Sometimes I Get Angry Or Irritated Because People Dont Seem To Get It To Understand Parkinsons Disease And How I Need To Deal With It Am I The Only One Who Feels This Way
Many Parkinson’s patients voice their frustration about how difficult it is to get others to understand and respond “appropriately” to their Parkinson’s disease. To a great extent, that is because Parkinson’s disease can be such a complex and unpredictable. This probably explains, in part, why patients who deal well with their Parkinson’s disease are often hailed as inspirational to others.
There is more than a little truth in a saying frequently repeated in the Parkinson’s community: No one really understands Parkinson’s disease unless they have Parkinson’s disease. But by the same token, how can others be expected to “get it” when they don’t have it? Even the best-intentioned friends and acquaintances are likely to respond, at times, in ways that appear to be insensitive. Frustration with others often subsides when you show greater compassion for how they are dealing with your disease.
It is also important to remember that having Parkinson’s disease is not an excuse to be less than civil to your friends and loved ones when they don’t respond “correctly” or anticipate your needs as Parkinson’s patients, or allow you to do things independently. Try to recognise the source of your frustration without taking it out on others.
What Do I Say To Friends And Acquaintances Who Dont Take My Parkinsons Disease Seriously Because I Look So Good
Parkinson’s disease often hides from the public. If you do not have significant tremor, or if your medications mask your symptoms, your disease may not even be apparent to a medical professional. Consequently, those who are not so close to you may find it difficult to understand your condition.
People make comments about how good you look for several reasons. First, they are often simply stating what they see, and they hope the comment will make you feel good. At other times, your appearance may mistakenly reassure people that you are not seriously ill. Such a statement can also be a way of dismissing the seriousness of your illness because acknowledging a serious illness makes others uncomfortably aware of their own vulnerability.
Also, remember that for your friends and acquaintances, discussing your Parkinson’s disease can seem like one of those “nothing I say is going to sound right” situations that we all have experienced from time to time. Most people don’t want to say anything for fear of embarrassing you. If you don’t look good, they generally assume you don’t want them to tell you so. So, for many people, “you look so good” seems the safest and least awkward comment they can make.
Connect With Other Patients And Share Tips On How To Manage Parkinsons Disease In Our Forums
Up to 44 percent of those with PD have experienced internal tremors. This also is what young-onset Parkinson’s disease can look like. In my early 20s, the tremors continued, and I started having gut troubles. I didn’t think much of it, but looking back on my medical history, my doctor felt confident that PD was playing a quiet role way back when.
Fiona MacDonald, of ScienceAlert, says, “Researchers have noticed that people with Parkinson’s often report … digestive problems up to 10 years before they notice tremors. There’s also evidence that people with Parkinson’s disease have different gut bacteria to other healthy adults.” This also is what PD can look like — but you can’t see it.
I began reading through my journals and began to see my symptoms actually did begin in high school. But they were subtle. They were unpronounced, minimal, silent, unassuming. There was some rigidity. Internal tremors. Gut problems. Not much, but enough to put a connection to. This is what young-onset Parkinson’s disease can feel like.
When I was 32, I was misdiagnosed with lupus and medicated with pills that didn’t make a difference. This is not uncommon.
I don’t have time to wallow in a sea of sorrow over a disease I have, but would rather not have. Since I do have it, I recognize there are times when it’s OK to be treated differently and to need help. It’s really OK, because …
… that’s what PD can look like.
***
How Can I Be Expected To Communicate In An Effective Way When Im Dealing With So Much
Many people prefer not to talk about their Parkinson’s disease, but those who can discuss it openly seem to find it less burdensome. Plus, a Parkinson’s diagnosis rarely affects just one person. The condition can be difficult for immediate family and friends. It is important for those who have the condition to recognise that while the physical symptoms may be ours and ours alone, the emotional repercussions can be much more widespread. Communication ensures that misunderstandings are kept to the minimum. Sharing the burden of Parkinson’s disease is therapeutic for all concerned.
Read this article on the
How Do I Deal With People Who Try To Do Things For Me That I Would Rather Do Myself
Accepting and rejecting assistance are both something of an art. The first thing to remember is that most people won’t know whether you want help or not until they ask, you ask, or they try to do it for you. They can’t read minds. Your response will depend on a realistic assessment of your need at the moment and your feelings about the offer of help. Try out responses , and see which works best for you. One favourite response came from a Parkinson’s patient who, when asked if she wanted help opening a pack of mints, said, “Thanks, but I’m taking this one as a personal challenge.”
Next Steps And Considerations After Learning You May Have This Movement Disorder
Parkinson’s is a disease of the nervous system that affects movement. Tremor, stiffness, balance issues and slow movement are some of the common symptoms. More than 1 million people in the United States are currently living with Parkinson’s disease, and about 60,000 Americans are newly diagnosed each year, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
“A lot of times I’m asked if Parkinson’s is becoming more common,” said David Charles, M.D., vice-chair of neurology and neurologist in the Movement Disorders Clinic at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “But the prevalence of Parkinson’s increases with age. And so that leads to the illusion that Parkinson’s disease is happening more often. But actually what’s happening is our population is aging.”
If you or a loved one is among the newly diagnosed, you may be wondering what to expect or what steps to take next. We asked Charles to offer guidance and insight.
Sidebar: Morris K Udall Centers Of Excellence For Parkinsons Disease Research
The Morris K. Udall Parkinson’s Disease Research Act of 1997 authorized the NIH to greatly accelerate and expand PD research efforts by launching the NINDS Udall Centers of Excellence, a network of research centers that provide a collaborative, interdisciplinary framework for PD research. Udall Center investigators, along with many other researchers funded by the NIH, have made substantial progress in understanding PD, including identifying disease-associated genes; investigating the neurobiological mechanisms that contribute to PD, developing and improving PD research models, and discovering and testing potential therapeutic targets for developing novel treatment strategies.
The Udall Centers continue to conduct critical basic, translational, and clinical research on PD including: 1) identifying and characterizing candidate and disease-associated genes, 2) examining neurobiological mechanisms underlying the disease, and 3) developing and testing potential therapies. As part of the program, Udall Center investigators work with local communities of patients and caregivers to identify the challenges of living with PD and to translate scientific discoveries into patient care. The Centers also train the next generation of physicians and scientists who will advance our knowledge of and treatments for PD. See the full list of Udall Centers.
How Can Hospice Help Your Loved One In The Final Stages Of Parkinsons Disease
Hospice care is an extra layer of support to help you care for your loved one with end-stage Parkinson’s disease. It is a special kind of care that provides comfort, support, and dignity at the end of life.
The comprehensive program focuses on physical, emotional, and spiritual quality of life through the help of a team of experts. The team includes a board-certified physician, nurse, social worker, certified home health aide , spiritual support counselor, and volunteer.
The nurse will explain the prognosis and what to expect in the upcoming days or weeks. They will also monitor pain and other symptoms. The CHHA helps with personal care needs like bathing and changing bed linens. The social worker helps address social, emotional and practical challenges including complex and inter-related needs. The spiritual support counselor helps explore spiritual concerns.
Most importantly, the hospice team will be there for you during this difficult time, bringing you peace of mind. The team is on call 24 hours a day – even at 2:00 am.
Hospice is about making your final months and weeks as good as possible. This means focusing on what really matters to you.
You Could Have Parkinsons Disease Symptoms In Your 30s Or 40s And Not Know It
Blog post | 11 Apr 2019
You’d be forgiven for thinking that Parkinson’s is only an older person’s disease.
Many people with Parkinson’s, a progressive disease of the nervous system, are indeed at retirement age. So the world was shocked when Back to The Future actor Michael J. Fox revealed he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at only 29 years old.
But Fox’s case isn’t unique. It’s believed that 1 in 10 people with Parkinson’s develop the disease some time before their 40th birthday. About 1 in 5 Australians with Parkinson’s are at ‘working age’ .
And a person can live with symptoms for many years before a diagnosis of Parkinson’s is made.
To mark World Parkinson’s Day, Thursday April 11, here’s what you need to know about the early signs of this insidious neurological disease.
What Can I Say Or Do When Strangers Notice Or Make Comments About My Symptoms
Chances are that people will notice your symptoms and comment on them. Children may stare. It can be hard to adjust to that, but most comments will be friendly. The more at ease you are with the fact that you have Parkinson’s disease — that is, the more time and effort you have invested to understanding and accepting your disease — the easier it will be to take these moments in stride. You can also share concerns like this one at a support group meeting or in an online chat to enjoy the benefit of others’ experiences.
What Is The Prognosis And Life Expectancy For Parkinson’s Disease
The severity of Parkinson’s disease symptoms and signs vary greatly from person to peson, and it is not possible to predict how quickly the disease will progress. Parkinson’s disease itself is not a fatal disease, and the average life expectancy is similar to that of people without the disease. Secondary complications, such as pneumonia, falling-related injuries, and choking can lead to death. Many treatment options can reduce some of the symptoms and prolong the quality of life.
What Is The Prognosis And Life Expectancy For Parkinsons Disease
The severity of Parkinson’s disease symptoms and signs vary greatly from person to peson, and it is not possible to predict how quickly the disease will progress. Parkinson’s disease itself is not a fatal disease, and the average life expectancy is similar to that of people without the disease. Secondary complications, such as pneumonia, falling-related injuries, and choking can lead to death. Many treatment options can reduce some of the symptoms and prolong the quality of life.
Having Parkinson’s Since I Was 13 Has Made Me An Expert In Self
Although my neurologist prescribes medication, I’m the one who makes sure I take it, eats healthily and stays physically active
Last modified on Wed 20 Sep 2017 23.27 BST
When I was 13 years old, I experienced the first symptoms of what almost 20 years later would be diagnosed as Parkinson’s disease. Getting Parkinson’s in your teens is pretty unusual, if not rare. Nevertheless, I am happy that I wasn’t diagnosed with an “old person’s disease” in my teens. I am convinced that if I had known when I was 16 that the problems I experienced with movement, gait and balance were due to Parkinson’s, I would not have gone to university, got my driver’s licence or dared to start a family with the man I met at university.
In Sweden, as in the UK, Parkinson’s is mainly managed with medication prescribed by a neurologist, preferably combined with physical activity. But most of the care in chronic diseases is not delivered in healthcare. I visit my neurologist two times a year, for about 30 minutes. The rest of the year’s 8,765 hours, I spend in self-care, taking care of myself the best way I can. During the one hour per year with my neurologist, he assesses my symptoms, answers my questions and prescribes the medication I take six times a day, in five different combinations. But frankly, he doesn’t know if I take my medications or not.
Sara Riggare will be speaking at the Nuffield Trust health policy summit on 26 and 27 February.
What Lifestyle Changes Can I Make To Ease Parkinsons Symptoms
Exercise: Exercise helps improve muscle strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, and tremor. It is also strongly believed to improve memory, thinking and reduce the risk of falls and decrease anxiety and depression. One study in persons with Parkinson’s disease showed that 2.5 hours of exercise per week resulted in improved ability to move and a slower decline in quality of life compared to those who didn’t exercise or didn’t start until later in the course of their disease. Some exercises to consider include strengthening or resistance training, stretching exercises or aerobics . All types of exercise are helpful.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet: This is not only good for your general health but can ease some of the non-movement related symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as constipation. Eating foods high in fiber in particular can relieve constipation. The Mediterranean diet is one example of a healthy diet.
Preventing falls and maintaining balance: Falls are a frequent complication of Parkinson’s. While you can do many things to reduce your risk of falling, the two most important are: 1) to work with your doctor to ensure that your treatments — whether medicines or deep brain stimulation — are optimal; and 2) to consult with a physical therapist who can assess your walking and balance. The physical therapist is the expert when it comes to recommending assistive devices or exercise to improve safety and preventing falls.
Improve the quality of your sleep.
Parkinsons Disease Younger Than Or Equal To 50 Years Age
As mentioned before, YOPD i.e. Young Onset Parkinson’s disease takes place in individuals equal to or younger than 50 years age. Most of the people dealing with typical Parkinson’s disease or idiopathic Parkinson’s disease problem develops symptoms during 50 years age or older than that.
YOPD affects about 2% to 10% of the total one million Parkinson’s disease patients in different areas of the United States. Symptoms are almost similar to late onset problem; however, it is very much essential to understand various challenges faced by YOPD patients in their families, financial and employment levels.
What Are The Primary Motor Symptoms Of Parkinsons Disease
There are four primary motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease: tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability . Observing two or more of these symptoms is the main way that physicians diagnose Parkinson’s.
It is important to know that not all of these symptoms must be present for a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease to be considered. In fact, younger people may only notice one or two of these motor symptoms, especially in the early stages of the disease. Not everyone with Parkinson’s disease has a tremor, nor is a tremor proof of Parkinson’s. If you suspect Parkinson’s, see a neurologist or movement disorders specialist.
Tremors
Read more about Parkinson’s tremors
Rigidity
Bradykinesia
mask-like expression of the face
Postural Instability
Walking or Gait Difficulties
Dystonia
Vocal Symptoms
Juvenile Parkinsonism Or Parkinsons Disease In Teen Ages
In rare instances, Parkinson’s disease symptoms may appear in teen-age people and in children. This type of disorder refers to Juvenile Parkinsonism and it has close association with high-risk and specific Parkinson’s disease genetic mutations.
The onset Juvenile Parkinsonism before 21 years age is comparatively rare type of symptom, which takes place because of a group of various heterogeneous entities may present with clinical pictures containing similarity with the idiopathic Parkinson’s disease or manifest Parkinsonism as spectrum containing different signs further.
Diagnostic testing is as per the present symptoms and aim to uncover potentially treatable or reversible causes. In case of finding any underlying condition, doctors tailor the treatment accordingly.
On the other hand, treatment is of symptomatic and it relies on common medications available for the treatment of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease problem. Patients dealing with Juvenile Parkinson’s disease tend to plague with treatment-induced diseases/complications, because of which patients should make sure to employ the necessary cautions beforehand.
Also Read:
Parkinsons Disease Younger Than Or Equal To 50 Years Age
As mentioned before, YOPD i.e. Young Onset Parkinson’s disease takes place in individuals equal to or younger than 50 years age. Most of the people dealing with typical Parkinson’s disease or idiopathic Parkinson’s disease problem develops symptoms during 50 years age or older than that.
YOPD affects about 2% to 10% of the total one million Parkinson’s disease patients in different areas of the United States. Symptoms are almost similar to late onset problem; however, it is very much essential to understand various challenges faced by YOPD patients in their families, financial and employment levels.
Parkinsons Disease Early And Later Symptoms 5 Stages And
www.medicinenet.comparkinsons_disease
Most people who develop Parkinson‘s disease are 60 years of age or older. Since overall life expectancy is rising, the number of individuals with Parkinson‘s disease will…
- Complications
- Prevention
Parkinson‘s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Symptoms start gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are common, but the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement. In the early stages of Parkinson‘s disease, your face may show little or no expression. Your arms may not swing when you walk. Your speech may become soft or slurred. Parkinson‘s disease symptoms worsen as your condition progresses over time. Although Parkinson‘s disease can’t be cured, medications might significantly improve your symptoms. Occasionally, your doctor may suggest surgery to regulate certain regions of your brain and improve your symptoms.
See full list on apdaparkinson.org
Dancing To Music Can Curb Parkinsons Disease Progression
Aug. 11, 2021 — When J.M. Tolani was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 49, he was devastated.
“I felt as though I had been hit by a truck. Everything felt like it came to a standstill. My life was altogether changed,� he tells WebMD.
Originally a photojournalist, Tolani was no longer able to travel the world carrying heavy equipment and had to give up the profession he loved, which contributed to his emotional struggle.
Then he discovered dancing, which was recommended by a member of a support group he was attending. He began taking classes with Dance for PD, a specialized dance program for people with Parkinson’s disease, their families, friends, and care partners.
“I found I could move, and the dancing seemed to provide a replacement for the dopamine I lost in the brain. Dancing motivates me and makes me happy, flexible, and mobile,� Tolani says.
The benefits Tolani receives from dancing have been corroborated by a substantial body of scientific research, most recently a study that showed that patients with mild to moderate Parkinson’s slowed the progression of their disease by participating in dance training with music for an hour and a quarter per week.
“The classes were very beneficial for these individuals with PD, and we know that dance activates brain areas, even in people without PD,� senior investigator Joseph DeSouza, PhD, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology at York University in Toronto, tells WebMD.
A Second Opinion After Your Parkinsons Disease Diagnosis
Getting a second opinion after an initial diagnosis can be helpful. “The first time someone’s told they have Parkinson’s can be very upsetting — and of course, understandably so,” Charles said. “Seeking a second opinion is always entirely reasonable.” Parkinson’s is a slowly progressive disease, he added, so there’s no harm in taking additional time to get a second opinion.
What Are The Surgical Treatments For Parkinsons Disease
Most patients with Parkinson’s disease can maintain a good quality of life with medications. However, as the disease worsens, medications may no longer be effective in some patients. In these patients, the effectiveness of medications becomes unpredictable – reducing symptoms during “on” periods and no longer controlling symptoms during “off” periods, which usually occur when the medication is wearing off and just before the next dose is to be taken. Sometimes these variations can be managed with changes in medications. However, sometimes they can’t. Based on the type and severity of your symptoms, the failure of adjustments in your medications, the decline in your quality of life and your overall health, your doctor may discuss some of the available surgical options.
What Is The Outlook For Persons With Parkinsons Disease
Although there is no cure or absolute evidence of ways to prevent Parkinson’s disease, scientists are working hard to learn more about the disease and find innovative ways to better manage it, prevent it from progressing and ultimately curing it.
Currently, you and your healthcare team’s efforts are focused on medical management of your symptoms along with general health and lifestyle improvement recommendations . By identifying individual symptoms and adjusting the course of action based on changes in symptoms, most people with Parkinson’s disease can live fulfilling lives.
The future is hopeful. Some of the research underway includes:
- Using stem cells to produce new neurons, which would produce dopamine.
- Producing a dopamine-producing enzyme that is delivered to a gene in the brain that controls movement.
- Using a naturally occurring human protein – glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor, GDNF – to protect dopamine-releasing nerve cells.
Many other investigations are underway too. Much has been learned, much progress has been made and additional discoveries are likely to come.
Why Do People Think I Am Unhappy Or Angry When I Am Not
The average person associates Parkinson’s disease with tremor, but the disease is commonly referred to by health professionals as a disease characterised by “poverty of movement.” Many Parkinson’s patients have stiffness and rigidity in their muscles, including facial muscles. Muscles tend to move with difficulty, lacking subtlety and fluidity. Referred to as “facial masking,” these symptoms may give a Parkinson’s patient’s face a grim or set look, because smiling and other facial nuances are difficult to convey.
Many people do not realise just how much they rely on visual cues to relate to you, or to interpret what you say. Explain to people who may incorrectly believe you are unhappy or upset that your body language “lies,” and it is just symptoms of your Parkinson’s disease. It’s a good opener for talking about the disease in general. Meanwhile, intentionally exaggerate your facial expression to correspond to how you are actually feeling. Practice facial exercises and move your facial muscles frequently to help relieve the stiffness.
What Medications Are Used To Treat Parkinsons Disease
Medications are the main treatment method for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Your doctor will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan best suited for you based on the severity of your disease at the time of diagnosis, side effects of the drug class and success or failure of symptom control of the medications you try.
Medications combat Parkinson’s disease by:
- Helping nerve cells in the brain make dopamine.
- Mimicking the effects of dopamine in the brain.
- Blocking an enzyme that breaks down dopamine in the brain.
- Reducing some specific symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Levodopa: Levodopa is a main treatment for the slowness of movement, tremor, and stiffness symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Nerve cells use levodopa to make dopamine, which replenishes the low amount found in the brain of persons with Parkinson’s disease. Levodopa is usually taken with carbidopa to allow more levodopa to reach the brain and to prevent or reduce the nausea and vomiting, low blood pressure and other side effects of levodopa. Sinemet® is available in an immediate release formula and a long-acting, controlled release formula. Rytary® is a newer version of levodopa/carbidopa that is a longer-acting capsule. The newest addition is Inbrija®, which is inhaled levodopa. It is used by people already taking regular carbidopa/levodopa for when they have off episodes .
Treatment Options For Early Onset Parkinsons Disease
Parkinson’s treatment aims to slow the disease’s progression. Medication treatment options may include the following:
- Levodopa is a chemical that’s converted to dopamine in the brain. People with early onset Parkinson’s may experience more negative side effects, such as involuntary movements.
- MAO-B inhibitors can help reduce the breakdown of dopamine in the brain.
- Catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors can help extend Levodopa’s effects on the brain.
- Anticholinergics can help reduce tremors.
- Amantadine may be used to improve muscle control and relieve stiffness.
Tips For Caring For Someone With Parkinsons Disease
Caring for a loved one with early onset Parkinson’s can be difficult. If you’re a caregiver for someone with this condition, it’s important that you remember your own emotional and physical health.
Not only are you dealing with a difficult diagnosis, you’re also managing an increased number of responsibilities. Burnout is common in caregivers, so make sure you’re checking in with your own needs.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation Center for Parkinson’s Research recommends these tips for caregivers:
What Are The Different Stages Of Parkinsons Disease
Each person with Parkinson’s disease experiences symptoms in in their own unique way. Not everyone experiences all symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. You may not experience symptoms in the same order as others. Some people may have mild symptoms; others may have intense symptoms. How quickly symptoms worsen also varies from individual to individual and is difficult to impossible to predict at the outset.
In general, the disease progresses from early stage to mid-stage to mid-late-stage to advanced stage. This is what typically occurs during each of these stages:
Early stage
Early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are usually mild and typically occur slowly and do not interfere with daily activities. Sometimes early symptoms are not easy to detect or you may think early symptoms are simply normal signs of aging. You may have fatigue or a general sense of uneasiness. You may feel a slight tremor or have difficulty standing.
Often, a family member or friend notices some of the subtle signs before you do. They may notice things like body stiffness or lack of normal movement slow or small handwriting, lack of expression in your face, or difficulty getting out of a chair.
Mid stage
Mid-late stage
Standing and walking are becoming more difficult and may require assistance with a walker. You may need full time help to continue to live at home.
Advanced stage
The Right Care Provider To Treat Parkinsons Disease
You can also take your time finding the right neurologist to treat your Parkinson’s and help guide you on your journey. Charles said it’s best to find someone close by whom you can see easily when you need to.
“For people who are able to receive their care at Vanderbilt,” he added, “we have a large division of movement disorders, with faculty specialized in the care of people with Parkinson’s disease. And not only is it a large division, it’s also one of the most highly respected in the nation.”
What Is The Average Age To Get Parkinsons Disease
Parkinson’s disease indicates a neurodegenerative disorder affecting predominately various dopamine-producing neurons in particular brain areas known commonly as substantia nigra.
Symptoms in this case develop generally slow for many years. In addition, progression of various symptoms is slightly different among different persons because of the diversity prevails in the disease. People suffering from Parkinson’s disease problem usually deal with-
Tremor usually while taking rest and pill rolling type of tremor in the hands. However, the patients may even deal with other tremor forms, which are-
- Slow body movements.
- Rigidity in limbs.
- Problems in balance of body and gait.
Main reason behind the Parkinson’s disease problem is entirely unknown. Despite no cure is available until now, treatment options in case of Parkinson’s disease may vary largely, which may include surgical procedures and medications. The problem itself is not a dreadful one; its complications may sometimes become serious.
Is There A Way To Slow The Progress Of Parkinsons
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder, which means its symptoms worsen slowly over time. There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease yet and no known way to slow its progress.
But there are treatments and medications that can control or reduce the symptoms and help people live productive lives. Some research suggests that regular exercise may slow the progress of Parkinson’s. Physical activity can also alleviate stiffness and other symptoms.
There are other things a person can do to feel better after a diagnosis of Parkinson’s, such as joining social support groups and learning as much as possible about the disease. It’s also important to make the home safer and less cluttered, since a person with Parkinson’s is more likely to fall.
While it’s not always easy, neurologists say a positive mindset can also help.
How To Recognize The Signs Of Parkinsons Disease
This article was medically reviewed by Janice Litza, MD. Dr. Litza is a board certified Family Medicine Physician in Wisconsin. She is a practicing Physician and taught as a Clinical Professor for 13 years, after receiving her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health in 1998.There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 138,619 times.
Experts say that symptoms of Parkinson’s disease usually start slowly with a tremor in one hand, along with stiffness and slowing movement. Over time, you may develop more symptoms on both sides of your body.XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to source Parkinson’s disease is a condition where your brain’s nerve cells don’t produce enough dopamine, which effects your motor skills. Research suggests that Parkinson’s disease can be difficult to diagnose because there’s no test for it, so your doctor will likely review your medical records and do a neurological exam.XTrustworthy SourceMedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of MedicineGo to source Getting an early diagnosis can help you get the best treatment to help manage your symptoms, so talk to your doctor if you think you might have symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.