Parkinson’s Disease

• Definition: Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting movement. It results from the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.
• Symptoms: Common symptoms include tremors, slow movement (bradykinesia), muscle stiffness (rigidity), and balance problems. Non-motor symptoms can include depression, sleep disturbances, and cognitive changes.
• Progression: Symptoms typically start on one side of the body and gradually progress to both sides. The disease progresses slowly over many years.
• Treatment: Medications like levodopa can help manage symptoms by increasing dopamine levels. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is another treatment option for advanced cases.

Parkinsonism

• Definition: Parkinsonism is a broader term that refers to a group of neurological disorders that cause movement problems similar to those seen in Parkinson’s disease. It includes conditions like multiple system atrophy (MSA), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and corticobasal degeneration (CBD).
• Symptoms: Symptoms can overlap with Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors, bradykinesia, and rigidity. However, Parkinsonism often includes additional symptoms like early cognitive impairment, severe balance issues, and poor response to Parkinson’s medications.
• Progression: Parkinsonism can develop more rapidly than Parkinson’s disease and may affect both sides of the body equally from the onset.
• Causes: Unlike Parkinson’s disease, which is primarily idiopathic (unknown cause), Parkinsonism can result from various factors, including stroke, brain injury, infections, and certain medications.
• Treatment: Treatment varies depending on the specific type of Parkinsonism. Medications used for Parkinson’s disease may be less effective for Parkinsonism.

Key Differences

• Response to Medication: Parkinson’s disease typically responds well to dopaminergic medications like levodopa, while Parkinsonism often does not.
• Progression and Symptoms: Parkinson’s disease progresses slowly and usually starts on one side of the body. Parkinsonism can progress more quickly and may present with additional symptoms like cognitive impairment and severe balance issues.
• Underlying Causes: Parkinson’s disease is primarily idiopathic, whereas Parkinsonism can have various underlying causes, including other neurological conditions, medications, or brain injuries.