Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder. The first signs are problems with movement. Smooth and coordinated bodily muscle movements are made possible by dopamine, a substance in the brain. Dopamine is produced in a part of the brain called the “substantia nigra.”

In Parkinson’s, the cells of the substantia nigra start to die. When this happens, dopamine levels are reduced. When they have dropped 60 to 80 percent, symptoms of Parkinson’s start to appear.

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Causes of Parkinson’s disease

The exact cause of Parkinson’s is unknown. It may have both genetic and environmental components. Some scientists believe that viruses can trigger Parkinson’s as well.

Low levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, a substance that regulates dopamine, have been linked with Parkinson’s.

Abnormal proteins called Lewy bodies have also been found in the brains of people with Parkinson’s. Scientists do not know what role, if any, Lewy bodies play in the development of Parkinson’s.

While there’s no known cause, research has identified groups of people who are more likely to develop the condition, which include:

  • Sex. Men are one ad a half times more likely to develop Parkinson’s than women.
  • Race. According to researchTrusted Source, there’s a higher prevalence of Parkinson’s in white people compared with Black or Asian people. Geographic location may be one reason for a higher risk.
  • Age. Parkinson’s usually appears between ages 50 and 60 years. It only occurs before 40 years old in about four percent of cases.
  • Family history. People who have close family members with Parkinson’s disease are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease.
  • Toxins. Exposure to certain toxins may increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease.
  • Head injury. People who experience head injuries may be more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease.