Parkinson's disease, also known as Parkinson disease or PD is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. It is characterized by the impairment of the patient’s motor skills and speech along with several other functions. This disorder belongs to a group of conditions known as movement disorders and is marked by various symptoms such as rigidity of the muscles, tremors, slowed motion or bradykinesia, loss of automatic movements, impaired posture and balance, speech changes and dementia. The primary symptoms include the results of decreased stimulation of the cerebral cortex by the basal ganglia caused by insufficient formation and function of dopamine which is produced in the dopaminergic neurons of the brain. Secondary symptoms may include high intensity cognitive dysfunction and language problems. Parkinson disease can be both chronic as well as progressive.

Symptoms of Parkinson's disease:

The symptoms of this disorder differ from individual to individual. Early signs may be subtle and one may not notice them for years. Typically, the symptoms begin on one side of the body and usually remain worse on the side.

Tremors: This includes shaking and trembling associated with Parkinson’s disease and often affects a hand. It is characterized by a back and forth rubbing of the thumb and forefinger also known as pill rolling. This symptom may be common, but is not experienced by several individuals affected by the disorder.

Bradykinesia: Over a period of time, Parkinson's disease may reduce the patient’s ability of voluntary movement. This may make even the simplest of tasks time consuming as well as difficult. For instance, the steps may become short and wobbly while walking or the feet may freeze to the floor making it extremely difficult to move.

Muscular Rigidity: The limbs and neck often tends to stiffen which can be so severe at times that it may limit the range or motion and cause excruciating pain.

Speech changes: Many patients diagnosed with PD speak more softly, rapidly or in a monotone. Their speech may appear to be void of any expressions and may be characterized by slurring or repeating the words.

Impaired posture and imbalance: The posture of many individuals affected with this disorder may become stooped marked by prominent imbalance.

Loss of automatic movements: Some individuals affected by this disorder may develop a transfixed state or expression with unblinking eyes or may no longer gesture when they speak.

Dementia: In the later stages of this disorder, some patients develop problems with memory and mental stability.