Shared from myparkinsonsteam.com.
If you or a loved one are living with Parkinson’s disease, you’ve likely heard the term “parkinsonism” — but you may not know how it differs from Parkinson’s. “Getting very confused about the difference between Parkinson’s and parkinsonism,” wrote one MyParkinsonsTeam member.
Parkinson’s disease is a brain condition that advances slowly over time in the majority of people. The condition involves the loss of brain cells (neurons) in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra. The substantia nigra makes a chemical called dopamine, which plays a role in body functions including memory, movement, and pleasure. As these dopamine-producing neurons decrease in number, Parkinson’s symptoms begin to appear.
Parkinsonism is a broad term referring to several neurological conditions with movement issues — including Parkinson’s disease. Types of parkinsonism other than Parkinson’s disease are sometimes referred to as “Parkinson’s plus” or “atypical Parkinson’s disease.” Around 85 percent to 90 percent of diagnosed cases of parkinsonism are types other than Parkinson’s disease.