TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Parkinson Disease A1 - Faulkner, Michele A2 - Sutton, S. Scott PY - 2019 T2 - McGraw-Hill's NAPLEX® Review Guide, 3e AB - Parkinson disease (PD) also called Parkinson’s disease, is a slow, progressive neurodegenerative disease of the extrapyramidal motor system for which there is presently no cure. The neurodegenerative disorder results from the loss of nigrostriatal neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and lewy body formation (misfolded proteins). By the time symptoms emerge and a diagnosis is made, it is estimated that 80% of nigrostriatal neurons have been lost. Due to a resultant deficiency in the neurotransmitter dopamine, there is less inhibitory output from the basal ganglia allowing for overactivity of acetylcholine. The neurotransmitter imbalance is responsible for the motor function abnormalities that characterize PD. The cardinal features of PD include tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability (though this symptom is rare in the early stages of the disease). PD symptoms typically begin unilaterally and spread to the opposite side as the disease progresses. Presentation varies among individuals and can differ substantially from person to person. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/03/28 UR - accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1158315961 ER -