Parkinson's disease

goodtoknow says: Parkinson's disease is caused by damage to your brain cells that then affects your coordination. Although it's a progressive illness, you can have mild symptoms such as slow movement, muscle stiffness and shaky hands for years without it seriously affecting your quality of life. As the disease progresses you may have difficulty with your speech, swallowing and with balance. It's not known why you get Parkinson's, which is named after the doctor who first described it. It normally affects people over 50, and although there's no cure, treatment can take away many of your symptoms.

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of Parkinson's disease from patient.co.uk, read on.

The main symptoms of Parkinson's disease are usually stiffness, shaking (tremor), and slowness of movement. Other symptoms (listed below) may also develop. Symptoms typically become gradually worse over time. Treatment often provides good relief of symptoms for several years.

- Find out more about Parkinson's

More help and advice

- Tips on coping with Parkinson's
- How is Parkinson's diagnosed?
- How is the disease treated?