PARKINSON'S DISEASE - SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT, MANAGEMENT AND OVERVIEW
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting the central nervous system, leading to motor and non-motor symptoms due to the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, a brain region critical for movement control. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps coordinate smooth, purposeful movements, and its deficiency disrupts the balance with other neurotransmitters, causing the hallmark symptoms of PD. ### Key Features and Symptoms - **Motor Symptoms** (collectively called parkinsonism): - **Tremor**: Often starts as a resting tremor, most commonly in the hands or feet, described as "pill-rolling" (thumb and index finger moving in a circular motion at 4–6 Hz). Present in 70–75% of cases, it may progress to kinetic or postural tremors. - **Bradykinesia**: Slowness in initiating and executing movements, reducing movement amplitude and affecting tasks like walking or writing. - **Rigidi...