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02:01

What Is Parkinson's Disease? The Science Behind the Tremors

There are a few changes in the brain that may lead to symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Lauren Smith, MAMera Goodman, MD, FAAP
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP
Published on July 10, 2023

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition that can affect movement, thinking, and emotions. It’s associated with low levels of dopamine, a chemical in the brain.

Learn the role of dopamine in the development of Parkinson’s disease, as well as the risk factors, according to Jason Krellman, PhD, Neuropsychologist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

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Additional Medical Contributors
  • Jason Krellman, PhD, ABPP-CNJason Krellman, PhD, ABPP-CN, is a Neuropsychologist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

    References

    American Association of Neurological Surgeons. (n.d.). Parkinson’s disease.

    Li, S., et al. (2017). Milestones of Parkinson’s disease research: 200 years of history and beyond. Neuroscience Bulletin.

    View All References (5)

    MedlinePlus. (2019). Parkinson’s disease.

    MedlinePlus. (2022). Substantia nigra and Parkinson disease.

    National Institute on Aging. (2022). Parkinson’s disease: Causes, symptoms, and treatments.

    Sonne, J., et al. (2022). Neuroanatomy, substantia nigra. StatPearls.

    Zafar, S., et al. (2022). Parkinson disease. StatPearls.

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