Parkinson’s Disease (PD)

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a movement disorder that occurs when brain cells that make the chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) called dopamine die over time. This creates a shortage of dopamine in the brain.

Trembling and shaking (called tremor) in an arm or leg, especially when at rest, is often the first symptom of PD. Other common symptoms include:

Slow movement
An inability to get started moving, freezing in place
Stiff limbs
A shuffling gait
Stooped posture
In some cases, people with PD may not show their usual facial expressions, or may speak in an unusually soft voice.

Diagnosing PD
The cause of PD is not clear. Genes may play a role, but researchers believe the disease's onset also depends on environmental factors.

Currently, no test can clearly identify PD in a person. So, in order to diagnose PD, doctors must carefully evaluate patients' symptoms, including what they are, how severe they are, and when they started.

Neurologists (doctors who specialize in the brain and nervous system) have experience with PD. They are best suited to diagnose the disease.