Why Parkinson’s is More than a Movement Disorder

Parkinson’s Disease 101

When people think of Parkinson’s disease they think of a movement disorder and they’re right. However, Parkinson’s disease has a lot more to it. In very basic terms, Parkinson’s a neurodegenerative disorder. This means that neurons are breaking down and dying. Specifically, with Parkinson’s, the neurons in the area of the brain called the substania nigra, that make the chemical dopamine, are degenerating. 

How Dopamine Affects Parkinson’s

Dopamine plays a variety of roles in the brain, in fact, it’s called the happy molecule because when it’s released in your brain, you begin to feel euphoric. With Parkinson’s Disease, when dopamine levels drop, the most obvious signs are the changes in a person’s movements. Usually, they develop tremors, their movements become slow, their muscles become rigid, and balancing may also become an issue. Low dopamine has such a detrimental impact on movement because dopamine allows specific neurons to communicate with each other. When neurons communicate with each other more seamlessly, the brain can function more efficiently.

Dopamine also increases the communication of neurons in the basal ganglia. The basal ganglia is located in the middle of the brain and helps control movement. So when dopamine decreases, the body’s movements become slow and uncoordinated. 

Parkinson’s Isn’t Only About Movement

Parkinson’s Disease can also become a motivation disorder. Dopamine plays a significant role in the motivation and reward pathways in the brain. When you engage in activities that lead to pleasure and enjoyment, the pathways cause dopamine levels to surge. The excess dopamine stimulates neurons in the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in decision-making and planning. Additionally, the prefrontal cortex motivates you to carry out and repeat the activities that cause dopamine to increase.

The prefrontal cortex, combined with dopamine levels surging, leads to habits being created, including and unfortunately, addiction. But when dopamine levels drop, so does your motivation. With low dopamine levels, you can lose the motivation to move, eat, and carry out your usual daily activities.