Overview

Causes

Dopamine is a chemical in the brain. It helps people move and control their emotions. PD is caused by a loss of brain cells that make dopamine. It is not known why this happens.

A small number of people with PD have an early-onset form. This type is often caused by a gene problem. It may be passed down from parents.

Risk Factors

PD is more common in older adults. Other things that may raise the risk are:

  • Family members with PD
  • Exposure to toxins, such as well water and pesticides

SymptomsandDiagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms start slowly and get worse over time. A person may have:

  • Tremors that are worse at rest
  • Muscle stiffness or moving slowly
  • Problems doing tasks with the hands, activities of daily living, or problems moving, such as taking smaller steps and shuffling
  • Fatigue or sleep problems
  • Pain
  • Mood swings or problems thinking
  • Perceiving things that are not there or believing things that are not based in reality
  • Lightheadedness
  • Constipation or problems with urine and bowel control

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. Symptoms may be enough to make the diagnosis.

Images may be taken to rule out other causes. Tests may be:

  • MRI scan
  • CT scan
  • DAT scan

Treatments

Treatment

There is no cure. Treatment is aimed at managing symptoms.

Medicine

Medicines that may be used to ease symptoms are:

  • Levodopa-carbidopa to treat tremors and problems moving
  • Dopamine agonists
  • Monoamine oxidase type B inhibitors
  • Anticholinergics
  • COMT inhibitors
  • Antivirals

Medicine may also be given to ease symptoms of depression.

Surgery

Surgical choices are:

  • Deep brain stimulation (DBS)—implants a device to stimulate certain parts of the brain to ease problems with movement
  • Thalamotomy—destroys certain parts of the brain to help with severe tremors

Physical Therapy

Therapy can help with muscle tone, strength, balance, and movement.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy may ease symptoms and improve quality of life. It has a person examine their feelings and thought patterns, learn to interpret them, and apply coping methods to situations.

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent PD.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Edits to original content made by Denver Health.