Understanding Parkinson s Disease

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disease affecting the central nervous system, which affects the motor system. At the onset of the disease, symptoms such as rigidity, difficulty in walking, shaking and slowness of movement appears. Difficulties in thinking and behavioral changes may also occur. In the advanced stages of the disease, dementia sets in. The cause of Parkinson's disease is not completely understood, but it is believed that it may occur due to genetic and environmental factors. The motor symptoms of the disease can be attributed to the death of cells in the substantia nigra. The diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is based on a clinical examination of symptoms. In the initial stages, antiparkinson medication levodopa and dopamine agonists are prescribed. However with the progression of the disease and with the continued loss of neurons, these medications are rendered ineffective. Surgeries aimed at deep brain stimulation can also be performed in severe cases. This book explores the clinical aspects of Parkinson's disease in the modern day scenario. It strives to provide a fair idea about the symptoms and complications of Parkinson's disease and its medical care and management strategies. It will serve as a valuable source of reference for graduate and post-graduate students.