The symptoms appear when there is not enough dopamine in the brain. In Parkinson's Disease, for reasons not yet understood, many of these cells have died. The remaining cells cannot produce enough dopamine.
Most drug therapy replaces dopamine in the brain.
Today in Canada, there are approximately 100,000 people suffering with Parkinson's and more than half of them are diagnosed before retirement age. Living with Parkinson's Disease Meet Pat Fleming , a Parkinson Society of Canada volunteer, who has lived with Parkinson's Disease for the last 15 years. This video requires the latest RealPlayer plug-in for viewing.