Parkinson’s disease is a disorder that affects the nerve cells, or neurons, that control muscle movements. In this disease, neurons that produce a substance known as dopamine (a brain messenger responsible for sending signals to aid in the coordination of movements) die or do not function properly. The result of this deficit is the cause of the symptoms that characterize the disease:

  • Stiffness in extremities and trunk
  • Resting tremors of the hand, leg or jaw
  • Equilibrium problems
  • Slowness of movement

It can also present with a series of non-motor symptoms such as alterations in sleep, mood, intellectual capacity and the autonomic system (constipation, sweating, urinary urgency and dizziness on arising).

The disease usually begins around the age of 60, but it is important to know that it is not a disease exclusive to older people, since 15% of the cases debut in people younger than 45 years of age.

The diagnosis of this disease is clinical. At present there is no imaging or blood test to confirm the existence or not of the disease. . Diagnosis is based on the patient’s history, neurological and general examination. At present there is no there is a curative treatment. Multiple drugs are available to help improve symptoms. Physical activity, including aerobic exercise and stretching, is very important. There are also other therapeutic possibilities including infusion pumps. y functional neurosurgery.