It is a degenerative disease of neurons that affects movement, reasoning ability, emotion management and regulation of the autonomic system of the body. It affects people all over the world and is more common in men over the age of 60.
Its cause is unknown, but it provokes the destruction of neurons of the substantia nigra which reduces the production of dopamine, which is the cause of the symptoms.
It manifests with tremors at rest, rigidity, slow movements and postural instability.
Diagnosis is clinical, by questioning and physical examination. Blood tests and imaging tests are performed to rule out other neurological disorders.
Although there is no cure, medical treatment with levodopa improves the quality of life and life expectancy of patients.
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