Information About Parkinson's

Parkinson's symptoms are caused by a gradual loss of nerve cells in particular areas of the brain. Among these, cells that produce a chemical called dopamine that transmits neural messages die in a small brain area called the substantia nigra. Researchers don’t yet know what triggers the death of these nerve cells.

How is Parkinson’s diagnosed?

There are currently no blood or lab tests to diagnose Parkinson’s positively. Diagnosis is based on medical history and a neurological exam. Doctors may request brains scans to rule out other conditions.

What are some active areas of investigation in Parkinson’s?

In the short term, control studies that compare people with and without Parkinson's disease can provide valuable information about environmental risk factors and the interaction of genetic and non-genetic factors.

Genetic factors may be involved in a small percentage of Parkinson’s cases, and investigators are exploring how they interact with environmental factors in the genesis of Parkinson’s.

Prospective studies--which follows people who do not yet have the disease--might help identify causes of Parkinson's disease and provide epidemiological information. Including other disorders in such a study would be efficient and cost-effective.

What are some challenges in understanding Parkinson’s?

While we have achieved progress in understanding how the normal brain controls movement, we still do not understand how Parkinson’s disease disrupts these systems to produce its major symptoms. A variety of studies is needed, using anatomical, electrophysiological, neurochemical, and imaging methods.

U.S. Government Sites

• NINDS Parkinson’s Disease Page

Parkinson’s Associations and Organizations

• American Parkinson Disease Association
• National Parkinson Foundation
• Parkinson's Action Network
• Parkinson's Disease Foundation