Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's Disease: The Basics
Parkinson's disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. It is caused by a decrease in dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain. Reduced dopamine levels can lead to symptoms such as tremors, slowed movements, rigid muscles, impaired posture and balance, and changes in speech and writing. Parkinson’s disease is also associated with nonmotor symptoms such as mood disorders, cognitive issues, and sleep disturbances. Although Parkinson’s disease is incurable, treatments are available to manage its symptoms and maintain quality of life.