Parkinson’s disease can feel overwhelming, especially with its subtle early symptoms and unknown origins.
We turned to Leon Meytin, MD, a movement disorder neurologist with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group, to break it down. Here’s what you need to know, how to spot it early and why you can stay optimistic after a diagnosis.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects coordination and movement. The exact cause of Parkinson’s isn’t fully understood, but experts believe it’s likely a mix of genetic risk factors and environmental influences like pesticides, diet and exercise. One of the hallmark features of Parkinson’s disease is a lack of sufficient dopamine production in the brain – a critical chemical for many functions in the brain and body.
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“Specifically, dopamine in the middle of the brain (in the basal ganglia) helps nerve cells talk to each other,” says Dr. Meytin. “Without enough dopamine, that part of the brain doesn’t function well, leading to many of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.” >> Read more
