Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder where the reason is unknown but there is a cure for it. It is a progressing disease and as one grows with it the symptoms grow progressively worse. There is nerve cell in the brain that secrete a neurotransmitter called dopamine. As one grows old these cells start dying and the dopamine level in the brain starts to follow. There other risk factors for this. Old age is the biggest risk and people 60 and above are at high risk. Risk factors like genetics and an environmental factor of low risk. Unless there are a lot of members in the family genetics does not play any significant part. The disease is generally slow progressing. The initial symptoms are often very mild that most members of the family miss these out. The very initial symptom is almost an imperceptible tremor in the hand and is happening when the hand is relaxed. It will take quite some time before the tremors become perceptible. Other symptoms start becoming discernible. The close associate comment about the handwriting growing small and the letters crowding together. The hand does not swing out as it used to when one walks. Initial the body stiffness does not ease out even after walking long enough.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects the brain and the nerves. It hinders motor function and mental ability. While it is not fatal, people suffering from Parkinson’s disease will have a shortened life expectancy. Causes of Parkinson’s disease The root cause behind the disease is due to the depletion of dopamine in the body. In people who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s, the cells that produce this chemical start to die slowly. Dopamine is responsible for the proper movement of the body. However, the is no definite reason behind why dopamine levels drop. There are theories that suggest it could be a hereditary problem passed down from one generation to the other. Some other theories suggest that it is due to excessive exposure to pesticides. Statistics have also shown that men are 50% more likely affected by Parkinson’s than women. Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease The disease is identified by certain symptoms. They gradually progress over many years. The speed at which the disease progresses varies from person to person. There are medications that can slow the progress of the disease. These symptoms can even be unnoticeable at times. Here are a few symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Sudden Tremors Loss of balance Uncontrolled spasms Slowing of movement Dementia Loss of memory Stages of Parkinson’s disease The disease starts with mild symptoms and progresses to extreme conditions over five stages.