Friends In Frederick
Parkinson's Disease Support Group
Post Office Box 213
Walkersville, MD 21793-0213
ph: (301) 703-1194
stephen
About Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system affecting millions of people in the United States. It is one of the most common chronic neurological diseases affecting adults. The cause remains unknown.Parkinson's is characterized by tremors, a decrease in spontaneous movements, walking difficulty, falling, and stiffness. PD often begins with an occasional tremor in a finger or hand, which becomes more frequent over time. The tremors may then spread to the entire arm, or body, and make simple tasks increasingly difficult.
--CLICK HERE-- for Ten Essential Facts About Parkinson's Disease
- Initial Symptoms
The first symptoms vary from patient to patient but usually begin with a feeling of weakness or fatique. Symptoms usually appear on one side of the body and remain that way for some time. Other signs may be the dragging of the leg while walking, change in handwriting, tremors and generalized trouble with mobility. Some people lose their sense of smell.
--CLICK HERE--for the Ten Early Warning Signs of Parkinson's Disease
- Primary Symptoms
- Tremor At Rest- most common symptom.
- Rigidity- tightness or increase in muscle tone at rest or throughout the entire range of motion
- Bradykinesia- Greek meaning "Slow Movement". This covers numerous symptoms. The most common are a mask-like facial expression, a decrease in fine motor coordination (such as turning over in bed, dressing and handwriting)
- Balance - especially falling backward
- Speech - quieter with difficulty being understood
- Swallowing, drooling
- Loss of sense of smell
- S-L-O-W cramped, tiny handwriting
- Constipation
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep Disturbances
- Symptoms Vary
Since there are such a varied number of symptoms that you may or may not experience, it is crucial that you see a qualified doctor (usually a neurologist) and request an examination. A neurologist who is also a Movement Disorder Specialist often deals with Parkinson's Disease.
- Treatment
- Levodopa in combination with carbidopa is a common treatment
- A new long acting Carbidopa/Levodopa medicine called Rytary became available in 2015
- Dopamine agonists which act like dopamine in the brain are sometimes used with Levodopa or alone
- Nuplazid to treat Parkinson's Psychosis
- Numerous other drugs are available to help with Parkinson's symptoms
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery has been used effectively
- Physical therapy, Speech Therapy and Occupational therapy
- Exercise
- Support Groups
HOWEVER, there is currently no cure for Parkinson's Disease
"The only thing having Parkinson's has given me is a total appreciation for how valuable time is,"
- weightlifter Josh Robinson
WebMD has a nice section on Parkinson's Disease. If you follow the link, don't miss the section on Caring for Loved Ones.
OR, you can take this quiz from Parkinsonhealth.com.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has a Parkinson's Disease Information Page.
--CLICK HERE-- for Ten Things Your Doctor Won't Tell You About Parkinson's Disease
Travel Tips For Parkinsons
The National Parkinson Foundation has TRAVEL TIPS for persons with Parkinson's.
- Plan your trip carefully and in advance.
- Check your medical insurance policy to be certain that you are adequately covered. Be aware of services provided (or not provided) in other countries.
- Ask your neurologist if she can give you the name of a doctor in the area to which you are traveling.
- Find out if there is a National Parkinson Foundation Center, chapter, or support group in the area you are visiting.
- Don’t forget to rest the day before your trip AND the day (or day after) you arrive.
Copyright 2018 Friends In Frederick Parkinson's Disease Support Group. All rights reserved.
Post Office Box 213
Walkersville, MD 21793-0213
ph: (301) 703-1194
stephen