Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects structures of the black substance and the striatum. This disease also compromises the cerebral cortex, the limbic system and hypothalamus, has an unknown origin, recognizing multiple factors in its appearance with a strong genetic component whose importance may vary in different situations.



The EP is chronic, progressive and slow, and affects part of brain responsible for movement control and coordination, muscle tone and posture. In this area, called the black substance, there is a chemical, called dopamine, an essential compound for the regulation of movements, i.e. movements that are undertaken in an effective and harmonious.

Thus, in PD there is a "degeneration" of the black substance (cause unknown) whose consequence is the decline of dopamine. That is why the main manifestations of the disease expressed poor control of movements: tremor, generalized slowness (bradykinesia), rigidity and abnormal posture and gait.

Parkinson described the disease that bears his name as "shaking palsy", indicating the most relevant symptoms: decreased movement (paralysis) and "agitation" (tremor) occurs between 40 and 70 years of age with a higher incidence the decade of the 60s. There is a "Tremor, Benign Familial" of evolution very slow and often present in members of one family. It is not strictly a resting tremor, but in attitude.

Some authors believe it is a benign form of Parkinson's disease, but treatment is radically different. If it is very annoying, it is best to leave it untreated. A known feature of this tremor is its disappearance with small doses of alcohol (which is dangerous). The adrenaline is blocking drugs, which are also used to treat hypertension and angina pectoris, are the best alternative.

What are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease? • Tremor in the arms and legs, initially on one side of the body when walking or resting. • Slowness of movement, especially in the beginning and / or terminate a quick movement ; Repetitive movement, which are known as bradykinesia • Stiffness in the arms, legs and muscles

• Problems with balance and coordination • Tiredness • Emotional changes such as depression • Deterioration of mental function (dementia) • Difficulty sleeping • Difficulty in swallowing, speaking, and urinary control, and constipation • Seborrhea eczema • Small and compressed writing (microfobia) • Deterioration or loss of smell • Visual hallucinations.

How is Parkinson's disease diagnosed?- Parkinson's disease is diagnosed by a doctor who observes symptoms. They take a complete physical examination and medical history. Diagnosis depends on the presence of slow movements (bradykinesia) and at least one of the other main symptoms: tremor, rigidity and balance problems.

Although the tremor and bradykinesia on one side of the body are typical of the gradual development of the disease, 25% of people with Parkinson's do not experience tremor. The best way to verify the diagnosis is watching the reaction of the person on medicines to treat Parkinson's disease. Making the correct diagnosis can take some time. There are a lot of people in U.S. who need to read Parkinson’s disease symptoms in Spanish. You can find Parkinson’s disease symptoms in Spanish on hispanichealth.org.