Understanding Parkinson's Disease: Symptoms, Causes & Impacts

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra. Dopamine deficiency disrupts movement control.

Key symptoms:

• Tremor (resting, "pill-rolling")
• Rigidity (stiffness)
• Bradykinesia (slowed movement)
• Postural instability (balance problems)
• Speech changes (soft, monotone)
• Micrographia (small handwriting)
• Non-motor: depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, sleep disorders, autonomic dysfunction.

Treatments: Levodopa/carbidopa, dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors, deep brain stimulation (DBS), physical/occupational/speech therapy. No cure, but symptoms can be managed effectively for years.