Parkinson's Disease - Infographic

Parkinson’s disease (PD, is also known as idiopathic or primary parkinsonism, hypokinetic rigid syndrome/HRS, or paralysis agitans) is an incurable neurodegenerative brain disorder. It happens when nerve cell in a person’s brain slowly stop producing dopamine (neurotransmitter). Dopamine enables the brain cells that control the movement to communicate. PD mostly affects middle-aged and elderly.

People with Parkinson's disease experience uncontrollable shaking, a problem in standing, difficulty in walking. The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease occur when 60 to 80% of the dopamine die.

The four main common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are easily remembered by the word “TRAP” The letter T stands for Tremor at rest, R stands for rigidity, A represents Akinesia which means slow movement, P stands for posture which means stooped posture. These symptoms usually affect one side of the body.

There is no standard diagnostic for Parkinson’s disease, neurological examination plays a vital role in the diagnosis. Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, physical, occupational and speech therapy combined with medications help manage symptoms. While medications suppress the symptoms, they may reappear or worsen in the morning; This is called “ morning off.”