Parkinson’s Disease
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s Disease affects movement and is a disease of the central nervous system. It commonly affects older patients and may develop to worsen over time, commonly beginning with hand tremors.
Causes of Parkinson’s disease:
- Parkinson’s Disease is caused by a loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain called the Substantia Nigra. The nerve cells in this part of the brain are responsible for producing dopamine, which affects efficiency of various body part movements.
What does Parkinson’s Disease feel like?
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease include:
- Tremors
- Slowed movement (bradykinesia)
- Rigid muscles
- Impaired balance and stooped posture
- Speech changes
- Loss of automatic movements
- Loss of facial expressions
How can Parkinson’s Disease be managed?
Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease:
- Medicines including dopamine agonists and levodopa
- Home treatments such as regular exercise and a healthy diet
- Surgery such as deep brain stimulation in case medicines do not work
- Speech therapy
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
