what is parkinson's disease?

Answer 1

Parkinson's disease is a disorder that affects muscle movement. It is because nerve cells of the brain having to do with muscle movements are affected. While most of those affected are over 60, sometimes it does strike younger people (like actor MIchael J. Fox).

Symptoms include:
trembling
difficulty walking
slowed movements
muscle rigidity
balance problems
trouble swallowing
impaired speech
dementia

The disease is progressive (means it slowly gets worse) and there is no cure. The progress of the disease is very slow so usually the person has many productive, active years after diagnosis.

While there is no cure, it can be treated to control the symptoms and to slow the progress of the disorder. Treatment involves:
healthy diet
exercise
medication (to help with tremors and walking)
surgery (only when medication doesn't work)
physical therapy