Frequently Asked Questions

 Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. Symptoms generally develop slowly over years. Although there is no cure, treatment options vary and are tailored to each person’s individual symptoms. 

 PD has no known cause in most cases. Some patients may develop the features of PD from a genetic (hereditary) defect or from certain toxins (poisons). The symptoms of PD appear to be due to a lack of the neurotransmitter (brain chemical messenger) called dopamine in a part of the brain called the basal ganglia. 

 PD is associated with a number of symptoms that do not directly affect movement. These can include muscle cramps or pain, sweating, low blood pressure, mental slowing or trouble concentrating, sexual dysfunction, fatigue or tiredness, sleepiness, constipation, and depression. 

Most of the therapies for PD attempt to replace dopamine in the brain. Medications such as carbidopa combined with levodopa or dopamine agonists are commonly used to relieve symptoms. In some patients medications that block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine can be used. In others brain surgery can be effective as well.