What is Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the central nervous system that reduces the level of dopamine in the brain.
Dopamine is a chemical that regulates movement and emotions. As dopamine levels drop, people with Parkinson’s disease may develop tremors, slow movements, rigid limbs, gait and balance problems, changes to voice and speech, difficulty swallowing, and limited facial expressions. The disorder can also lead to a variety of non-movement symptoms, such as anxiety, fatigue, hallucinations, vision changes, dizziness and other issues. There is no cure for Parkinson’s Disease, although medications and surgery as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapy can often help to slow or manage the disease.