Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Meaning, Symptoms, Treatment

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Parkinson’s Disease Latest News

A breakthrough study has uncovered a hidden player in Parkinson’s disease—24-OHC, a cholesterol metabolite that fuels the spread of harmful protein clumps in the brain.

About Parkinson’s Disease

It is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement.
It causes nerve cells (neurons) in parts of the brain to weaken, become damaged, and die, leading to symptoms that include problems with movement, tremor, stiffness, and impaired balance.
As symptoms progress, people with PD may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks.
Although many brain areas are affected in Parkinson’s disease, the most common symptoms result from the loss of neurons in an area near the base of the brain called the substantia nigra.
- The neurons in this area produce dopamine.
- Dopamine is the chemical messenger that transmits signals in the brain to produce smooth, purposeful movement.
- Most people with PD have lost 60 to 80% or more of the dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra by the time symptoms appear.
- Lack of dopamine causes the slowed movements and tremors symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Who does it affect?
- The risk of developing Parkinson’s disease naturally increases with age, and the average age at which it starts is 60 years old.
- It’s slightly more common in males.
Diagnosis: Currently, no blood laboratory or radiological tests are available to diagnose Parkinson’s disease.
Treatment: There’s no cure for this disease, but treatments can help significantly improve your symptoms.