What is parkinson disease: Parkinson's disease (PD)

Parkinson's disease (PD), or simply Parkinson's, is a neurodegenerative disease primarily of the central nervous system, affecting both motor and non-motor systems. The motor symptoms are collectively called parkinsonism and include tremors, bradykinesia (slowness in initiating movement), rigidity, and postural instability (difficulty maintaining balance). Non-motor symptoms such as dysautonomia (autonomic nervous system failures), sleep abnormalities, anosmia (decreased ability to smell ... PD develops when certain nerve cells (neurons) in the brain die. These are neurons that produce a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine helps relay messages between areas of the brain that control body movement. When these neurons die, abnormally low levels of dopamine are produced. Parkinson’s is a neurological condition which affects the brain’s ability to produce dopamine – the chemical which helps us control movement. It’s a type of progressive condition – meaning symptoms appear gradually and slowly get worse, as the brain becomes increasingly damaged over time. The condition is life-altering, but not life-threatening – while some advanced […] Parkinson disease (PD) is a brain condition that causes problems with movement, mental health, sleep, pain and other health issues. It has no cure, but therapies and medicines can reduce symptoms. Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, impact and WHO response to PD.