it is not an infectious disease so cannot be caught through physical contact. We also know that it is not caused by consumption of alcohol or stress, although these factors can have an adverse effect on symptoms at a particular time.