Parkinsons

Disease
Pd. 5
Kelly Lee and Peter Kang

HISTORY
It started from 1817
Named after british apothecary James Parkinson
An Essay on the Shaking Palsy described the
characteristic resting tremor, abnormal posture and gait,
paralysis and diminished muscle strength

SYMPTOMS
Bradykinesia.
slows down automatic movement
postural instability.
no balance

SYMPTOMS
Tremor
rhythmic back-and-forth motion at a rate of 4-6
beats per second.
Rigidity
person aches or feels stiff due to muscles being
tense and contracted

CAUSES
occurs when nerve cells or neurons die in
the brain
Genetics
Environment: Exposure to the certain toxins
(MPTP)

Current Research
NINDS (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) is
researching Parkinsons Disease (PD) through 3 basic types
o basic: scientific discoveries in the lab
o clinical: developing/studying therapeutic approaches to PD
o translational: focused on tools/resources that speed the development
of therapeutics into practice

 PDBP (Parkinsons Disease Biomarkers Program): developed by NINDS,

aimed at identifying individuals at risk for developing PD and to track the
progression of PD
o also collaborates with Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinsons
Research (MJFF)
collects biosamples from those healthy volunteers and those with
PD

Current Treatments
PD cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be treated
o surgery could also be advised for some symptoms
o doctors may also recommend lifestyle changes
aerobic exercises
physical therapy that focuses on balance/stretching is also
important

 Doctors could prescribe levodopa or dopamine agonists to combat the

effects of PD
Surgery such as Deep Brain Stimulation can help treat PD symptoms
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) involves the implant of electrodes in
the brain which attaches to a generator implanted near your
collarbone that sends electrical impulses to your brain
This can reduce PD symptoms but also puts you at risk for brain
hemorrhaging, infections, or stroke
DBS can reduce the erratic movements of those with PD, can improve
medication fluctuations, reduce tremor and rigidity, and improve
slowing of movement

Summary
parkinsons disease named after James Parkinson
parkinsons disease can be caused by the environment
or genetics
There are 4 symptoms : Tremor, Rigidity,
bradykinesia, , and postural inability

 Many things are still to be found on how to treat Parkinson's Disease but
certainly in the years since it has been found, the treatment of it has come
a long way
There are many facilities and research centers for Parkinson's and most
anyone who has been diagnosed with it can find help
Although there are so many treatments available for PD, many of them are
not permanent and they can also fluctuate in their effectiveness

Bibliography
Mayo Clinic (Ed.). (2014, May 28). Treatments and drugs. Retrieved March 8,
2015, from Mayo clinic
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - Official Site (Ed.).
(2015, March 1). Parkinson's disease: Hope through research. Retrieved
Phrma (Ed.). (2014). NEARLY 40 MEDICINES ARE BEING DEVELOPED TO TREAT OR
DIAGNOSE PARKINSONS DISEASE AND RELATED CONDITIONS. Retrieved March 8,
2015