Parkinson's disease
or Parkinson disease
noun Pathology.
a common neurologic disease believed to be caused by deterioration of the brain cells that produce dopamine, occurring primarily after the age of 60, characterized by tremors, especially of the fingers and hands, muscle rigidity, shuffling gait, slow speech, and a masklike facial expression.
Also called
Parkinson’s,
parkinsonism.
Origin of Parkinson's disease
named after James
Parkinson (1755–1824), English physician who first described it
British Dictionary definitions for parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease
/ (ˈpɑːkɪnsənz) /
noun
a progressive chronic disorder of the central nervous system characterized by impaired muscular coordination and tremor
Often shortened to: Parkinson's Also called: Parkinsonism, Parkinson's syndrome, paralysis agitans, shaking palsy
Word Origin for Parkinson's disease
C19: named after James
Parkinson (1755–1824), British surgeon, who first described it
Medical definitions for parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease
[ pär′kĭn-sənz ]
n.
A progressive nervous disease occurring most often after the age of 50, associated with the destruction of brain cells that produce dopamine, and characterized by muscular tremor, slowing of movement, partial facial paralysis, peculiarity of gait and posture, and weakness.
paralysis agitans
Scientific definitions for parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease
[ pär′kĭn-sənz ]
A progressive neurologic disease occurring most often after the age of 50, associated with the destruction of brain cells that produce dopamine. Individuals with Parkinson's disease exhibit tremors while at rest, slowing of movement, stiffening of gait and posture, and weakness. The disease is named after its discoverer, British physician and paleontologist James Parkinson (1755-1824).
Cultural definitions for parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease
A chronic disease of the nervous system that usually strikes in late adult life, resulting in a gradual decrease in muscle control. Symptoms of the disease include shaking, weakness, and partial paralysis of the face. Certain drugs can help alleviate some of its symptoms.