Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease and affects both motor and non-motor functioning.
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Parkinson's is a progressive neurological disorder resulting from the loss of dopamine in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra.
Dopamine acts as a chemical messenger, allowing nerve impulses to travel smoothly from one nerve cell to another. This enables the transmission of messages to muscles of the body to begin voluntary movement.
As dopamine continues to decrease, muscle movements become slower and more rigid, tremors can develop and reflexes become more impaired contributing to a loss of balance. |
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In 1817, Parkinson's disease was first discovered by British doctor, Dr. James Parkinson. A renowned Dutch horticulturist, J.W.S. Van der Wereld, a person with Parkinson's, honoured Dr. Parkinson by naming a tulip for him. The tulip has now become a national symbol of hope for all those living with Parkinson's in Canada.
Please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
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