Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder. It occurs when certain nerve cells (neurons) in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra, closely associated with the motor system controlling movement, die or 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 percent of the dopamine-producing cells are damaged, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease appear.
Parkinson’s disease usually affects people over the age of 50. It is a movement disorder that is chronic and progressive, meaning that symptoms continue and worsen over time. Nearly one million people in the United States are living with Parkinson's disease. The cause is unknown, and although there is presently no cure, there are treatment options such as medication and surgery to manage its symptoms.
Learn More
Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
Diagnosis and Treatment