Parkinson's Disease

PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that causes gradual loss of muscle control. It is a slowly progressing neurologic movement disorder that eventually leads to disability.

 WHAT CAUSES PD?

A small area in the brain stem called the substancia nigra controls movement. The cells in this part stops producing dopamine, a chemical that helps nerves to communicate. As these dopamine producing cells die, the brain does not receive the necessary messages about how and when to move. 

 SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Slight shaking of a finger, hand, leg, or lip.
• Stiffness or difficulty in walking.
• Impaired balance.
• Stooped posture.
• A 'masked face', frozen in a serious expression.