Sentara Neuroscience Network Parkinson's Disease Parkinson's Disease is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system. It is a chronic disease process that affects over one million people in the United States, men as well as women, adults who are generally over 40, with an average age of 60. The cause is still unknown, although medical experts believe the symptoms are related to a loss of brain cells or neurons that produce a vital chemical known as dopamine.
Dopamine acts as a messenger that controls movements.
Later in the disease, cells in other portions of the brain and nervous system also degenerate. Symptoms Symptoms vary from patient to patient. They may also appear slowly and in no particular order. Many years may pass before early symptoms progress to the point where they interfere with normal activities. Testing Patients are assessed for Parkinson's based on their presenting symptoms.