Health Tip: About Parkinson's Disease

(HealthDay News) -- Parkinson''s disease occurs when neurons in the brain are destroyed or become impaired. It affects both men and women, although typically not until after age 60.

Tremors, shaking, stiffness, slow movement, and difficulty with balance are common symptoms, the National Parkinson Foundation says. Some people may become depressed and have physical problems including difficulty with handwriting, facial expressions and speech.

As most of these symptoms are caused by a lack of a brain chemical called dopamine, many medications used to treat Parkinson''s disease mimic or replace dopamine.

As a last resort, a neurologist may recommend surgery if all appropriate medications have proven unsuccessful in controlling symptoms, the foundation says.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: May 12, 2006