Parkinson's
disease (PD) is a slow progressive neurological disorder of the central nervous system,
which affects more than one million Americans.The gradual
degeneration of the affected brain cells causes a reduction of a vital chemical known as
"dopamine", essential to control muscle activity. Patients with Parrkinson's
disease show tremor on one side of the body when at rest, slow movements, and problems
with walking and keeping their balance.
At a later stage, Parkinson's patients develop dementia and
eventually Alzheimer's disease.
Medication include levodopa, which converts itself
into dopamine once inside the brain, and deprenyl, which prevents
degeneration of the dopamine-containing neurons. They can reduce somewhat the symptoms
that Parkinson's patients experience, but they can't correct the underlying mental changes
that occur. |
