How Parkinson’s Disease Affects Your Body

In this video from Consumer Health Digest, Dr. Ron Desi talks about the basics of Parkinson’s disease and how the progressive neurodegenerative disease affects the body.

MORE: How does Parkinson’s disease affect the brain?

Dr. Desi explains that Parkinson’s disease usually develops in middle to late age and that the risk of the disease increases with age, typically striking people in their 60s. It’s characterized by slow, imprecise movements and tremors. The symptoms will differ from person to person, but patients often experience tremors in the limbs and the face, rigidity, and impaired balance.

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The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, but researchers think it’s a combination of environmental factors, genetics and the presence of a protein in the nerve cells called “lewy bodies.” There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there are treatments that can help improve quality of life and manage the symptoms of the disease.

MORE: This woman proves you can live a good life with Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.