Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the body’s motor system. This disease affects the nerve cells in the part of the brain that controls muscle movement. Dopamine is a very important chemical in the brain that is responsible for sending signals that help coordinate the movement of your muscles. When Parkinson’s disease is present, the neurons that are responsible for producing dopamine die. The cause behind the death of these neurons is unknown.

The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are trembling in the hands, legs, arms, jaw and face. An individual with Parkinson’s disease may also have rigidity of the limbs and the trunk. Another sure sign of Parkinson’s disease is slow movement and being unsteady on your feet.

Many people who have a relative with Parkinson’s disease will find themselves wondering if Parkinson’s is hereditary. Studies have shown that Parkinson’s disease is not hereditary. There have been a few cases where members of the same family have developed Parkinson’s disease, but this is hardly conclusive to this disease being hereditary.

As Parkinson’s disease progresses, the patient will have difficulty walking and talking. The shaking and tremors of this motor disease will begin to interfere with daily activities. Parkinson’s disease progresses more quickly in some people than in others.