Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s Disease is a motor system disorder, it is a chronic and progressive disease. It generally targets older adults, with approximately 15 per cent below the age of 50. The four primary symptoms are:

  • tremor or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw and face;
  • rigidity or stiffness of the limbs and trunk;
  • bradykinesia or slowness of movement; and
  • postural instability or impaired balance and coordination.

Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease is aimed at treating the symptoms.

Thirty per cent of Parkinson’s patients will develop dementia. In 75 per cent of these cases changes in the brain resemble Alzheimer's Disease, and in the remainder changes are distinct and called dementia with Lewy Bodies.

Cortical dementia is a type of dementia that can occur in people with Parkinson’s Disease. Compared to Alzheimer's Disease people are more anxious, easily agitated, and generally more irritable. As well, they may develop delusions or thinking patterns that are not rational.

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