Parkinson’s Disease
(Information used with permission from
National Parkinson’s Foundation website)
“Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder. It occurs when certain
nerve cells in a part of the brain become impaired. Normally these cells produce
a vital chemical known as dopamine. Dopamine allows smooth, coordinated function
of the body’s muscles and movement. When approximately 80% of the dopamine-producing
cells are damaged, the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease appear. Parkinson’s
disease affects both men and women in almost equal numbers. There are a number
of effective medicines that help to ease the symptoms of Parkinson disease.
Several new medications are being studied that may slow the progression and
many promise to improve the lives of people with Parkinson disease.”
Additional information can be found on these websites:
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