Parkinson Disease

Parkinson disease (also known as PD) is a degenerative disorder of the brain (central nervous system) that is characterized by a fixed inexpressive face, a tremor at rest, slowing of voluntary movements, peculiar posture and muscle weakness.

Parkinson's disease is a chronic disorder that requires broad-based management including patient and family education, support group services, general wellness maintenance, physiotherapy, exercise, and nutrition. At present, there is no cure for PD, but medications or surgery can provide relief from the symptoms.

PD is not considered to be a fatal disease by itself, but it progresses with time. The average life expectancy of a PD patient is generally lower than for people who do not have the disease. In the late stages of the disease, PD may cause complications such as choking, pneumonia, and falls that can lead to death. The progression of symptoms in PD may take 20 years or more to be fatal. In some people, however, the disease progresses more quickly.