<p> Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra in the brain. Dopamine acts as a messenger between two brain areas, substantia nigra, and the corpus striatum, to produce controlled movements. When there is a shortage of dopamine, the communication between the two areas becomes ineffective and the movement becomes impaired. In short, the greater the loss of dopamine, the worst the movement-related symptoms. The severity of symptoms is measured with the Hoehn and Yahr scale, which indicates what stage an individual is in based on her movements. The motor system shows signs of Parkinson's through shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement, impaired balance, and difficulty in walking. As symptoms get worse, talking, chewing, speaking, or swallowing may be difficult for an individual. Dementia, loss of sense of smell, cognitive impairment, and constipation are other signs of Parkinson in its most advanced stages. Emotional symptoms may include depression, apathy, and anxiety. Typically, symptoms of Parkinson’s appear around the age of 60 and is more common in men than it is in women. Additionally, those who have family members who have had Parkinson’s are at risk of having Parkinson’s.

<p> Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra in the brain. Dopamine acts as a messenger between two brain areas, substantia nigra, and the corpus striatum, to produce controlled movements. When there is a shortage of dopamine, the communication between the two areas becomes ineffective and the movement becomes impaired. In short, the greater the loss of dopamine, the worst the movement-related symptoms. The severity of symptoms is measured with the Hoehn and Yahr scale, which indicates what stage an individual is in based on her movements. The motor system shows signs of Parkinson's through shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement, impaired balance, and difficulty in walking. As symptoms get worse, talking, chewing, speaking, or swallowing may be difficult for an individual. Dementia, loss of sense of smell, cognitive impairment, and constipation are other signs of Parkinson in its most advanced stages. Emotional symptoms may include depression, apathy, and anxiety. Typically, symptoms of Parkinson’s appear around the age of 60 and is more common in men than it is in women. Additionally, those who have family members who have had Parkinson’s are at risk of having Parkinson’s.

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