Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects the ability of a person to control body movements. It is caused by loss of nerve cells in the region of the brain that produces the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine, the messenger between the brain and nervous system, is responsible for coordinating body movements. 

Decreased levels of dopamine in the brain may lead to physical symptoms such as tremors, slowness of movement, muscle stiffness amongst many others, as well as, cognitive symptoms such as anxiety, depression, dementia and impaired cognition. 

Medications and therapy can help control the symptoms of parkinson’s disease. The CureTalks panel is talking to Dr Andres F. Deik of University of Pennsylvania to learn about the basics of managing Parkinson’s disease, available treatment approaches and clinical trials in Parkinson’s disease.