What is Parkinson's Disease?

What is Parkinson's Disease? (0:25)

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative condition that kills the brain cells which produce dopamine, which is critical for cellular communication. In this video, Melissa Houser, MD, a neurologist at Scripps Health, discusses the disease.

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Parkinson's disease is a neuro-degenerative condition which for reasons that are unknown begins to kill a certain type of brain cell that produces a chemical called dopamine which is critical for the cells talking to each other. Those cells are in charge of movement or what we call motor control and other cognitive non-motor sort of circulatory in the brain.

Melissa Houser, MD

The Challenge of Curing Parkinson's Disease

3:15

Is There a More Holistic Approach to Treating Parkinson's Disease?

0:19

Can Rigorous Exercise Stave Off the Symptoms of Parkinson's?

0:32
Why Haven't There Been Any Potent Drugs Developed for Parkinson's Since the 60s?

0:38

Why Is It Important to Keep Your Mind Active and Involved if You Have Parkinson's?

0:46

Will Parkinson's Patients End Up in Walkers or Wheelchairs?

0:07
Do Some Parkinson's Meds Have a Timeframe Where They Stop Working?

0:58

How Do Parkinson's Patients Stay Stable and on Their Feet?

0:49

How Advanced Is Stem Cell Research for Parkinson's?

1:51
Aside from Dopamine, Are there Other Things To Do for Restless Legs Syndrome?

0:24

Do You Think Lack of Funding for Stem Cell Research Will Change?

0:48

What Is the Risk Associated with Deep Brain Stimulation?

0:42
What Is Music Therapy's Impact on Parkinson's Patients?

1:01

Can You Die from Parkinson's Disease?

0:38

Is There a Controversy About When to Start Medication for Parkinson's Diesease?

1:04
What Do You Mean by Vigorous Exercise?

0:34

Are There Other Promising Drugs Coming Down the Line for Parkinson's?

0:45

Are There Any New Treatments for Parkinson's Disease that Excite You?

1:59
How Far Away Is Stem Cell Therapy for Parkinson's?

0:18

What Triggered the Use of Vigorous Exercise to Treat Parkinson's Disease?

0:30

Are Parkinson's Patients More Susceptible to Alzheimer's?

0:33
What Is the Progression of the Parkinson's Disease?

0:40

What Is the Integrative Side of Treating Parkinson's Disease?

0:58

How Is Restless Legs Syndrome Related to Parkinson's?

0:54
How Is Deep Brain Stimulation Used for Parkinson's?

0:57

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of the Disease?

0:36

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About Melissa Houser, MD

Melissa Houser, MD, is the clinical director of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Center at Scripps Clinic in San Diego. She discusses research into causes and treatment of Parkinson’s disease, including stem cell research.

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What is Parkinson's Disease?