What is Parkinson's Disease?

  • Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the central nervous system caused by a change in the part of the brain that controls movements like walking and balance.
  • Symptoms include tremor, slowness of movement, muscle tightness and problems with balance.
  • Parkinson's may appear at any age, but it's most common in people over 50 and rare in those under 30

What can you do?

  • It is important to find and be treated by a neurologist.
  • Adhere to your treatment program (diet, exercise, medications). This will help you maintain an optimum level of functioning. Physical therapy and daily exercise is just as important as medication. Most, if not all, patients with the proper combination of medication and exercise should be able to lead a happy and useful life.
  • Encouragement, reassurance and treatment of associated conditions are important parts of a Parkinson's patient's overall program. Counseling may be warranted to relieve or ward off depression. Try to find a support group in your area. Support groups, led by a social worker, psychologist or health care professional meet on a regular basis to discuss common problems.
  • Occupational or speech therapy may be helpful or recommended.
  • Accident-proof your home to prevent falls and injuries.
  • Wear a Medic-Alert bracelet or neck tag that indicates your medical problem.
  • Call your doctor if new, unexplained symptoms develop especially urination difficulty, confusion or blurred vision.

What's next?

Although Parkinson's disease is currently considered incurable, symptoms can be relieved or controlled, and life expectancy is not significantly reduced. The Movement Disorders Program of The Mount Sinai Medical Center, with funding support by The Bachmann-Strauss Dystonia & Parkinson Foundation, has played a major role in the development of treatments and therapies, including surgical treatments that are used as possible restorative therapy for Parkinson's disease. Current research, including fetal nigral cell transplantation, pallidotomy, and high frequency deep brain stimulation of selected brain targets, show promise for future treatments. The Movement Disorders Program has played a pivotal role in advocating the possibility that oxidant-derived free radicals are the basis of cell death in Parkinson's disease. The program has published a series of experimental studies, which has led to clinical testing of a variety of possible neuroprotective agents in an effort to slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. There is great hope. As scientists learn more and more about the brain, it is only a matter of time before we will be able to declare a victory over this debilitating disease.

 

Click here to view our Parkinson disease Questions and Answers Brochure


Suggested Reading

 

"Parkinson's Disease: A Guide for Patient and Family"
by Roger C. Duvoisin, Raven Press,
1140 Avenue of the Americas,
New York, NY 10036.


"Eat well, stay well with Parkinson's Disease"
by Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD,
Five Star Living, Inc., c/o Willman Productions,
PO Box 272345,
Fort Collins, CO 80527
(970) 223-7379 or (800) 816-7566
$21 (includes shipping and handling).

 

"From Rage to Courage-The Road to Dignity"
by Michael Monnot, St. Dennis Press,
PO Box 442, Northfield,
MN 55057.

 

"We Are Not Alone-Learning to Live With Chronic Illness"
by Sefra Kobrin Pitzele,
Methodist Hospital Park Clinic,
PO Box 650
Minneapolis, MN 55440.

 

Help support our research efforts by Donating Online!

 

Or sending your donation via mail to:

The Bachmann-Strauss Dystonia & Parkinson Foundation, Inc.
The Fred French Building

551 Fifth Avenue, Suite 520

New York, NY 10176

Telephone: 212-682-9900

Fax: 212-682-6156