Parkinson’s disease can be characterized as a disorder in motion and balance. It is often onset after the age of 50, however 5% develops under the age of 40. It is more prevalent in men than women are.

Parkinson disease is characterized by tremors in hands and feet, when one is in a state of relaxation (inertia), and slowness in motions (bradykinesia). It is an illness that progresses slowly. Rigidity in muscles and postural instability can accompany these symptoms. Tremor is the first indication in 75% of patients. Because diagnosis clues of the illness resemble symptoms that come with age, the illness has already started and progressed by the time till the patient consults a doctor.

The symptoms emerge in counting the coins by hand, pressing the pedal by foot, an increase in tremor in a state of motion and stress, monotonous and quick speaking, dullness in the expression of face, walking in small and dragging steps, drooping posture of the arms while walking, a feeling as if being suddenly locked to the ground, incapacity to stop a motion when needed, problem with swallowing, shrinking of the characters while writing with the result that the text thus becomes illegible. In the beginning, signs show up in one-half of the body, but with time, they are seen in both sides. Beside the main indications mentioned above, the patients also experience greasiness in the skin, orthostatic hypotension, depression, anxiety, painful muscle spasms, headaches, dizziness and sleep disorders.

The main problem in Parkinson is the inability of the brain to release dopamine, which means that dopamine secreting brain cells are damaged. Dopamine provides the transmission of the information between the cells so that the equilibrium of the body while in motion remains in order. When dopamine is insufficient, the symptoms of the illness start. The reason why and how these dopamine-producing cells are damaged is not clear. However, it is estimated that 10 to 15% of all Parkinson cases are genetic.

Since Parkinson disease arises from the lack of sufficient amount of dopamine in the brain, treatment is aimed at making up this deficiency. Until now, mode of treatment that would prevent the decrease in dopamine in brain could not be found. Even if there is no concrete treatment either to remedy the damage in dopamine cells, the medications combined with exercise and physiotherapy help the patient run his daily life easier and in an active way . With a treatment at an early stage and orderly check- ups, it is possible to diminish the effects of the illness and to maintain a certain quality of life. If the patient does not respond to medical treatment or if there is a decrease in his response, then surgical methods may be used.