Hauenstein Parkinson's Center
An Overview
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder
caused by a problem with the part of the brain that controls
both voluntary and involuntary movement. The cause of Parkinson’s
disease is still under investigation, with evidence pointing
to a combination of genetic and environmental toxins as causative
factors. The disorder takes its name from James Parkinson,
a British physician who, in 1817, named it “the shaking
palsy.” Even before this time, descriptions of Parkinson’s
symptoms can be found in very early writings.
There is currently no cure, although treatment options include
medications and surgical procedures.
Each individual diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease
will experience a combination of symptoms and a response to
medications that are unique to that person. For that reason,
effective treatment must be formulated for each Parkinson’s
patient. Because treatment options are complex, neurologist
can offer the best care.
Parkinson’s disease can strike at any age and affects
both males and females. The incidence of Parkinson’s
in the United States is over a million people; more than those
with multiple sclerosis, ALS (Lou Gherigs’ disease),
muscular dystrophy, and myasthenia gravis combined. Typically
Parkinson’s is diagnosed at the average age of 60, but
at least 10 to 15 percent of patients are diagnosed in their
30’s, 40’s and 50’s.
The four primary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are:
1) Tremor
2) Slowness of Movement
3) Stiffness and rigidity
4) Balance and Gait Problems
Patients may experience a combination of symptoms, but not
necessarily all of the above. Diagnosis of Parkinson’s
disease is clinical since no lab tests currently are available
which give a conclusive diagnosis. Neurologist look for a
combination of the symptoms listed above along with a host
of secondary symptoms such as:
• Depression
• Loss of short term memory, impaired organizational
abilities
• Confusion, hallucinations
• Pain or sensory problems
• Swallowing difficulty
• Loss of voice volume
• Insomnia and sleep disorders
• Constipation
• Decreased facial expression, appearance of staring
• Small, cramped handwriting
Parkinson’s patients should:
1) Exercise – physically and mentally
2) Educate oneself about Parkinson’s disease and ask
questions of the neurologist
3) Become involved in support group activities
4) Use physical, occupational, speech or other therapies when
appropriate
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