History and Treatment of Parkinson's Disease

Following the History of Parkinson's Disease

Some people think that Parkinson's disease is a new condition. This is not true, but is a common misconception because the disease became well known in the 1950s. The history of Parkinson's disease actually dates back to ancient times, when people described symptoms of a condition that caused the patient to shake uncontrollably, gradually progressing until the patient lost all ability to move on his own.

In 1817 a doctor named James Parkinson published an essay called An Essay on the Shaking Palsy. This essay was on a condition known at the time as paralysis agitans. The essay was so effective in describing the condition that the disease was later named "Parkinson's Disease" in honor of this doctor.

The reason that the disease is considered by many to be a modern one is because it was in the 1950s that the cause was determined. Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the nervous system that is caused by changes in the biochemistry of the brain. It is most commonly recognized by the symptoms of shaking and loss of motor control. It does appear to be related to genetics, for families with a history of Parkinson's disease often see it over and over again, but this has not been proven scientifically. Scientists have recently discovered a series of genetic mutations that sometimes cause the condition, but again this is not always the cause.

At present research is being done to find a cure for Parkinson's disease, but this research has yet to be successful. The disease is usually managed by administering L-dopa, a prodrug that is designed to increase dopamine levels. This helps to alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as the shaking and uncontrolled movements. This treatment has been used since its discovery in the 1960s by Arvid Carlsson, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in treating Parkinson's.

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