Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder involving loss of dopamine-producing neurons, especially in the substantia nigra. It commonly causes slowness of movement, rigidity, and tremor, alongside nonmotor symptoms.

Substantia nigra: A midbrain region containing neurons that produce dopamine and help regulate movement. Its dopamine-producing neurons are among those most affected in Parkinson's disease.
Parkinsonian gait: A walking pattern often marked by short steps, reduced arm swing, and difficulty initiating movement. It is a recognizable mobility problem caused by impaired movement control.
James Parkinson: An English surgeon who described the condition later named Parkinson's disease in 1817. His essay established the first detailed clinical account of the disorder.
Atypical parkinsonism: A group of neurodegenerative disorders that resemble Parkinson's disease but have distinct features and causes. These disorders can mimic its movement symptoms while progressing differently.
Non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease: Cognitive, psychiatric, sleep, sensory, and autonomic symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease. These symptoms can precede movement problems and substantially affect quality of life.
Dopamine: A neurotransmitter involved in movement, motivation, reward, and other functions. Reduced dopamine signaling in motor circuits contributes to slowness and rigidity.
Deep brain stimulation: A treatment that uses implanted electrodes to deliver electrical stimulation to selected brain regions. It can reduce motor symptoms in some people whose medication response fluctuates.
Parkinson's disease genetics: The study of inherited variants that alter susceptibility to or cause Parkinson's disease. Genetic findings have revealed pathways involved in protein handling and cell survival.
Multiple system atrophy: A progressive neurodegenerative disorder involving autonomic failure and parkinsonian or cerebellar symptoms. Early autonomic problems and limited levodopa response can distinguish it from Parkinson's disease.
Orthostatic hypotension: A fall in blood pressure on standing that can cause dizziness or fainting. Autonomic dysfunction and some treatments can make this problem more common.

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