Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive brain disorder where dopamine-producing neurons become damaged in a specific area of the brain.
Parkinson's Disease
Every person with Parkinson’s Disease may have a different set of symptoms and not all symptoms. Some of the more common ones include:
- Tremors
- Movement slowness or stiffness
- Limb stiffness or rigidity
- Gait or balance problems
- Reduced size of handwriting
- Softer voice and difficulty swallowing
- Hypomimia or “masked face” where facial expressions are more limited
Disease symptoms may develop slowly over the years. By the time they are fully noticeable, between 60-80% of the neurons may have been lost or impaired.
For a complete list of early signs, download this PDF from the Parkinson Foundation.
No one knows exactly what causes Parkinson’s Disease, but scientists believe it is likely genetic in a minority of patients and environmental factors in others. It is one of the fastest-growing neurological diseases in the world.
Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s Disease, there are treatments that can help extend quality of life. Earlier detection is desirable as lifestyle changes can extend the quality of life of a person with the disease. These can include medications, lifestyle adjustments and sometimes surgery. The disease isn’t fatal but can create other complications that are serious.
