Parkinson’s disease is a disorder that affects the central nervous system. Parkinson’s
disease has a large impact on the United States, and is the second most common
neurodegenerative disease in this country [1]. Common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include
tremors, rigid muscles, impairment movements, speech changes, impaired balance and
coordination, fatigue, irregular blood pressure, pain, fatigue, smell dysfunction, and sexual
dysfunction [2]. Parkinson’s disease symptoms such as bradykinesia, slow of movement and
speed, are progressive, meaning that they start to build up slowly or fastly. Certain genetic
changes in the body or gene variations have appeared to lead to Parkinson’s disease.
Environmental factors such as smoking, caffeine consumption, pesticide consumption, and other
toxins or changes in the individual’s environment are also known to increase the chance to
develop Parkinson’s disease [3]. Complications that Parkinson’s disease can cause are
constipation, sleep disorders, eating problems, depression, and bladder issues [3]. Risk factors
for Parkinson’s disease are also something to consider. At the age of 60 or older, Parkinson’s
disease is more likely to develop. Additionally, Parkinson’s disease is linked to being hereditary
and sex with men are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than women [1]. To minimize
the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, physicians recommend a healthy diet, socialize and
exercise regularly. The most common form of treatment for Parkinson’s disease is to be
prescribed with the drug, Levodopa. Levodopa, which is commonly referred to as I-DOPA or l3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, is an amino acid that works by entering the brain and helps to
create more dopamine to replace the loss of dopamine from Parkinson’s disease [4]. Currently
there are no cures to Parkinson’s disease, only treatments, therapies, and surgeries.
