Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the brain that leads to shaking (tremors) and difficulty with walking, movement, and coordination.
Alternative Names
Paralysis agitans; Shaking palsy
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Parkinson's disease was first described in England in 1817 by Dr. James Parkinson. The disease affects approximately 2 of every 1,000 people and most often develops after age 50. It is one of the most common neurologic disorders of the elderly. Sometimes Parkinson's disease occurs in younger adults, but is rarely seen in children. It affects both men and women.
In some cases, Parkinson's disease occurs within families, especially when it affects young people. Most of the cases that occur at an older age have no known cause.
Parkinson's disease occurs when the nerve cells in the part of the brain that controls muscle movement are gradually destroyed. The damage gets worse with time. The exact reason that the cells of the brain waste away is unknown. The disorder may affect one or both sides of the body, with varying degrees of loss of function.
Nerve cells use a brain chemical called dopamine to help send signals back and forth. Damage in the area of the brain that controls muscle movement causes a decrease in dopamine production.
Secondary parkinsonism (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Secondary parkinsonism is similar to Parkinson's disease, but is caused by certain medicines, an different nervous system disorder, or another illness. Reviewer: Updated by: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: Greg Juhn, M.T.P.W., David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy. Previously reviewed by Gail A. Kang, M.D., San Francisco VA Parkinson's Disease Research, Education, & Clinical Center, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.(8/26/2006)Date: 05/09/2007
Walking abnormalities(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Walking abnormalities are unusual and uncontrollable walk patterns, usually¿caused by diseases or injuries to the legs, feet, brain, spine, or inner ear. Reviewer: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 03/05/2007
Depression - elderly (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Depression is a medical illness in which a person has feelings of sadness, discouragement, and a lack of self-worth. Reviewer: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Psychiatry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 07/27/2007
Tremor(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Tremors are a type of involuntary shaking movement. Reviewer: Gail A. Kang, M.D., San Francisco VA Parkinson's Disease Research, Education, & Clinical Center, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 08/26/2006
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