Parkinson's Disease: Beyond the Tremor

A complex disease

Parkinson's disease is caused by the progressive degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. It affects about 10 million people worldwide, mainly after age 60, although early forms exist. It is the second neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's.

Motor and non-motor symptoms

Classic motor symptoms are resting tremor (often unilateral at first), muscle rigidity, bradykinesia (slow movements), and balance problems. But non-motor symptoms — sleep disturbances, constipation, loss of smell, depression, anxiety — often appear years before diagnosis.

Available treatments

L-DOPA (levodopa) remains the reference treatment by compensating for dopamine deficiency. Dopamine agonists and MAO-B inhibitors complete the therapeutic arsenal. Deep brain stimulation is offered in advanced forms with debilitating motor fluctuations.

Research and hopes

Gene therapy, stem cells, and anti-alpha-synuclein antibodies are promising avenues. Intense physical exercise (tai chi, cycling, dancing) has shown significant benefits on motor symptoms and quality of life.