It is more prevalent in males than in females and there appears to be no socioeconomic or ethnic related factors. This malady usually begins between 50-79 and declines in the 8th decade. However, it may occur in our younger population. In its various forms it afflicts 1-1.5 million in USA, with the addition of over 50,000 new causes each year. In San Diego County there are 7,000 patients.
Neurons are the most important building blocks of the brain.
They transmit information as an electrical signal from neuron to neuron crossing a tiny gap, the synapse. Neurotransmitters like dopamine induce or inhibit impulses in connecting neurons that govern the motor control center of the brain. Neurotrophic growth factors also influence the maturation and survival of neurons. The number of dopamine producing neurons and the degree of dopamine deficiency varies from patient to patient. The progress of this illness is gradual over 1-2 years.