General

The most common form of Parkinson's is slowly progressing and degenerative, usually associated with the following symptoms. All of these result from the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells: tremor or trembling of the arms, jaw, legs, and face; stiffness or rigidity of the limbs and trunk; bradykinesia - slowness of movement; postural instability, or impaired balance and coordination.

Paralysis of a muscle or group of muscles.

Person with ALS.

Accumulation of destructive molecules called free radicals can lead to motor neuron death. Free radicals damage components of the cells' membranes, proteins or genetic material by "oxidizing" them - the same chemical reaction that causes iron to rust. Some patients with familial ALS have mutations in the gene for superoxide dismutase type 1 (SOD1).

The time of appearance of the first symptoms of a condition, prior to seeking diagnosis.

Chemical substances that carry impulses from one nerve cell to another; found in the space (synapse) that separates the transmitting neuron's terminal (axon) from the receiving neuron's terminal (dendrite).

The scientific disciplines concerned with the development, structure, function, chemistry, pharmacology, clinical assessments and pathology of the nervous system.

If an agent provides growth and regeneration to any part of the nervous system, it is said to be neuroregenerative.

Neurons are the nerve cells which make up the central nervous system. They consist of a nucleus, a single axon which conveys electrical signals to other neurons and a host of dendrites which deliver incoming signals.

Of, relating to, or affecting both nerves and muscles.