Final answer:
Parkinson’s disease involves the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to motor symptoms like tremors and rigidity, as well as non-motor symptoms. Lewy bodies, environmental factors, and genetic mutations contribute to the disease, whose underlying mechanisms include oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pathophysiology of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system that predominantly affects motor function due to the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in a region of the brain called the substantia nigra. The death of these neurons leads to a decrease in dopamine, which is crucial for regulating movement control. The symptoms of Parkinson’s include tremors, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia (slowed movement), and postural instability. Additionally, non-motor symptoms such as dementia, depression, and emotional problems can occur. Parkinson’s is often associated with Lewy bodies, which are abnormal aggregates of protein that form inside the neurons, potentially disrupting their function and contributing to cell death.
Parkinson’s disease can be caused by a combination of genetic mutations and environmental factors. The disease mainly affects those over the age of 50, and while medications can manage symptoms early on, they often become less effective as the disease progresses. The exact pathophysiological mechanisms leading to neuron death are not fully understood but involve a combination of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired protein degradation.