Skylar Duensing

Anatomy Period 7
Jan 23, 2018

A. Name- Parkinson's Disease

B. Overview- ​A progressive disease of the nervous system marked by tremor, muscular

rigidity, and slow, imprecise movement, chiefly affecting middle-aged and elderly
people. It is associated with degeneration of the basal ganglia of the brain and a
deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine.

C. Incidence- ​Usually begins between the ages of 50 and 65, striking about 1% of the
population in that age group; it is slightly more common in men than in women.

D. Symptoms- The symptoms are the result of the gradual degeneration of nerve cells in the
portion of the midbrain that controls body movements. The first signs are likely to be
barely noticeable -- a feeling of ​weakness​ or stiffness in one limb, or a fine trembling of
one hand when it is at rest. Eventually, the shaking (tremor) worsens and spreads,
muscles become stiffer, movements slow down, and balance and coordination deteriorate.
As the disease progresses, ​depression​, cognitive issues, and other mental or emotional
problems are common.

E. Diagnosis- It has been estimated that, especially in its early stages, nearly 40% of people
with Parkinson’s Disease may not be diagnosed, and as many as 25% are misdiagnosed.
Body scans do help diagnosis process if the disease is caught in a recognizable stage to
avoid misdiagnosis (CT, PET, MRI).

F. Treatments- Most Parkinson's disease treatments aim to restore the proper balance of the
neurotransmitters acetylcholine and dopamine. This is usually done with medication, but
some patients are candidates for implantation of a deep brain stimulator or DBS.

G. Prognosis- Parkinson's disease affects your ability to move, but exercise can help to keep
muscles strong and improve flexibility and mobility. The effects of Parkinson's disease,
such as fatigue and difficulties getting around, can make daily activities more difficult.
These tips will help you learn to function independently in your home. No cure but help
and avoidance processes/ treatments are available to make life easier and more enjoyable/
slow down disease process.
Skylar Duensing
Anatomy Period 7
Jan 23, 2018

Works Cited

“Living & Managing.” ​WebMD​, WebMD,

www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/guide/parkinsons-living-managing.