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What
is Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson's
disease is a chronic neurological disorder which results
from the loss of nerve cells in a specific region of the
brain. The consequence of the loss of these cells is the
reduction in an important chemical called dopamine. Dopamine
deficiency leads to one or more problems with movement.
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Neurosurgery Physicians
Neurology
Physicians
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Tremor
A rhythmic shaking of hands, lips or legs is a common early symptom of Parkinson's
disease. Not all persons will be affected by a tremor, but those who are find
that it begins on one side. The tremor occurs when the portion affected is at
rest, but not during intentional movement.
Loss
of Balance
A person's ability to maintain an upright balance may be impaired and the ability
to recover balance after a disturbance of movement, At times, there may be
a tendency to fall backwards.
Slowness
Slowed movements (bradykinesia) and decreased dexterity often accompany Parkinson's
disease.
Rigidity
Muscular stiffness which may accompany tremor and slowed
movement.
Other Motor Problems
Loss of the natural arm swing, taking small steps, shuffling,
forward flexed position when standing, small handwriting,
impassive facial
expression, and decreased volume and clarity of voice may
occur. Additional motor problems may also occur.
Who Does Parkinson's Affect?
Parkinson's disease affects
over one million people. I % of those over 60 years old,
and typically
is
diagnosed between the ages of 50 and 60 years old. However,
Parkinson's disease can develop at a much younger age, and
between 5% and 10% of the people with Parkinson's are diagnosed
before
the age
of
40. In
Michigan, there may be as many as 50,000 people affected
by Parkinson's disease.
Both men and women are affected with Parkinson's and people
of all races and ethnic backgrounds.
What Causes Parkinson's Disease?
This is an area of intensive
research. The most recent research indicates that heredity
does not play
a role in Parkinson's.
How is Parkinson's Diagnosed?
Careful assessment of symptoms
and a thorough neurological examination are the only way
to diagnose
the disease. There is no test to confirm the diagnosis.
Can Parkinson's Disease be treated?
YES! A variety of medications
offer relief to most of the symptoms people experience, some
of which have become available in the last two years. In
addition, several forms of surgery have been developed. The
surgical
treatments
offer help for problems that may not be controlled well by
medication.
Deep
Brain Stimulation
Deep
Brain Stimulation works by electrically stimulating targeted structures
in the brain - the subthalamic nucleus (STN) or globus pallidus
interna (GPi) - that control movement and muscle function. A
lead with tiny electrodes is surgically implanted in the brain
and connected by an extension that lies under the skin to a neurostimulator
implanted near the collarbone. The electrical stimulation can
be non-invasively adjusted to meet each patient's individual
needs.
What is the Natural Course of Parkinson's Disease?
For many people the symptoms can be quite mild, and they
may experience little progression of the symptoms over
more than
ten years after
onset of symptoms. The disease is progressive, however
and disability as a result of the progression of the disease
will increase
over time. Many people live long full lives with Parkinson's
disease
symptoms controlled by medication. People do not die of
Parkinson's
disease.
What are the Best Ways to Live With Parkinson's Disease?
• An active lifestyle with regular exercise and careful attention
to the effects of the medication are key elements to
living life fully with Parkinson's disease and overcoming the disabilities
associated with Parkinson's.
• A positive attitude and the ability to find fun and joy with family
and friends are most important.
• Establishing a relationship with a neurologist who can review medication
and discuss treatments is an important part of living
with Parkinson's.
• Joining a Parkinson's
Support Group, and a state and national organization
which will keep you informed on the developments in treatment
for Parkinson's disease. This will help you and your family
keep
up to date.
Used with permission from the Michigan Parkinson's Foundation
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