Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by unintended movements such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty balancing. It is caused by the loss of nerve cells in the brain, leading to reduced levels of dopamine, which plays a key role in movement.
Around 90,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and over 10 million people live with the condition worldwide. Parkinson’s is the second most common neurodegenerative condition after Alzheimer’s disease, and cases are growing more rapidly than other neurological conditions.
Currently, Parkinson’s is diagnosed based on symptoms, medical history, and a physical examination. There are no tests for Parkinson’s.