Substantia nigra

Parkinson’s disease, is distinguished by the loss of dopaminergic cells within the brain. This dopaminergic degeneration is accompanied by severe symptoms, which significantly affects individuals and those around them. The rate at which this degradation; and therefore the rate at which the corresponding symptoms arises, varies among individuals. Often these symptoms do not worsen until the affected individual has reached the age of 60 to 65 years old, when the dopaminergic depletion has become significant

dopaminergic neurons which is responsible to produce dopamine. Dopaminergic neurons have their cell bodies in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) in basal ganglia (O’Sullivan and Schmitz, 2007). Basal ganglia are a collection of interconnected gray matter nuclear masses deep within the brain”. These gray matter masses are caudate, putamen, globus pallidus, subthalamic nucleus and the substantia nigra. Basal ganglia receive its input through striatum (O’Sullivan and Schmitz, 2007). Clinical Presentation:

The onset for Parkinson’s disease is progressive and increases as age increases. It commonly develops in patients around the 50 years of age and the prevalence is 4% to 5% in patients older than 85 years of age. Kluwer (2015) Based on the etiology, Parkinson’s disease is considered to be a nonhereditary disorder, however there is evidence that the environmental factors may contribute to some etiologic associations. The associated environmental risk factors include expo¬sure to well water, pesticides

Addressing the question of nature vs. nurture, Dr. Sonia Mathur states that “Genetics loads the gun, environment pulls the trigger” (Mathur). Parkinson’s Disease (PD) exhibits this pattern, with the vast majority of PD cases being idiopathic, likely the result of combined genetic and environmental factors. While many researchers previously sought symptom-specific treatment, recent breakthroughs open the door for the discovery of genetic and environmental causes so that disease prevention, and even

the neurons die, they produce something called dopamines. A dopamine is a neurotransmitter. They send messages to the brain that disrupts coordination and movement. The part of the brain that the neurons are affected is called the substantia nigra. The substantia nigra is in the brain stem, right above the spinal cord. These parts are essential to the functioning of the central nervous system. With the progression of this disease, the dopamine levels decrease, and the person is unable to control

Disease Parkinson’s disease is a disease of the central nervous system that affects movement, causing widespread tremors along with other symptoms. It is a result of the loss of dopamine-releasing cells in the midbrain, specifically the substantia nigra pars compacta. There are many theories as to how Parkinson’s disease develops, including the possibility of genetic mutations, certain toxins in the environment, and oxidative stress. The vast majority of Parkinson’s patients are males older

Parkinson’s Disease, also known as, “the disease of the old” (Williams, Hopper 2015). Physiology “Parkinson’s Disease, or PD is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and is caused by degeneration and dysfunction of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra.” (Corrow, 2013). Although that is the specific definition of Parkinson’s Disease, not all people might understand those terms. When educating patients, it’s important to assess their education level and provide information easily understandable

The Impact of DaTscan on the Diagnosis and Management of Movement Disorders: A Retrospective Study. New and evolving diagnostic tests are always exciting. Especially if these tests could possibly lead us to a cure for those diseases that currently have only treatment, but no cures. Parkinson 's is a progressively degenerative disease, which affects millions of people every year. Patients suffering from Parkinson 's incur high costs from drug therapy, fall-related injuries, and hospitalizations

progressive disease. Parkinson’s disease is not life threatening, but, it does have a profound effect on the quality of life (Magennis & Corry 2013). Parkinson’s disease is caused by a loss of Dopamine that affects two main brain structures, the substantia nigra pars compacta and basal ganglia deep in the central hemisphere. Low levels of

centers. With that said a new method, the TCS is more reliable in effectively diagnosing early symptoms of PD. It was concluded that with the use of the TCS “up to 90%” of patients have shown an enlarged echogenic size (hyperechogenicity) of the substantia nigra (SN). An enlarged echogenic of the SN leads to a diminishment of the nerves in the SN, that is seen in PD. The nerve cells in SN are responsible for control of movements and coordination by sending out signals to tissues on both sides of the