This document discusses Parkinson's disease, which is caused by degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain. This leads to a loss of dopamine signaling and results in motor symptoms like tremors, rigidity, and impaired movement. The disease progresses as more dopamine neurons are lost over time. It can be diagnosed through neurological exams and imaging tests, and is typically treated with medications like levodopa and carbidopa or therapies like deep brain stimulation. Recent research also suggests weight gain from deep brain stimulation may help improve cognitive and sensory symptoms in Parkinson's patients.

2. Basal ganglia in striatum: Controls movements, balance, & coordination
Death of cells in Basal ganglia: Uncontrolled movements, loss of smooth
muscle control
Substantia nigra of brain holds neurons that produce dopamine:
Communication to perform controlled movements & coordination
Dopamine degenerating neurons: Loss of dopamine - Communication
interrupted, irregular and impaired movements
Is not known as to how dopamine degenerates/decreases
Norepinephrine: Chemical neurotransmitter related to dopamine-Controls
automatic functions of body (Ex: heart rate, temp, blood pressure)
Norepinephrine loss: Fatique, irregular GI tract, postural hypotentsion
(loss of balance, sudden drop in blood pressure due to standing up)
Neurotransmitter Dopamine Deficiency: Causes inflammatory changes
with in basal ganglia - Tremors, slouched posture, masklike facial
expressions, rhythmic movements

5.  Neurologist: Specializes in movement/impaired disorders of brain – Balance,
control, cognitive techniques, and motor/sensory functions
Initial Physician Exam: Assess symptoms (muscle control, eye movement
abnormalities, tremor, speech impairment) & compile records/tests for
diagnosing disease- Carbidopa – levodopa medication may be prescribed
 Clinical Exam: No single diagnostic test for disease
Neuroimaging: Neurological imaging/exam to determine affected nerve cells
& Progression
Positron-emission tomography (PET) scan: Levoda radioactive
scan/imaging-Drug injection enhancing dopamine into brain; highlights loss of
dopamine cells
Single photon emission computed tomography(SPECT):Imaging
measuring metabolic & physiological functions to dopamine cells; measure
progressive loss of neurons

7. Progressive disease:
Life expectancy: Depends on symptoms of disease & initial treatment administered
Medications
Levodopa:
Anticolinergics:
Brain Surgery
Deep Brain Stimulation:
Rehab Therapy
Speech-Occupational-Physical:
Alternative Therapy
Essential oils, herbs, massage, acupuncture:
Exercise:

8.  Body weight/diet breakthrough: Eating habits and
weight change both contribute to progression of
Parkinson’s patients – Deep brain stimulation in
Parkinson’s patients was contributing to weight gain
 Consequently, the weight gain provided increased
ability in pleasure, regaining cognitive functions, as
well as increase in smell & taste.

11. 1. www.nihseniorhealth.gov/parkinsonsdisease/symptomsanddiagnosis.01.html
2. www.emedicine.medscape.com/article/1831191-overview
3. www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/285888.php
4. www.ncbinlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001762
5. www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neuroligic_disorders
6. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2528272
7. www.emedicine.medscape.com/article/1831191-overview
8. www.mayoclinic.org/disease-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms
9. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/
basics/causes/con-20028488
10. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0003683/
11. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11948753