Parkinson’s Disease

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Parkinson’s disease, commonly referred to simply as
“Parkinson’s,” is a movement disorder that affects the
central nervous system, impairing bodily functions.
Muscle tremors, rigidity, posture and speech abnormalities are all
visible effects of Parkinson’s. This disease is both progressive and
chronic.

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 Diagnosis
• The first step in the diagnostic process is a neurological exam,
performed by a physician, to determine if the individual has a
movement disorder
• If this is confirmed, further testing will be ordered to pinpoint
signs and symptoms connected to those manifested in
Parkinson’s.
• Diagnosing Parkinson’s is difficult and at this time, there is no
test that will confirm with absolute certainty that a person has the
disease.
• The causative agents for Parkinson’s in the brain are microscopic
and chemical-based.

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 Diagnosis
• EEG tests show electrical activity, but are not a reliable source;
MRI and CAT scans often appear normal in those who have
Parkinson’s.
• To make a diagnosis, doctors must rely on a physical
examination, symptoms and the patient’s family history.

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 Statistics
• Recent reports from The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation show
that Parkinson’s affects nearly 1 million people in the United
States and between 7 and 10 million people worldwide.
• Each year, nearly 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with the
disease, not including the unreported cases.
• This disease costs Americans a combined $25 billion annually
• The likelihood of developing Parkinson’s increases as people age;
about 4% of those who are diagnosed receive their diagnosis
before age 50.

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 Symptoms
• Tremor is one of the most common symptoms, usually causing
the hands to shake in a back-forth motion, including the thumbs.
• Slowing of motion is common, characterized by difficulty in
initiating movement; along with this comes loss of automatic
movements, such as smiling, walking and blinking.
• While walking, patients may notice their arms will not swing
freely as they normally would.

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 Symptoms
• Changes in speech are common; difficulty finding words and
forming them will seem similar to hesitations in speaking.
• Posture and balance are both affected in Parkinson’s.
• People often begin to stoop and may experience falls from loss of
balance.
• These symptoms come from decreased stimulation in the brain’s
motor cortex by the basal ganglia.

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 Treatment
• Currently there is no cure for Parkinson’s, but there are several
promising treatments comprised of both physical and
pharmaceutical elements
• Along with exercise, occupational and physical therapy are
prescribed for those who are in the early stages.

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 Treatment
• When symptoms begin to interfere with daily life, drug treatments
become necessary.
• Drugs commonly used to treat Parkinson’s are monoamine
oxidase inhibitors, amantadine and antcholinergics.
• In a later stage, the drug Levodopa is commonly prescribed.
• Some patients choose either neurotransplantation or deep
brain
stimulation surgery for treatment.
• Alternative care involving exercise, a healthy diet and
natural
supplements is an option for those who do not prefer
traditional
therapy.
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