Parkinson's diseaseParkinson's disease (PD), "trembling paralysis" first described by James Parkinson in 1817, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects more than 1.5 million of Americans. The disease begins to occur around the age of 40 and its incidence depends on the age of the patient. A survey found that PD can affect 1% of the population over 60 years old. The incidence appears to be higher in men and tends to progress towards disability and death over one or two decades. The clinical diagnosis of PD currently depends solely on the presentation of the patient's symptoms which reflect striatal dopamine deficiency caused by destruction of substantia nigra cells. Imaging and other laboratory techniques can be used to rule out other disorders, but are not necessary for the actual diagnosis of PD. The first sign of PA is usually bradykinesia. Movements are generally quite slow. Routine activities may require deliberate planning and thought to execute. Difficulty initiating movements or akinesia may also be present. Flexor stiffness is also present. This is due to an exaggerated response to normal proprioceptive feedback from the somatic musculature. A resting tremor of 3 to 6 Hz is also an important feature of PD. This can lead to handwriting difficulties as a symptom. Impaired postural reflexes are also an interesting feature of PD. Patients can easily lose their balance when lightly pushed and may need to be caught to avoid falling. These signs can be tested for by observing patients walking, getting out of deep chairs, and performing rapid, repetitive movements. Increased disruptions in cognitive abilities may also reveal signs of PD. Even with all of these signs of PD, it may be present and undiagnosed...... middle of article ...... the subject of much research today. Hopefully the disease can soon be diagnosed early enough so that its progression can be stopped and cured. With current research and development, that day may soon come. Works Cited: Jenner, P. Clues to the mechanism underlying dopamine cell death in Parkinson's disease. Journal of Neurology' Neurosurqerv and Psychiatry (1989): 22-28. Korczyr., AD Disturbances of the autonomic nervous system in Parkinson's disease. Advances in Neurology, 53 (1990): 463-68. Kingston, JW Current theories on the cause of Parkinson's disease. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychology, (1989): 13-17. Langston, JW and WC Koller. The next frontier: presymptomatic detection. Geriatrics, August 1991: 5-7. Paulson, GW Management of the patient with newly diagnosed Parkinson's disease. Geriatrics, February. 1993: 30-40.