The Medical Minute: Latest Parkinson’s treatments help patients stay active

What is Parkinson’s disease? Parkinson’s disease is a progressive movement disorder. Inside the brain, cells that produce dopamine, a brain chemical that helps control movement, start dying early. “We don’t know exactly what causes Parkinson’s disease, but several factors may contribute, such as aging, environmental exposures and genetics,” De Jesus said. Most patients are diagnosed in their 60s, but about 10% learn they have Parkinson’s before age 50. What are the symptoms? Parkinson’s disease.