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Parkinson’s
disease
is a
brain
disorder.
It occurs
when
certain
nerve
cells
(neurons)
in a
part
of the
brain
called
the substantia
nigra
die or
become
impaired.
Normally,
these
cells
produce
a vital
chemical
known
as dopamine.
Dopamine
allows
smooth,
coordinated
function
of the
body's
muscles
and movement.
When
approximately
80 percent
of the
dopamine-producing
cells
are damaged,
the symptoms
of Parkinson’s
disease
appear.
Parkinson’s
disease
affects
both
men and
women
in almost
equal
numbers,
though
men are
slightly
more
likely
to be
diagnosed.
Anyone
in any
social
or ethnic
group
in any
geographic
area
can be
diagnosed
with
Parkinson’s
disease.
In the
United
States,
about
60,000
new cases
are diagnosed
each
year.
Today
between
1 million
and 1.5
million
Americans
currently
have
Parkinson’s
disease.
While
the condition
usually
develops
after
the age
of 65,
15% of
those
diagnosed
are younger
than
50.
Symptoms
may vary
from
patient
to patient
though
many
tend
to experience
one or
more
of these
symptoms.
The
causes
of Parkinson’s
disease
are not
yet clear.
Some
research
suggests
that
an increase
of age-related
changes
in dopamine
production
may be
a factor.
Approximately
one-fifth
of all
people
diagnosed
with
the disease
have
at least
one relative
with
Parkinson’s
disease
symptoms.
More
research
on a
potential
genetic
link
continues
today,
including
research
here
at The
Neuroscience
Institute
that
is being
funded
by The
National
Institutes
of Health.
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