Parkinsons DiseasePd. 5Kelly Lee and Peter Kang

HISTORYIt 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

SYMPTOMSBradykinesia. slows down automatic movement

postural instability. no balance

SYMPTOMSTremorrhythmic back-and-forth motion at a rate of 4-6 beats per second.Rigidityperson aches or feels stiff due to muscles being tense and contracted

CAUSESoccurs when nerve cells or neurons die in the brainGeneticsEnvironment: Exposure to the certain toxins(MPTP)

Current Research NINDS (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) is researching Parkinsons Disease (PD) through 3 basic typesbasic: scientific discoveries in the labclinical: developing/studying therapeutic approaches to PDtranslational: 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 PDalso collaborates with Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research (MJFF)collects biosamples from those healthy volunteers and those with PD

Current TreatmentsPD cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be treatedsurgery could also be advised for some symptomsdoctors may also recommend lifestyle changesaerobic exercisesphysical therapy that focuses on balance/stretching is also important

Doctors could prescribe levodopa or dopamine agonists to combat the effects of PDSurgery such as Deep Brain Stimulation can help treat PD symptomsDeep 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 brainThis can reduce PD symptoms but also puts you at risk for brain hemorrhaging, infections, or strokeDBS can reduce the erratic movements of those with PD, can improve medication fluctuations, reduce tremor and rigidity, and improve slowing of movementSummaryparkinsons 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 wayThere are many facilities and research centers for Parkinson's and most anyone who has been diagnosed with it can find helpAlthough there are so many treatments available for PD, many of them are not permanent and they can also fluctuate in their effectiveness

BibliographyMayo 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