Parkinson's Disease drug linked to gambling addiction....

Parkinson's disease, a degenerative disorder marked by the death of the nerve cells in an area of the brain, is primarily treated by drugs that restore or improve brain chemical signalling systems dependent on dopamine.

Brain dopamine, a chemical that helps regulate movement, balance and walking, also plays a central role in the behavioural reward system, reinforcing a myriad of behaviours - including the excitement of gambling.

When this area of the brain is over-stimulated, it can lead to more impulsive behaviours and produce a feeling of pleasure from even a previously undesirable activity, such as gambling or alcohol consumption.