Parkinson's Disease: Physiology, Cause, Management and Treatment
Parkinson’s Disease Definition Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system characterized mainly by resting tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement , and postural instability, due to degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the brain. Physiology (Pathophysiology) Parkinson’s disease primarily affects the basal ganglia, especially the substantia nigra pars compacta. There is progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons. Dopamine deficiency leads to imbalance between dopamine and acetylcholine in the striatum. This imbalance results in impaired motor control. Resulting motor effects: ↓ Dopamine → ↓ stimulation of motor cortex → impaired voluntary movement Causes (Etiology) Primary (Idiopathic) •Most cases are idiopathic (unknown cause) •Age-related neuronal degeneration Secondary Causes •Genetic mutations (e.g., SNCA, LRRK2, PARK genes) •Environmental toxins (pesticides, MPTP) •Head injury •Drugs (antipsychot...