Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the deterioration and death of a type of brain cell (neurons) in the brain and the accumulation of protein clumps that are toxic to nerve cells. These cells produce the molecule dopamine, involved in the coordination and generation of muscle movements. It affects millions of people around the world and causes permanent damage. It is a progressive disease in which the symptoms can degenerate. Thanks to the progress made in recent years, the pathophysiological processes at work are better understood. Ultimately, these discoveries should lead to the development of treatments capable of stopping or slowing the progression of the disease. But for the time being, the management of patients is mainly based on the administration of dopamine, in order to compensate for the effects linked to neurodegeneration and those of other drugs, which make it possible to relieve the non-motor symptoms of the disease.