What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's occurs in 20 in 1,000 people over the age of 70. But how exactly do you get Parkinson's and what can you do about it?

In most cases, Parkinson's disease occurs due to aging. In exceptional cases it concerns a hereditary form or poisoning with, for example, heavy metals, PCBs or pesticides.

In all cases it is the black matter of the brain that is affected. The most striking complaint in people with Parkinson's is trembling, although trembling does not occur in everyone. The most characteristic complaints are stiffness of the limbs, few spontaneous movements, trembling at rest and hunching over. Less characteristic problems are small and scratchy writing, poker face, difficulty swallowing and speaking, salivation and difficulty starting steps.

Many famous people developed Parkinson's, for example: Hitler, Mao, John Paul II, Robin Williams, Michael J Fox, Fidel Castro, Prince Claus... Treatment with medication is always recommended.

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2022-02-22 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024