Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative condition that is often characterized by involuntary movements of the muscles. It happens when there is a problem with certain nerve cells in the brain. The symptoms of this condition are very individualized.

The way a person is affected by PD also might be related to the type that they have. The following is a list of some of the most common diagnosis:

Primary parkinsonism-This is the occurs most often in people over 50 years old and its primary cause may damage to the nerve cells that are responsible for producing dopamine, the hormone responsible for bodily movement and function. However, the origin of it is sometimes highly unidentifiable.

Secondary parkinsonism-This us a subtype of Parkinson’s disease that often occurs as a result of damage to the area of the brain called the substantia nigra. This is the area of the brain where dopamine is produced in order to signal the body to move.

It is also responsible to help signal the body to stop moving. The impairment of this area of the brain along with discontinued production of dopamine is what usually leads to involuntary movement of muscles. This primary symptom of PD is commonly known as a “tremor”.

The degeneration that occurs hear may also be striatonigral (another malfunction of the nervous system) in nature, and could lead to muscular functioning all over the body. In some cases, secondary Parkonsin’s Disease may also result from damage to brain vessels due to multiple small strokes.

Juvenile Parkinson’s Disease (subtype)-Similar cases of primary Parkinson’s disease (parkinsonism) also appear in people who are younger than 40 years old.  Therefore, they are said to have juvenile Parkinson ’s disease. Of course, most people have heard Michael J. fox’s story. He is one person who was diagnosed at 30 years of age. So, he is a prime example of someone who is diagnosed with juvenile PD.

Postencephalitic parkinsonism-This is a type of Parkinson’s disease that may develop because of an infection of the brain. A wide range of symptoms are evident in patients who suffer this condition.

Drug-induced (iatrogenic) parkinsonism-This can result from taking antipsychotic medications, such as the phenothiazine-like varieties. Unlike other types, this type of Parkinson’s is reversible. Certain anti-depressants and/or anti-anxiety medications may cause this form of Parkinson’s disease.

Toxin-induced parkinsonism-The main cause of this is air pollutants such as manganese dust, carbon disulfide, and carbon monoxide. This is not reversible like the drug-induced disorder.

Other degenerative disorders such as Huntington ’s disease or Alzheimer’s display similar symptoms as would people diagnosed of Parkinson’s Disease. That is why medical staff is not quick to implement a specific treatment plan, or is not quick to diagnose a patient.

Careful analysis of an individual’s situation is usually required before it is determined that someone has PD. After they are diagnosed, they may be administered a medication and be educated on how to adjust to living with this condition.

The families of people who are affected are also usually provided with as much support as they need. New advancements in treatment research are being made as well.