Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Disease is a chronic, progressive neurological condition resulting from the progressive degeneration and death of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, which is located within the basal ganglia. The average age of diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is 50. Diagnosis is usually done simply by observation, but a PET scan can be administered, with the only downfall being the expense. Normally, some of the first symptoms present are bradykinsesia, a slow movement related to muscle weakness usually associated with an impaired ability to adjust to the body's position, resting tremors, rigidity, and postural instability.
Some additional terms/symptoms associated with PD are:

• Akinesia - the loss or impairment of voluntary movement
• Hypokinesia - partial or complete loss of of muscle movement due to a disruption in the basal ganglia 
• Dyskinesia - abnormality or impairment of voluntary movement
• Autonomic tremor - a peripheral degenerative disorder, usually resulting in orthostatic hypotension 
• Problems with bowel/bladder control
• Sexual health issues
• Pain
• Sleep problems
• Cognitive changes
• Visual-spatial disturbances 
• Emotional health
• Visual hallucinations
• Dementia 

The progression of Parkinson's disease and the degree of impairment vary from individual to individual. There are 5 stages of Parkinson's disease. During stage 1, symptoms are mild and do not interfere with the person's quality of life. In stage 2, the symptoms begin to worsen and the person has more difficulty engaging in activities of daily living. Progressing to stage 3 or Parkinson's disease, this is normally considered mid-stage Parkinson's disease. The individual normally begins to lose balance, more slower, and will often begin to fall more often. During this stage, activities of daily living (such as dressing, eating, and self-care) become very difficult. In stage 4, symptoms become very severe and the individual requires assistance walking as well as ADL's. In the final stage, stage 5, this is considered the most advanced stage of Parkinson's disease. The individual will need full assistance with every aspect of their daily life.

Although there is no treatment to cure Parkinson's disease, there are ways to delay the onset of motor symptoms. The most effective therapy for PD is levodopa which is converted to dopamine in the brain. For individuals with advanced symptoms, deep brain stimulation is an effective treatment option. In DBS, electrodes are implanted in parts of the brain involved in movement.

References:
Heyn, Sietske N., and Charles Patrick Davis. “Parkinson's Disease 17 Early Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Stages.” MedicineNet, www.medicinenet.com/parkinsons_disease/article.htm.