Parkinson's Disease is a progressive disease of the central nervous system. This disease affects more than 1.5 million people in the U.S. alone. Individuals who have idiopathic Parkinson's Disease can develop several different symptoms over time. The disease can progress either quickly or gradually over the years which means that people can become profoundly disabled or function relatively well.

Individuals will also find that symptoms vary from day to day and in some cases even moment to moment. Doctors aren't able to give a clear reason for the fluctuation of the symptoms but they be attributed to the disease or the metabolism of the medication.

The symptoms of the disease fall into one of four categories of characteristics and can be remembered with the acronym TRAP. T=Tremor Involuntary trembling of the limbs R=Rigidity (Stiffness) A=Akinesia (Slowness in initiating and maintaining movement) P=Postural instability (Bending or flexion of the body, difficulty with balance or disturbance of gait).

Some of these medications are:

Levodopa/Carbidopa:  This is the most popular medication for Parkinson’s disease.  It is found in plants and animals and is a chemical that is natural.  When this medication interacts with the brain it will convert to dopamine.  This medication also serves to combat side effects, such as lightheadedness.  It may, however, cause nausea and vomiting when initially begun. 

Parkinson patient is started on a low dose of this medication with increasing dosages until optimum benefit is reached.  Of course, the higher the dosage, the more side effects will be present.  Taking this medication with food will limit the side effects. 

Dopamine agonists:  There is no conversion in the brain when using this medication.  This medication simply acts as if there is dopamine in the brain due to its mimicking action of the chemical.  The dopamine agonists that are available at the present time are:  Requip, Parlodel, Permax, and Mirapex.  Parlodel and Permax are dopamine agonists that are ergot-derived, which is a fungus.  Mirapex and Requip do not contain any fungus.

Parkinson's disease is a neuro degenerative disorder that is characterized by the degeneration of production of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, located in the brain, that is responsible for the communication of electrical stimuli that triggers motor movements. Individuals who suffer from Parkinson's disease may ask the question about whether or not the condition has a link to genetics.

Genes, our most basic genetic material, is stored in the center of every cell in our bodies. These genes carry the information that the body requires to carry out all functions we need to live and to grow. Genes will affect our height, eye color and are likelihood of developing certain medical conditions.

As individuals, we carry two copies of every gene. This means that we have two copies of the gene which determines our hair color and two copies which determine our eye color. We inherit one copy from our mother and one copy from our father and then we pass along to one copy to our children. The copy that we pass along, whether it's from our mother or father, is purely by chance.

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