How Parkinson’s Disease affects the nervous system and the person with the illness. 

 Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement, but it can also have significant impacts on the nervous system and overall well-being of individuals.PD is characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain(1). Lewy bodies, abnormal protein deposits, are often found in the brains of individuals with PD and are associated with the degeneration of neurons. In the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, your face may show little or no expression(1). Your arms may not swing when you walk. Your speech may become soft or slurred. Parkinson’s disease symptoms worsen as your condition progresses over time.

Although many substances are found within Lewy bodies, scientists believe that an important one is the natural and widespread protein called alpha-synuclein, also called a-synuclein.(1)It’s found in all Lewy bodies in a clumped form that cells can’t break down. This is currently an important focus among Parkinson’s disease researchers. Researchers have found the clumped alpha-synuclein protein in the spinal fluid of people who later develop Parkinson’s disease.(2)

The nerve cells in this area make a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that allow nerve cells to communicate with each other.(2) As the nerve cells that make dopamine die, less dopamine is produced. This leads to the characteristic motor symptoms that are associated with PD, such are tremor, slow movement known as bradykinesia, rigid muscles and trouble with coordination and balance(2).The autonomic nervous system is a component of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary physiologic processes including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion and dopamine is an important neurotransmitter so PD also affects the autonomic nervous system.(4)

Can Parkinson’s disease be treated? Remains the question many people ask. For now, Parkinson’s disease is not curable. The majority of Parkinson’s patients are treated with medications to relieve the symptoms of the disease(3).These medications work by stimulating the remaining cells in the substantia nigra to produce more dopamine or by inhibiting some of the acetylcholine that is produced, therefore restoring the balance between the

chemicals in the brain. It is very important to work closely with the doctor to devise an individualized treatment plan.(3) Side effects vary greatly by class of medication and patient.

In conclusion, this research has provided a comprehensive understanding of how Parkinson’s disease exerts its impact on the nervous system. From the depletion of dopamine-producing cells to the involvement of neurotransmitters. This knowledge serves as a foundation for advancing targeted interventions and, ultimately, cultivating hope for a future where the progression of Parkinson’s disease can be controlled, if not halted.

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055#:~:text=In%20Parkinson’s%20disease%2C%20certain%20nerve,in%20your%20brain%20called%20dopamine.

2.https://www.healthline.com/health/parkinsons-disease/how-does-parkinsons-disease-affect-the-nervous-system

3.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8525-parkinsons-disease-an-overview

4.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539845/#:~:text=Introduction,sympathetic%2C%20parasympathetic%2C%20and%20enteric.