• Though it is known that Parkinson’s disease is caused due to the death of dopamine secreting neurons in the brain, the exact cause of this damage is still unknown.
• It is believed that environment and genetics play a role.
• Certain medications, toxins and other diseases can produce symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, and then it is known as secondary Parkinsonism, which may be reversible.

If untreated for a prolonged period it may lead to

• Depression
• Speech dysfunction
• Urinary incontinence
• Sleep problems
• Swallowing difficulty
• Sexual dysfunction

Parkinson's disease cannot be cured, but medications can help control symptoms. In some later cases, surgery may be advised.

Medication

Dopamine precursor: Drug which can pass through to the brain and readily get converted to dopamine. Helps in managing Parkinson's disease.

Levodopa

Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors: Inhibits the action of catechol-O-methyl transferase an enzyme which is involved in degrading neurotransmitters.

Entacapone . Tolcapone . Opicapone . Nitecapone

Dopamine agonists: Activates dopamine receptors and helps in managing the disease.

Bromocriptine . Pergolide . Pramipexole . Ropinirole

MAO-B inhibitors: Increases the amount of dopamine in the basal ganglia by inhibiting the activity an enzyme that breaks down dopamine.

Safinamide . Selegiline . Rasagiline