The disease will become disabling but one will not die because of Parkinson's, rather you will die with the disease. .
Although we do not know why the disease occurs, we do know what exactly happens and evolves from Parkinson's. Parkinsonism results from the deterioration of neurons in the region for the brain called the substantia nigra. In this part of the brain the neurons normally produce the neurotransmitter dopamine, which sends signals to the basal ganglia, a mass of nerve fibers that help to initiate and control patterns of movement (Fahn, 1999). Dopamine functions in the brain as an inhibitor of nerve impulses and is involved in suppressing unintended movement. When the dopamine-producing neurons are damaged of destroyed, dopamine levels drop and the normal signaling system is disrupted (Fahn,1999). Insufficient dopamine disturbs the balance between dopamine and other transmitters, such as acetylcholine. Without dopamine the nerve cells cannot properly transmit messages, which can result in the loss of muscle function. The disease may affect one of both sides of the body, as it advances the immune system weakens, resulting in development of ulcers, pneumonia, and swallowing can be impaired. Most patients do not die from Parkinson's rather for unrelated, natural causes. The disease itself will never disappear and will always be present in the body.
As a result of the depletion of dopamine, Parkinson's patients suffer from many symptoms which only increase over time. The major symptom of Parkinson's is tremors. A tremor is a rhythmic shaking over which one has no control (Clinical Reference Systems, 1999). Tremors of the hands and sometimes the head often occur along with a constant rubbing together of the thumb and forefinger. In some cases tremors can become so intense that patients have difficulty doing many common activities such as eating, sleeping, and speaking.