Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting millions of people across the world. This condition occurs when some particular nerve cells or neurons producing a chemical called “dopamine” are killed. Dopamine is responsible for sending signals to neurons and hence, these cell deaths affect the central nervous system and result in the body’s inability to coordinate movements properly. Nearly 1% of the global population or more than 10 million people worldwide are affected by this serious condition.
Although the signs of Parkinson’s disease develop slowly causing mild tremors of hands, arms, and legs, with time the symptoms progress to advanced stages which are characterized by slow and permanent loss of mobility and impaired coordination of the body.
The chemical “dopamine” is essential for swift body movements, balance, coordination, and muscle control. Less dopamine implies malfunctioning or death of the neurons in the brain cells and the inability to send messages to the brain to move, eat, walk, talk, or perform any simple tasks. Parkinson’s disease, in simple words, is a progressive loss of muscle control due to low levels of dopamine in the brain cells. Bradykinesia (slow movement), postural instability, body rigidity, and resting tremors are the most common consequences seen in the patients.