Parkinson's disease is a chronic brain disorder in which vital nerve cells in the brain become impaired. This impairment slows the brains production of dopamine, a chemical that signals the brain to control movement and balance. As nerve cells die they are unable to produce adequate amounts of this chemical transmitter. A decrease in dopamine greatly effects a victim's body movement.

Who Gets Parkinson's?

It is estimated that approximately 1.5 million people are affected with Parkinson's Disease. Among the 50,000 new cases reported each young, the average victim is over the age of sixty. However, Parkinson's does affect younger victims. In fact, 20% of those affected are under the age of 50. In rare instances, some victims were diagnosed with Parkinson's as young adults. Those who develop Parkinson's early in life are characterized as having "young onset Parkinson's Disease." Individuals with young onset Parkinson's experience similar movement and balance problems as older victims. However, due to their youthful body and limited health worries, younger victims are generally able to adjust better to the illness and are ideal candidates for new surgical procedures to treat Parkinson's The progression rate for Parkinson's in younger victims is considerably slower.

Stages of Parkinson's

Parkinson's disease has five stages of development. Each individual case is different; thus, those who live with this illness may experience varying degrees of symptoms. It is also common for some victims to skip certain stages, or remain in one stage for several years.

Stage 1: Patient will begin to notice early signs of Parkinson's. These may include mild shaking or tremors in one limb. Patients may experience occasional loss of balance.

Stage 2: Patient may begin to experience symptoms on both sides of their body. Shaking may regularly occur in all limbs. Uncontrollable shaking affects patient's ability to walk, stand, and maintain balance. Patient may encounter difficulty handling otherwise simple tasks.

Stage 3: Symptoms become more severe and noticeable to others. Patients may have periods where they are unable to walk or stand.

Stage 4: Symptoms completely interrupts a patient's life. They may need daily assistance and cannot live alone. Patients may occasionally experience shaking and tremor episodes.

Stage 5: The final stage of Parkinson's disease requires patients to have constant one-on-one care. Patients are unable to walk or stand, and may be confined to home or a nursing facility.