Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's is a neurological condition that affects the control of body movements. People with Parkinson's experience trembling, rigidity, slowness of movement and changes in posture. The condition is neither fatal nor contagious, but it is degenerative, which means the symptoms become worse over time.
At present, we do not know the cause of Parkinson's. We do know that there is a loss of nerve cells (neurones) in the substantia nigra (a pigmented area in the base of the brain), which is part of the basal ganglia (the area that controls and coordinates body movements).
Neurones produce a chemical called dopamine that enables nerve impulses (messengers to and from the brain) to move between one nerve cell and the next. With fewer neurones in the substantia nigra, there is less dopamine, which interferes with the transmission of messages within the basal ganglia. As a result, some parts of the brain which control body movement become overactive, while other parts become underactive. The first signs of Parkinson's are usually noticed when approximately 60% to 70% of these dopamine-producing neurones are lost. Why these cells die remains a mystery to researchers.
Incidence
Parkinson's is the second most common degenerative neurological condition after dementia. More than 80,000 people in Australia are living with it and about 4000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Parkinson's affects men and women and is more prevalent in people aged between 50 and 75 years. Approximately 10% of those diagnosed are 40 years and younger.
Treatments
The main treatments are individual management through medication or surgery.
Managing Parkinson's
While there is no cure for Parkinson's, there are plenty of ways to reduce some symptoms and the condition can be managed well with a combination of therapies, regular activity and a healthy diet.
More information
BrainLink is a community based care and education organisation focusing on the impact of acquired brain disorders.
Brain Link Fact Sheet: Understanding Parkinson's 
The above information is a short summary of parts of this fact sheet.
Parkinson's NSW Incorporated is a non-profit, community-based organisation established in 1979 to provide information, counselling and support to people living with Parkinson's disease.
