What is Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that afflicts approximately one million Americans. As the U.S. population ages, the number of Parkinson’s disease cases is likely to double in the next 15-20 years.

Parkinson’s disease targets a specific area of the human brain that is a collection of nerve cells, the substantia nigra. The damage to these functional units of the nervous system affects a circuit of nerve cells in the brain called the basal ganglia. The basal ganglia are important in the control of balance and movement in the body. Parkinson’s disease causes brain cells in the basal ganglia to die gradually, thereby decreasing dopamine in the basal ganglia and causing Parkinson's disease and the symptoms of tremor, rigidity, difficulty walking, and postural imbalance.

Scientists don't know for certain what causes Parkinson's disease, but some believe that a combination of environmental and genetic factors may be responsible. Treatment options for the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, however, are available. Parkinson's disease symptoms can be managed through a comprehensive treatment program. And learning about treatment options for Parkinson's disease begins with information.

Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, there is hope. Parkinson’s Hope has a variety of information and resources to help you learn more about Parkinson’s disease and how to manage its symptoms.

Next: Symptoms