PARKINSON’S
The basal ganglia are found deep within the brain, in an area responsible for controlling movement. These nerves produce a compound known as dopamine, which is important in coordinating numerous functions, including executive functions and motor control. Although the cause is not yet clear, the basal ganglia can become impaired and begin to die.
The result of this is Parkinson’s disease, as the loss of dopamine gradually hampers key functions such as walking, talking and memory recall. These effects are compounded by the loss of nerves responsible for producing norepinephrine, a key compound in the sympathetic nervous system needed to regulate heart rate and blood pressure.