Parkinson’s disease (PD) can be a complex condition, but let’s break it down into understandable terms. Here’s a breakdown:
- Neurodegenerative disease: This means it affects the nervous system, with certain nerve cells in the brain slowly deteriorating over time.
- Focuses on movement: These affected nerve cells are responsible for producing dopamine, a vital chemical that helps regulate movement. As dopamine levels decline, movement can become slower and stiffer.
- Develops gradually: Symptoms typically emerge slowly, often over years. The progression of the disease can vary from person to person.
While tremors are a common image associated with Parkinson’s, it’s important to remember everyone experiences the disease differently. There’s a spectrum of symptoms that can also include:
- Stiffness in the limbs (rigidity)
- Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
- Difficulty with balance and coordination
It’s important to note that Parkinson’s doesn’t affect just movement. As the disease progresses, some people may experience non-motor symptoms such as:
- Sleep problems
- Fatigue
- Cognitive changes
- Mood swings
If you or someone you know is concerned about Parkinson’s, please remember there’s a wealth of information and support available. Here are some well-respected resources you can explore for more details:
- The National Institute on Aging (https://www.nia.nih.gov/)
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (https://www.michaeljfox.org/)
- The Parkinson’s Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org/)
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