Parkinson's Disease Specialist

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson's disease is a condition of the nervous system affecting movement. Development of the disease progresses slowly, and sometimes symptoms are not immediately noticeable. The symptoms of Parkinson's disease worsen as your condition progresses over time. Parkinson's disease mostly affects older people but can also occur in younger adults.

What are the symptoms?

Parkinson's disease symptoms and signs vary from each individual. Early signs are often mild and may go unnoticed. Symptoms usually begin on one side of your body and remain worse on that side, even after symptoms begin to affect both sides. In the early stages of Parkinson's disease, your face may show little or no expression, you may have a small tremor in one hand, or your arms may not swing when you walk. Your speech may become soft or slurred. But while a tremor may be the most well-known sign of Parkinson's disease, the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement.

Parkinson's signs and symptoms may include:

• Tremor

• Rigid muscles

• Speech changes

• Writing changes

• Impaired posture and balance

• Loss of automatic movements

• Slowed movement (bradykinesia) 

What are the treatments?

Parkinson's disease can't be cured, but medications can help improve and control your symptoms with a noticeable improvement. Finding the right specialist is the first step in controlling the disease. Studies have shown that the expertise of a neurologist can help those with Parkinson’s disease live longer lives. The goals of treatment vary for each person, but in most cases, treatment for Parkinson's disease is designed to:

• Reduce rigidity

• Reduce tremor

• Maintain overall quality of life

• Improve mobility and function

• Reverse slowed movements

• Maintain mental sharpness

• Improve posture, gait, balance, speech, and writing skills

The treatments can include medications, alternative therapies, and as a last resort, some surgery may be beneficial.