Diagnosis is made on medical history and physical findings. PD is one of the most common neurologic conditions, occurring in about 1 in 1000 individuals. PD is seen in both sexes and among all races and ethnic groups. PD is caused by the degeneration loss of nerve cells in a section of the brain called the substantia nigra. This part of the brain normally produces and stores a chemical called dopamine.
Dopamine is used by the brain to act as a messenger between cells.
W hat causes the degeneration of the substantia nigra is still unknown. To date, however, no such agent has been identified. Recently a gene has been identified on chromosome 4 which is associated with PD, but only in a very small percentage of families. Drug treatment, such as levodopa, which replaces some of the body's supply of dopamine, is available to control the symptoms of the disease. Information on participating in our Genetic Studies in Parkinson Disease The Genetic Study in Parkinson Disease is a multi-center research effort coordinated by Duke University Medical Center.