PARKINSON'S DISEASEWhat is Parkinson's Disease? Parkinson's Disease affects the way you move. It happens when there is a problem with certain nerve cells in the brain. Dopamine is produces by these cells. Dopamine signals the brain that controls movement.This allows smooth movements. When dopamine decreases your muscle no longer move as you want them to do. Parkinson’s Disease will worsen over time. This usually happens slowly over a period of many years. No one really knows why these nerve cells stop producing enough dopamine. What are the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease? There are four symptoms: 1. Tremor, which is shaking and trembling, this can effect your hands, arms, legs and head. 2. Stiff Muscles 3. Slow Movement 4. Problems with balance and walking Tremor may be the first symptom you notice, it is the most common. You may not have Parkinson’s Disease if you develop a tremor. Not all Parkinson’s patients get tremors either. Generally tremors begin in one location. It can be worse when you are inactive and relieved when moving about. It can be better while sleeping also. Eventually Parkinson’s Disease will effect muscles through out the body. Which can cause problems swallowing, talking and constipation. At times it will cause the person to have a fixed expression. Parkinson's Disease can also cause dementia. The on set of Parkinson’s Disease generally effects people between 50 to 60 years of age. Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease There are no lab tests for Parkinson’s but your Doctor may order certain lab tests to rule it out. MRI’s to look for stroke or tumor. Your Doctor will do a neurological exam which includes questions and tests that show how your nerves are working. He will watch how you move, test reflexes and strength and also check your vision. Treatment At present there is no cure. There are medications that help with the symptoms. Doctor’s might not give you any medication at first if your symptoms are mild. This is due to some of these medication over long use can cause further problems. Until symptoms really start effecting your daily life it is best to hold off on these medications. You may need to take several medications to help control it s it progresses. Your Doctor will adjust meds as needed. What will be Parkinson’s Diseases effect on my Life? It is never easy to learn you have a long term progressive disease that currently has no cure. Feelings of anger, depression and being afraid of the unknown is common. Some people are able to live life as usual, they can continue to work and do the things they enjoy for many years. You can adapt how you do things as it progresses also. Most Parkinson’s suffers find support groups very helpful. You would be amazed at some of the ways people have come up with to offset the effects of the disease. By joining a support group you benefit from each others experiences and ideas.You share in little successes and in the joys of those. You share your fears and anger also and this can help a great deal. Ask your Doctor for any of these groups he is aware of and check on-line for local groups. If you can not find one local organize one. Your Doctor can not give out the names of others but generally will post a notice or contact patients and let them know about a group forming.
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