Unravel the mysteries of Parkinson’s. Discover groundbreaking research, therapies, and support networks. Find hope in the latest advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and care.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, and coordination. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease, affecting approximately 1 million people in the United States and 10 million worldwide. Parkinson’s disease is caused by the loss of nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps control movement. The exact cause of this cell loss is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.1
The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease typically develop gradually over several years. Early symptoms may include tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement. As the disease progresses, symptoms may become more severe and include difficulty with balance, coordination, speech, and swallowing. Parkinson’s disease can also lead to a variety of non-motor symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and cognitive impairment.
There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms. These treatments include medications, surgery, and physical therapy. Parkinson’s disease is a serious condition, but with proper treatment, people with Parkinson’s disease can live full and active lives.
Learn About Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms and Causes
The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can vary from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Tremors
- Stiffness
- Slowness of movement
- Difficulty with balance and coordination
- Speech problems
- Swallowing problems
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Cognitive impairment
The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the risk factors for Parkinson’s disease include:
- Age: Parkinson’s disease is most common in people over the age of 60.
- Family history: People with a family history of Parkinson’s disease are more likely to develop the condition.
- Certain genetic mutations: Mutations in certain genes have been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.
- Exposure to toxins: Exposure to certain toxins, such as pesticides and herbicides, has been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.
Discover Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Options
There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms.2 These treatments include:
- Medications: There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. These medications include levodopa, carbidopa, dopamine agonists, and MAO-B inhibitors.
- Surgery: Surgery may be an option for people with Parkinson’s disease who do not respond well to medication. Surgical options include deep brain stimulation (DBS) and ablative surgery.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help people with Parkinson’s disease improve their movement, balance, and coordination.
Parkinson’s disease is a serious condition, but with proper treatment, people with Parkinson’s disease can live full and active lives.
Learn More About Parkinson’s Disease
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. There are a variety of resources available to help people with Parkinson’s disease and their families cope with the condition. These resources include:
- The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation
- The American Parkinson’s Disease Association
- The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke