Parkinson’s disease affects the way you move. It happens when there is a problem with certain nerve cells in the brain.
Normally, these nerve cells make an important chemical called dopamine. Dopamine sends signals to the part of your brain that controls movement.
As Parkinson’s progresses, an increased amount of care and support may be required, although many people maintain a good quality of life with limited care or treatment.
One person in every 500 has Parkinson’s. Most people who get Parkinson’s are aged 50 or over but younger people can get it too. One in 20 people with Parkinsons is under the age of 40.