Parkinson's Disease: A Progressive Nervous System Disorder By: Falak Surahio




Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological condition that causes problems with movement and worsens

over time. It weakens, damages, and kills nerve cells in some areas of the brain. Parkinson’s disease is

important because it is a chronic and incurable neurological disorder that affects millions of people

around the world. It kills dopamine producing brain cells, which significantly affects physical mobility,

intellectual skills, and mental health. It is also an important model for medical research to understand

aging and neurodegeneration.




Whose affected by it?

Parkinson disease could be more likely to develop if you:

- Are over 60: Although a less common early development type can start before the age 50, symptoms

often start around the age of 60.


- Are male: Even though Parkinson's disease can impact anyone, men are more likely to be diagnosed

with it.

- Genetics: If you have a close biological relative who suffers from Parkinson disease, you are more likely

to develop it.

- Exposure to certain toxins: Risk of Parkinson may be increased by pesticide contact or continuous

exposure to metals like manganese, which are frequently found in welding.

Causes

Most symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) are as a result of the weakening, damage and death of

cells in the brain’s substantia nigra. These cells produce dopamine, a key chemical messenger that

allows us to perform normal and intentional movements. By the time signs of Parkinson's disease

appear, people have usually lost 60 to 80% or more of these dopamine-producing neurones (nerve

cells). Also, people with PD have damaged brain cells that produce norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is

important for involuntary bodily functions such as controlling blood pressure and heart rate . The loss

of this compound is associated with symptoms not related to movement such as fatigue and blood

pressure changes . Most PD patients also have Lewy bodies in damaged brain cells, which are abnormal

clumps of the protein alpha-synuclein, but the exact cause and effect of these structures is still unclear.

Symptoms

Parkinson can result in a number of symptoms:

- Issues with balance and mobility

- Tremors, or uncontrollably shaking hands or fingers

- Stiffness

People with Parkinson's disease (PD) can also experience difficulties when walking, speaking, or

performing everyday tasks when their symptoms worsen.

Diagnosis

As of today, Parkinson's disease cannot be diagnosed using a specific test. Based on symptoms,

medical history, and neurological and physical examinations, a neurologist makes the diagnosis. In

order to determine the condition and symptoms throughout time, the diagnosis process may take a

long time.

Treatments

While there's not a current cure for Parkinson's disease, medications can help manage its

symptoms. Most of the time the medications are effective. Some patients may undergo surgery though

when the medication is no longer effective.


Common medications include:

Carbidopa-levodopa: Most of the time this is the most effective medication, however it may cause

dyskinesia and nausea.

Dopamine agonists: Such as apomorphine and pramipexole, which mimic the effects of dopamine.

MAO B inhibitors: This medication prevents dopamine from being broken down but confusion is one

of the negative effects of it

COMT inhibitors: Prolong the effects of levodopa but may cause nausea and diarrhoea.

Anticholinergics: Used to treat tremors but it may cause memory loss and urinary problems are side

effects.

Amantadine: Helps with involuntary movements but may cause hallucinations are one of the possible

side effects of amantadine.

Surgical options:

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): An effective treatment for severe tremors and dyskinesia but it has

possible side effects like infection and speech issues.

MRI-guided focused ultrasound: Is a newer, less invasive method for treating tremors.

Patient impact

Parkinson's disease has significant effects on the physical, emotional, mental, and social wellbeing

of patients. As the disease worsens, it makes it harder to move and do daily tasks. It becomes more

difficult to do things like walking, dressing, cooking, shopping and personal hygiene. Muscle stiffness,

balance issues, fatigue, painful cramps and increased risk of falls are experienced as well by many

patients. Mental shifts such as memory loss, poor concentration and difficulty communicating can

decrease independence. As patients become more emotionally dependent on others, they may feel

anxiety, depression, fear for the future and loss of confidence. On a social level, speech problems,

limited mobility and embarrassment about symptoms can lead to isolation. Many patients cope by

planning carefully, using mobility aids, taking medication on time and relying on support from family

and healthcare professionals.


Statistics.

- Nearly an estimated 90,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with PD each year. (Parkinson

Foundation)

- Young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) occurs in people under 50 and shares many

symptoms with typical PD. (Parkinson Foundation)


- People with young onset Parkinson's disease often experience slower symptom progression,

fewer cognitive issues and more medication-related side effects like dyskinesias and dystonias.

(Parkinson Foundation)

- More than 10 million people worldwide are estimated to be living with PD. (Parkinson

Foundation)

- The incidence of parkinson increases with age, but an estimated 4% of people with PD are

diagnosed before age 50. (Parkinson Foundation)

- Men are 1.5 times more likely to have Parkinson's disease than women. (Parkinson

Foundation)

- An estimated 1.1 million people in the U.S. are living with Parkinson's disease (PD). This

number is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030. Parkinson's is the second-most common

neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease. (Parkinson Foundation)

Why does this matter?

Parkinson's disease is currently the neurological disorder with the largest global growth rate, but it is

often misunderstood. By raising awareness, we can fund innovative research, fight for improved care,

and challenge established beliefs. By working together, we can build a future where people with

Parkinson's disease and their carers have the resources, encouragement, and optimism they require to

succeed.


Sources:

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “Parkinson’s Disease.” National Institute of

Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 5 Mar.

2025, https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/parkinsons-disease. Accessed 6 July

2026.

Cleveland Clinic. “Parkinson’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Stages, Treatment, Support.” Cleveland

Clinic, 15 Apr. 2022,

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8525-parkinsons-disease-an-overview. Accessed 6 July

2026.

Mayo Clinic. (2023). Parkinson’s disease - Diagnosis and treatment. Mayoclinic.Org.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-2037606

2

Sjödahl Hammarlund, Catharina, et al. “The Impact of Living with Parkinson’s Disease: Balancing

within a Web of Needs and Demands.” Parkinson’s Disease, vol. 2018, no. 4598651, July 2018, pp.


1–8, https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/4598651.

Parkinson’s Foundation. “Statistics.” Parkinson’s Foundation, 2025,

https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Statistics. Accessed 6 July 2026.

“Parkinson’s Awareness Month - Parkinson Canada.” Parkinson Canada -, 17 Mar. 2025,

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