Getting To Know Parkinson

If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease you are probably searching for information about the disease. This article will help you to get to know some basic facts about Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s is a chronic and progressive disease of the central nervous system. The central nervous system includes the spinal cord, nerves and the brain. Parkinson’s causes the individual with the disease to have tremors of the hands and other body parts, rigidity (muscle stiffness) and other symptoms. Men and women can get the disease usually after age 60 but there are some who have developed the disease before age 50. There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s although researchers and scientists are doing all they can. There are treatments for Parkinson’s that can relieve or at least reduce some of the symptoms so that the individual can be more comfortable.

Some of the more common signs and symptoms of the disease are tremors, poor balance, stiffness of muscles and rigid limbs, shuffling or difficulty walking, slow movements, and involuntary eye closure. Other secondary symptoms may include memory loss, constipation, dementia and difficulty sleeping. The individual may have difficult speech patterns, breathing difficulties, and problems swallowing. They will have a stooped posture as the disease progresses.

One of the first questions asked after diagnosis is, “what caused this?” A person with Parkinson’s has a loss of brain cells. These cells are the neurotransmitters of the brain chemical dopamine. Dopamine controls muscle activity and is a chemical in the brain. Scientists think that perhaps toxins and environmental factors such as viruses, heredity, other brain chemicals and the aging process itself may have something to do with causing Parkinson’s. Some experts believe that heroin use may have something to do with Parkinson’s.

Your medical doctor will be following your progress closely and monitor your symptoms and the corresponding treatment. Brain scans may be ordered periodically to measure dopamine activity. Genetic testing may be beneficial if another disease is suspected of being involved such as Huntington’s disease.

The doctor will discuss various treatment options including medications, surgical options, and alternative medicines. Psychotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy may all be good for the patient and can help to keep function for as long as possible.

Alternative therapies such as acupuncture and massage therapy can help to bring some relief from symptoms and to help slow the progression of the disease.

Nutrition is important so the doctor may make a referral to a nutritionist or registered dietician.

Homeopathy medicine may be helpful to relieve symptoms such as loss of muscle coordination, tremors, panic attacks, depression, and restless legs.

Your doctor will explain all the treatment options including the alternative medicine choices and a treatment plan will be devised that best suits you. It helps to join a support group in the community to learn more about Parkinson’s and to get to know others who are going through the same things.

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