Parkinson’s Disease, Part 1

Parkinson’s disease results from the degeneration of cells in the part of the brain that produces dopamine, a substance nerves need to function properly.

Symptoms include:

• Slow or stiff movement
• Stooped posture
• Shuffling or dragging the feet
• Monotone voice
• Blinking less frequently than normal
• Lack of sponeity in facial expression
• Difficulty in adjusting positions
• Dementia (in advanced stages) 

Experts still don’t know the cause of the cells’ degeneration, but it could be genes or environtmental triggers (exposure to certain toxins).

(To be continued next week. - J.P.)

Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com