Parkinson's belongs to a group of conditions called motor system disorders, which cause unintended or uncontrollable movements of the body. The precise cause of Parkinson’s is unknown, but some cases are hereditary while others are thought to occur from a combination of genetics and environmental factors that trigger the disease. In Parkinson’s, brain cells become damaged or die in the part of the brain that produces dopamine--a chemical needed to produce smooth, purposeful movement. Learn More:
What are the common signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s?
The four primary symptoms of Parkinson’s are:
Tremor – Shaking that has a characteristic rhythmic back and forth motion.
Rigidity – Muscle stiffness or resistance to movement, where muscles remain constantly tense and contracted.
Bradykinesia – Slowing of spontaneous and automatic movement that can make it difficult to perform simple tasks or rapidly perform routine movements.
Postural Instability – Impaired balance and changes in posture can increase the risk of falls.
Other symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, chewing, or speaking; emotional changes; urinary problems or constipation; dementia or other cognitive problems; fatigue; and problems sleeping.
How is Parkinson’s diagnosed?
No specific test exists to diagnose Parkinson's. Your doctor trained in nervous system conditions (neurologist) will diagnose Parkinson's based on your medical history, a review of your signs and symptoms, and a neurological and physical examination. Parkinson’s is misdiagnosed around 50% of the time. It is highly suggested that your second opinion be given by a MOVEMENT DISORDER SPECIALIST. A movement disorder specialist is a medical doctor, a neurologist with additional training in Parkinson’s and other movement disorders. This type of doctor typically has extensive knowledge of “Atypical,” “Parkinson’s-like,” “Parkinsonisms,” and “Parkinson's” therapies and ongoing research. Learn More:
What are Atypical Parkinson’s & Parkinsonisms?
There are a handful of movement disorders and Parkinson’s-like symptoms referred to as “Parkinsonisms.” Your neurologist will assess your symptoms and progression to determine if you have Parkinson’s or atypical Parkinson/Parkinsonism. Because Parkinson’s is a clinical diagnosis (meaning the diagnosis is reached through observation, testing, and process of elimination), you may get a Parkinson’s diagnosis that evolves into a Parkinsonism diagnosis.
What do I need to know about getting a Parkinson’s Diagnosis?
There is no definitive test for Parkinson’s (PD), so getting a Parkinson’s diagnosis can be a long – and sometimes frustrating – process. Below, you will learn about the various steps to getting a Parkinson’s diagnosis, as well as the importance of pursuing an accurate diagnosis.
How quickly does Parkinson’s progress?
Parkinson’s is both chronic, meaning it persists over a long period of time, and progressive, meaning symptoms grow worse over time. Although some people become severely disabled, others experience only minor motor disruptions. Tremor is the major symptom for some individuals, while for others tremor is only a minor complaint and other symptoms are more troublesome. Learn More:
Is there a cure for Parkinson's?
At present, there is no cure for Parkinson’s but a variety of medications provide dramatic relief from the symptoms. Usually, affected individuals are given levodopa combined with carbidopa. In some cases, surgery may be appropriate if the disease doesn't respond to drugs. A combination of physical therapies and wellness strategies are also recommended. The following is a sampling of treatment options available for Parkinson’s:
Read more about Common Parkinson’s Medications and Alternative Therapies for Parkinson’s
How do I find the right doctor for me?
Finding the right doctor(s) is of utmost importance for you as you navigate Parkinson’s. It is highly suggested that you see a MOVEMENT DISORDER SPECIALIST. A movement disorder specialist is a medical doctor, a neurologist with additional training in Parkinson’s and other movement disorders.
Can exercise help with Parkinson's?
Exercise is a critical component of Parkinson’s care. More than just a component of healthy living, exercise is a powerful treatment to maintain balance, mobility, reducing fall risk, and preserving tasks of daily living. Research indicates that exercise may even slow the progression of Parkinson’s. Exercise has been shown to improve motor symptoms like balance, and mobility as well as non-motor symptoms like constipation, strength, fatigue, depression, and anxiety.
How can diet & gut health help with Parkinson's?
It’s no secret that a “healthy” diet can slow the progression of or improve quality of life with Parkinson’s. There is also an increasing body of research exploring the connection between gut health and brain health. This indicates some exciting possibilities for the prevention of Parkinson’s.
How can speech & swallowing be affected as Parkinson's Progresses?
People with Parkinson’s may experience difficulty speaking or swallowing. This can occur at any stage of Parkinson’s but tends to increase as Parkinson’s progresses. Like our limbs, the face, mouth, and throat muscles are impacted by the movement disorder.
What can I do about Freezing & Rigidity?
People with mid- and advanced stage Parkinson’s (PD) may experience “freezing” – a temporary, involuntary inability to move. Freezing episodes do increase the risk of falls. These spells can last a few seconds or a few minutes, but they’re frustrating for everyone. Freezing can feel like your feet are stuck in place, or like you can’t get up from the chair or bed, move back from a refrigerator, etc.
How common is Parkinson’s Fatigue?
Around 50% of people with Parkinson’s experience fatigue at some point and many patients say it affects their quality of life more than any other Parkinson’s symptom. Parkinson’s fatigue is more than simply feeling tired after a long day or a few days of bad sleep – it is a deep exhaustion or absence of energy that makes movement challenging. Simple daily tasks like showering, making breakfast, or even getting dressed feel impossible. Parkinson’s fatigue is sometimes characterized by mental exhaustion, sometimes called apathy, which affects concentration and hinders a person’s ability to start a task and follow directions. It can also impact memory.
How to build an Emergency Preparedness kit for Parkinson's?
National disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, power outages, and floods can wreak havoc on everyone’s health and safety, and people with Parkinson’s face unique challenges. In these situations, efficiency and preparedness make all the difference – take critical steps today to prepare for future disasters.
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