Parkinson's Disease

Question 1

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 1

A degenerative, progressive disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain which are responsible for movement.

environmental and genetic causes

Question 2

what population is most affected

Answer 2

men and women aged 60- men more

or aged 50+

Question 3

How does Parkinson’s affect the brain

Answer 3

nerve cells in the substantia nigra produce neurotransmitter dopamine and are responsible for relaying messages that plan and control body movement. These nerve cells begin to die in Parkinson’s. When 80% of dopamine is lost PD symptoms occur

Question 4

how does rigidity and tremors occur-

Answer 4

when dopamine receptors are not stimulated enough parts of the basal ganglia are under or over stimulated causing a shutdown in motion.

tremors are caused when the Globus Pellidus Interna is over stimulated and has an over inhibitory effect on the thalamus causing a decrease to thalamus output.

Question 5

what are the main symptoms of Parkinson

Answer 5

resting tremors, bradykinesia (slow movement)
stiffness
balance issues