Shared from myparkinsonsteam.com.
Parkinson’s disease mainly affects the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain and spinal cord. In Parkinson’s disease, the brain cells that produce a neurotransmitter (a chemical that transmits nerve signals between cells) called dopamine begin to die off. As these cells die, levels of dopamine drop, and communication between the brain and the rest of the body is impaired. Researchers believe parkinsonian symptoms become apparent when about half the dopaminergic cells have been destroyed. Levels of other neurotransmitters rise to compensate for the loss of dopamine, causing more symptoms.
Medications and other treatments can help manage many Parkinson’s symptoms.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s vary by the type of parkinsonism and between individuals. Someone with Parkinson’s will not necessarily experience all or even most symptoms. Parkinson’s is a progressive disease, which means that symptoms worsen gradually over time, new symptoms appear, and disability accumulates.