Parkinson’s was first described in 1817 by British physician James Parkinson in his Essay on the Shaking Palsy (Fahn, 1999). Various types of this disease are now recognized but the most common form is Parkinson’s disease. It is also called idiopathic Parkinsonism because the cause of nuerodegeneration and this form of the disorder

As a result of the depletion of dopamine, Parkinson’s patients suffer from many symptoms which only increase over time. The major symptom of Parkinson’s is tremors. A tremor is a rhythmic shaking over which one has no control (Clinical Reference Systems, 1999). Tremors of the hands and sometimes the head often occur along with a constant rubbing together of the thumb and forefinger. In some cases tremors can become so intense that patients have difficulty doing many common activities such as eating, sleeping, and speaking. Tremors are not the only symptoms of the disease, many people suffer form muscle rigidity and loss of balance, resulting in a difficulty walking and writing (Clinical Reference Systems, 1999). The other aspects of Parkinson’s are changes in facial expressions such as a mask appearance, staring, voice and speech changes, and difficulty speaking. These are all signs of Parkinson’s but diagnoses and treatment are still very difficult.

Although we do not know why the disease occurs, we do know what exactly happens and evolves from Parkinson’s. Parkinsonism results from the deterioration of neurons in the region for the brain called the substantia nigra. In this part of the brain the neurons normally produce the neurotransmitter dopamine, which sends signals to the basal ganglia, a mass of nerve fibers that help to initiate and control patterns of movement (Fahn, 1999). Dopamine functions in the brain as an inhibitor of nerve impulses and is involved in suppressing unintended movement. When the dopamine-producing neurons are damaged of destroyed, dopamine levels drop and the normal signaling system is disrupted (Fahn,1999). Insufficient dopamine disturbs the balance between dopamine and other transmitters, such as acetylcholin

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