Parkinson's Disease

Question 1

What is the cause of Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 1

A disorder of the nervous system caused by the failure to produce dopamine in a part of the brain

Question 2

What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

6 points

Answer 2

Trembling of the hands/legs
Stiff and rigid muscles and body
A shuffling unbalanced gait when walking
A fixed, unblinking stare
Difficulty with everyday activities such as dressing
Thought processes are affected late in the course of the disease

Question 3

Can Parkinson’s disease be prevented?

Answer 3

There is no known way to prevent this disease

Question 4

How can Parkinson’s be treated?

3 points

Answer 4

Initially physiotherapy and special exercises along with the provision of special aids and home help to patients
Treatment with drugs such as L-dopa stimulate or mimic dopamine which can reduce symptoms but does not stop the degeneration of the brain
Electrical stimulation or implanting dopamine-secreting tissue (stem cells) into the brain may prove beneficial