What is the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease?

Answer 1

Current state of knowledge suggests that PD is a result of neural degeneration of the nigro-striatal neurons in the brain. The cause of this degeneration isn't fully understood, but probably involves the action of neurotoxin(s) and/or free radicals.

Answer 2

Parkinson's disease is a neurological disease that is caused by a declining amount of the neurotransmitter Dopamine in the basal ganglia of the brain. It is characterized by three main symptoms tremors (head to toe-typically at rest) , bradykinesia and rigidity. As time progresses people with Parkinson's may exhibit difficulty feeding themselves, swallowing, talking, etc. They will have a noticeable "shuffling gait". Medications used to treat this disease crosses the blood brain barrier and are aimed at increasing dopamine in the brain.