Understanding Parkinson's

The Parkinson's disease is realized by the Failure of a specific group of nerve cells in the brain caused. These cells are responsible for the production of the neurotransmitter Dopamine responsible. Dopamine is crucial for Fluid, coordinated movements, which Regulation of muscle tension and for the Overall motor skills. If the amount of dopamine drops, the movement disorders typical of Parkinson's occur. The causal mechanisms, that lead to a standstill in dopamine production are not yet fully clarified.

The most common form of the disease is the idiopathic Parkinson's disease, where No clear cause can be determined. This form is used by the Parkinsonism in which the symptoms are limited to concrete triggers such as medication or other illnesses. Genetic influences are considered to be a contributing factor, but so far no single gene which is directly responsible for the development of idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

Research shows that Nerve cell damage and dopamine loss begin years before the first symptoms appear. Only when a significant part of the dopaminergic system is impaired - estimates are around 80 % Dopamine loss in the striatum the symptoms become clinically noticeable. The period between the onset of neurodegenerative processes and the visible onset of the disease is currently estimated at around five years estimated.

Some sufferers bring the onset of the disease with them traumatic events such as accidents, operations or strong emotional stress. However, neurological experts assume that such events are not the cause of Parkinson's disease, but possibly bring existing symptoms to light earlier. The vast majority of people who experience traumatic events develop No Parkinson's disease.

In addition to the idiopathic form, there are also secondary Parkinson's syndromes, where certain medications the Disrupt dopamine metabolism in the brain. A Long-term use of such drugs can cause Parkinson's-like symptoms.

Neuropathologically, Parkinson's disease is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic, neuromelanin-containing nerve cells in the substantia nigra characterized, a central area of the Basal ganglia, which play a significant role in Movement control, posture and coordination play a role. The decisive factor for the course of the disease is not so much the pure cell loss as the resulting Breakdown of the dopaminergic nigrostriatal signaling pathway, which ultimately leads to the typical motor symptoms.