Glossary

basal ganglia

The part of the brain that controls movement. It is made up of different parts, including the substantia nigra, which produces dopamine.

bradykinesia

Slow movements – one of the three main symptoms of Parkinson’s.

cognitive processes

Mental processes involving thinking and memory.

delusions

When a person has thoughts and beliefs that aren’t based on reality.

dopamine

A neurotransmitter or chemical messenger. This chemical transmits messages between the brain and muscles that help people to perform sequences of movements. Dopamine also contributes to some thinking and memory processes.

hallucinations

When a person sees, hears, feels, smells or even tastes something that doesn’t exist.

hypomimia

The loss of facial expression caused by difficulty controlling facial muscles.

idiopathic Parkinson’s

When a person’s Parkinson’s has no specific known cause.

motor symptoms

Symptoms that interrupt the ability to complete learned sequences of movements.

multidisciplinary team

A group of healthcare professionals with different areas of expertise who can unite and treat complex medical conditions. Essential for people with Parkinson’s.

neurological

Involving the nervous system (including the brain, spinal cord, the peripheral nerves, and muscles).

non-motor symptoms

Symptoms associated with Parkinson’s that aren’t associated with movement difficulties.

parkinsonism

An umbrella term that describes conditions which share some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s (slowness of movement, stiffness and tremor).