Causes Of Parkinson's Disease

Words: 541
Pages: 3
Open Document
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease which primarily affects the presence of dopamine neurons located within the basal ganglia of the midbrain. The systemic motor and neurological symptoms which the disease traditionally shows is due to the decreased activity of the nigrostriatial and dopaminergic pathways when the basal ganglia has lost partial function (McCance & Huether, 2014). In this disease, the primary cause of the degeneration of the basal ganglia is due to the degeneration of the substantia nigra. The substantia nigra is a part of a system called the basal ganglia, which also consists of the caudate nucleus, the putamen, the globus pallidus (internal and external), and the subthalamic nucleus and nucleus …show more content…
Subsequently, this catecholamine is also a neurotransmitter. This specific neurotransmitter has the primary function of assisting in the movement pathways of an individual. In order for ‘normal movements’ to occur’, a steady supply of dopamine must be secreted through the dopamine neurons. However, individuals which have been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder such as Parkinson’s disease will lack the required amount of dopamine which is required for the conduction of this movement pathway. An individual with Parkinson’s disease will be deficient in dopamine levels due to a host of both genetic and epigenetic factors, such as familial association and environmental consequences. There are two types of the disease, primary and secondary Parkinsonism. Primary Parkinson’s disease occurs due to a hereditary or otherwise idiopathic stimuli, whilst secondary Parkinson’s disease is drug induced. An individual suffering from Parkinson disease may encounter a variety of symptoms including a general difficulty in executing muscular skeletal movements, issues with memory and sleep as well as depression (ParkinsonsUK, …show more content…
The PARK1 gene encodes α-synuclein aggregation, which is a precursor for Lewy body formation. Proteosomal function, mitochondrial function and premature apoptosis are induced as a result of α-synuclein being present in high amounts. Oxidative stress placed on the α-synuclein protein causes aggregation and increased toxicity; the resultant increased toxicity causes the subsequent death of dopaminergic neuronal cells. Individuals suffering from Parkinson’s disease will display abnormal deficits in dopamine levels (Ogunrombi, 2015). The abnormal deficits displayed in Parkinson’s disease sufferers is attributed to the loss of dopaminergic neurons within the substantia nigra; the subsequent depletion of the dopamine throughout the nigrostriatial pathway follows (Ogunrombi, 2015). The nigrostriatial pathway is the connection between the substantia nigra and corpus striatum; it describes one of the four major pathways which dopamine travels through to constitute the movement of an individual (ParkinsonsUK,
Show More

Related Documents: Causes Of Parkinson's Disease

The Primary Cause Of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease is diagnosed based on medical history, on signs and symptoms, as well on neurological and physical examination. The primary cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown. According to scientists it could be genetic and environmental factors. Consequently, the symptoms are due to the loss of dopaminergic neurons, and neurotransmitters as well. Age, family history, exposure to pesticides, male sex are the predisposing factors. Parkinson’s disease prevention method remain unknown. Nonetheless…

Words 536 - Pages 3

Dopamine Research Paper

including conditions such as Parkinson's disease Schizophrenia and drug addiction. Moreover, uncharacteristically high levels of dopamine have been powerfully linked to schizophrenic and psychotic episodes since it acts to manage the communication in the brain (Psychologist World). Additionally, an excess of dopamine in the brain can cause unpredictable, uncontrollable movements such as shaking and repetitive tics (Parkinson's Disease…

Words 631 - Pages 3

Research Paper On Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Disease Parkinson's is a long-term disorder of the central nervous system that mainly affects the motor system. It is caused by the degeneration of neurons that produce dopamine in the midbrain. Parkinson's most common affect on people 50-75 years old, but it can also occur and develop in younger people. In this essay I'm going to talk about its symptoms and signs, what causes Parkinson's, and how to prevent it. Firstly, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and signs may differ…

Words 364 - Pages 2

Parkinsons: Parkinson ' s Disease and et Al Essay

Parkinson's Disease has no relation to neither creed nor race (Lees et al. 2009). The definite cause of Parkinson's remains as elusive as it did when first diagnosed in 1817(Lees et al. 2009). In spite of the elusive nature of Parkinson's, significant pathological and genetic clues have been found (Lees et al. 2009). Parkinson's is now regarded as a sporadic disorder, meaning that it is not inherited, but arises via mutation in single and scattered cases (Lees et al. 2009). Most sporadic disorders…

Words 744 - Pages 3

Parkinson's Disease

differently from their normal function and causes disorder, it is known as cellular disease. Mutation of the DNA cells, increased number of cells, problems in present cells, or loss of vital cells are all components of cellular disease. Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common cellular diseases amongst others. The…

Words 1011 - Pages 5

Parkinson's Disease Research Paper

technological advancement has lead to the development of treatments and cures for many human diseases. However, one mystery that scientists have yet to solve is Parkinson’s disease. Approximately 7 to 10 million people are living with Parkinson’s disease worldwide (“Immune”), and about 60, 000 Americans are diagnosed with this disease every year (“Parkinson’s Disease National”). Parkinson’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder that affects movements of the human body. Symptoms typically…

Words 924 - Pages 4

Parkinson's Disease Research Paper

Report #1 Define Your Disease: Parkinson’s Disease The term “Parkinsonism” refers to any condition involving motor symptoms such as involuntary muscle contraction (i.e. twitching of body parts), muscle tension or stiffness, and slowed movement. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most widespread form of Parkinsonism and the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. Parkinson’s disease is classified as a movement disorder, affecting the central nervous system and causes affected areas of the…

Words 543 - Pages 3

Parkinson's Disease Outline

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative illness, which is not considered fatal, but severely reduces longevity and the quality of life. Symptoms of the disease begin to progress quickly, especially in older patients. Within a decade the disease can go from mild to completely incapacitating, depending upon the patient, it could progress quicker. Mental and daily functions decline rapidly, leaving those who suffer from the illness, virtually helpless. Parkinson’s disease is difficult to diagnose and…

Words 417 - Pages 2

Parkinson's Disease Research Paper

Description of the disease (cause/location of the body affected) Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder. It is a disease that affects your muscles, so that you constantly shake and have a hard time controlling your own body. Parkinson’s Disease does not have a cure, and worsens over time. Scientists have not found the exact cause of this disease yet, but research says that it might come from genetics or environmental factors. Some symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, as stated by…

Words 281 - Pages 2

Parkinson's Disease Research Paper

Parkinson’s Disease (also known as hypokinetic rigid syndrome or paralysis agitans) is a progressive degenerative disorder of the nervous system .() It was first described in 1817 by Dr. James Parkinson who published an essay on six patients with similar symptoms.() The disorder is characterized by resting tremors, abnormal gait, masklike face and diminished muscle strength in the early stages and dementia in the later stages. The cause of these symptoms is a decrease in dopamine producing cells…

Words 641 - Pages 3