Description

Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder of the nervous system that gets worse over time. The nervous system is a network of nerve cells that controls many parts of the body, including the movement.

The symptoms start slowly. The first symptom may be a barely noticeable tremor in one hand or one foot or the jaw. Tremor is common in Parkinson's disease. However, the disorder can also cause stiffness, decreased movement and balance problems, which increases the risk of falls.

In the early stages of Parkinson's disease, your face may show little or no expression. Your arms may not swing when you walk. Their speech may become soft or difficulty. Symptoms get worse with time.

Although Parkinson's disease has no cure, medications can help the symptoms improve. Sometimes a health care provider may suggest surgery to help control parts of the brain. This surgery can help reduce the symptoms.

Symptoms

Parkinson's disease symptoms can be different for each one. The first symptoms can be mild, and you may not even notice it. The symptoms often begin on one side of the body, then, affect both sides. The symptoms are usually worse on one side than the other. Some of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease are similar to those of other disorders.

Parkinson's disease symptoms may include:

  • The tremor. This rhythmic shaking, usually begins in the hands or fingers. Sometimes the tremor begins in the foot or in the jaw. You can rub the thumb and forefinger back and forth. This is known as a pill-rolling tremor. Your hand may tremble when it is at rest or when you are under stress. You may notice that you can shake less when you're doing some kind of task or to move.
  • Slowed movement, also called bradykinesia. Parkinson's disease may slow your movement, making simple tasks more difficult. It can be difficult to get out of a chair, a shower or getting dressed. You can have less expression on his face. It can be difficult to blink.
  • Rigid muscles. You may have stiffness in the muscles, in any part of your body. Your muscles feel tight and painful, and his arm movements can be short and uneven.
  • Poor posture and balance. Your posture may become stooped. You can fall out or have balance problems.
  • The loss of automatic movements. You may be less able to do certain movements that you usually do without thinking, including blinking, smiling or swinging your arms when you walk.
  • Changes in speech. You can talk slowly or quickly, slur or hesitate before talking. Her speech may be flat or monotonous, without the typical patterns of speech.
  • The writing of the changes. You may have problems with writing, and your writing may appear narrow and small.
  • The non-motor symptoms. These may include depression, anxiety, constipation, and sleep problems. You can also include the act of dreams, a need to urinate often, odor problems, problems with thinking and memory, and feeling very tired.

When to see a doctor

Consult a health care professional if you have any of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. This will help to diagnose your condition and rule out other causes.

Causes

In Parkinson's disease, nerve cells in the brain called neurons gradually break down or die. Many of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease are caused by a loss of neurons that produce a chemical messenger in the brain. This messenger is called dopamine.

The decrease of dopamine leads to the irregular brain activity. This causes movement problems and other symptoms of Parkinson's disease. People with Parkinson's disease also lose a messenger chemical called norepinephrine that controls many functions of the body, such as blood pressure.

The cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown, but several factors seem to play a role, including:

  • Genes. Specific genetic changes that are linked to Parkinson's disease. But these are rare unless many of the members of the family have had Parkinson's disease.
  • The environmental factors. Exposure to certain toxins or other environmental factors may increase the risk of later Parkinson's disease. An example is the MPTP, a substance that can be found in the illegal drugs, and sometimes sold illegally as "synthetic heroin." Other examples include pesticides, and well water used for drinking. But no environmental factor has been shown to be a cause.

Many of the changes that occur in the brain of people with Parkinson's disease. Researchers are studying why the changes happen and the roles they play. These changes include:

  • The presence of Lewy bodies. Clumps of proteins in the brain are associated with Parkinson's disease. These are the so-called Lewy bodies, and researchers believe that these proteins hold an important clue to the cause of Parkinson's disease.
  • The alpha-synuclein within Lewy bodies. Alpha-synuclein is a protein that is found in all Lewy bodies. Occurs in a grouped way that cells cannot break down. This is currently a major focus between Parkinson's disease researchers. Alpha-synuclein has been found in the cerebrospinal fluid of people who later has Parkinson's disease.
  • Alteration of mitochondria. The mitochondria are the powerhouse compartments in the interior of the cells that generate most of the energy of the body. Changes in mitochondria can cause cell damage. These changes have been found in the brains of people with Parkinson's disease.

Risk factors

Risk factors for Parkinson's disease include:

  • Age. The risk of Parkinson's disease increases with age. Usually, it starts around 50 years of age or older. The average age of onset is around 70 years of age. Parkinson's disease can occur in young adults, but is rare. When persons under the age of 50 years have the disease, it is known as the early onset of Parkinson's disease.
  • Genetics. Having one or more first-degree relatives, such as parents or siblings, with the Parkinson's disease increases your risk. Their risks are still small unless you have many blood relatives with the condition.
  • The male sex. Men are more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than are women.
  • Exposure to the toxins. The continuous exposure to herbicides and pesticides may slightly increase the risk of Parkinson's disease.

Complications

People with Parkinson's disease may have other complications that may be treatable. These may include:

  • Difficulty thinking clearly. Parkinson's disease can affect people of memory, language and reasoning skills. The disease can also lead to dementia or other conditions that affect thinking. These complications tend to occur later in the disease of Parkinson's disease, and the medicines usually have only a modest benefit in the management of these symptoms.
  • Emotional changes and depression. Some people may feel irritated and worried early in the course of Parkinson's disease. You can also have depression and anxiety. Medicines and other treatments can help with these changes.
  • Difficulty swallowing and chewing. In the late stage of Parkinson's disease affects the muscles of the mouth. This causes problems with swallowing and chewing, which can lead to not getting enough nutrients in your diet. If the food or saliva accumulates in the mouth, it can cause choking or drooling.
  • Sleep problems and sleep disorders.You can wake up frequently during the night, having nightmares and fall asleep during the day. Another symptom may be the rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. This implies the action of your dreams. Medications and other therapies that can help you sleep better.

Sleep problems and sleep disorders. You can wake up frequently during the night, having nightmares and fall asleep during the day.

Another symptom may be the rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. This implies the action of your dreams. Medications and other therapies that can help you sleep better.

Other symptoms that may occur include:

  • Bladder problems. You may have problems such as urgency.
  • The constipation. You may have difficulty having a bowel movement. You can pass stools less than three times a week.
  • Changes in blood pressure. You may feel dizzy or light-headed or even faint when you get up because of a sudden drop in blood pressure. This is also called orthostatic hypotension.
  • Loss of sense of smell. You can, totally or partially, to lose the sense of smell.
  • Fatigue. You may feel very tired and lack energy, especially late in the day.
  • Pain. You may have pain or cramping in the muscles and joints.
  • Sexual symptoms. You may have a decrease in sexual desire or performance.

Prevention

Because the cause of Parkinson's disease is not known, there is no proven ways to prevent it. The research shows that some of the factors that can help protect against it. But scientists do not know with certainty. These factors include:

  • Exercise. Aerobic exercise has been associated with a lower risk of Parkinson's disease.
  • Caffeine. Some studies show a link between drinking caffeinated drinks such as coffee and green tea and a lower risk of Parkinson's disease.
  • Drugs. Some medications such as ibuprofen and statins, have been linked to a lower risk of the disease.

Diagnosis

Currently, there is no specific test to diagnose Parkinson's disease. It makes a diagnosis by a doctor trained in nervous system conditions, known as a neurologist. A diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is based on clinical history, an examination of the symptoms, and a neurological and physical examination.

It may take time to diagnose Parkinson's disease. Health professionals may recommend regular follow-up appointments with neurologists trained in movement disorders to assess your condition and symptoms over time and to diagnose Parkinson's disease.

Your health care team may order some of these tests and procedures:

  • Physical and neurological examination. This includes taking your medical history and perform a neurological exam that tests your thinking and mental abilities, senses, coordination, and reflexes.
  • Blood and laboratory tests. These are used to rule out other conditions that may be causing the symptoms.
  • Imaging tests, such as anMRI, the brain of the ultrasound andPETscan. These are used to rule out other conditions. They are not very useful in the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
  • A specific single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), the exploration called a dopamine transporter (DAT) scan. This can help support the suspicion that you have Parkinson's disease and help identify the different types of tremor. But, their symptoms and the results of his neurological examination to determine your diagnosis. Most people do not require a DAT scan.
  • The genetic testing. This test is to detect changes in the genes, if there is a family history of Parkinson's disease or if you have early-onset disease.
  • A short, low-dose treatment of medicines. You can receive the medications used to treat Parkinson's disease to see if it improves. If the symptoms show a significant improvement, this can help to confirm the diagnosis. You should receive a dosage sufficient to show the benefit, how to get low dose for a day or two is not reliable.
  • Follow-up appointments. Regular appointments with the neurologist trained in movement disorders may be needed over time to confirm a diagnosis.
  • The alpha-synuclein to the test.This test, also called alpha-synuclein seed amplification assay, detects Parkinson's disease before symptoms begin. The alpha-synuclein clumps that are a hallmark of Parkinson's disease. Health professionals can test for this condition in the skin or in the cerebrospinal fluid. Alpha-synuclein is found in Lewy bodies. Form clumps that the body cannot break down. The tufts of spread and the damage to the brain cells. In 2023 the study, the researchers tested the cerebrospinal fluid of more than 1,000 people to search aggregates of the protein alpha-synuclein. The test accurately identified people with Parkinson's disease 87.7% of the time. The test was also highly sensitive for the detection of people at risk of Parkinson's disease. This study of the alpha-synuclein seed amplification assay was the largest so far. Some researchers say that the study could be a breakthrough for Parkinson's disease diagnosis, research and treatment trials. But larger studies are needed. There is hope among researchers that in the future, the test can be done using blood samples instead of fluid from the spinal cord.

The alpha-synuclein to the test. This test, also called alpha-synuclein seed amplification assay, detects Parkinson's disease before symptoms begin. The alpha-synuclein clumps that are a hallmark of Parkinson's disease. Health professionals can test for this condition in the skin or in the cerebrospinal fluid.

Alpha-synuclein is found in Lewy bodies. Form clumps that the body cannot break down. The tufts of spread and the damage to the brain cells.

In 2023 the study, the researchers tested the cerebrospinal fluid of more than 1,000 people to search aggregates of the protein alpha-synuclein. The test accurately identified people with Parkinson's disease 87.7% of the time. The test was also highly sensitive for the detection of people at risk of Parkinson's disease.

This study of the alpha-synuclein seed amplification assay was the largest so far. Some researchers say that the study could be a breakthrough for Parkinson's disease diagnosis, research and treatment trials. But larger studies are needed.

There is hope among researchers that in the future, the test can be done using blood samples instead of fluid from the spinal cord.

Treatment

Parkinson's disease can't be cured, but medications can help control symptoms. The drugs most often work very well. When the medicine is not helping, some people may have surgery. Your health care team may also recommend aerobic exercise, physical therapy that focuses on balance and stretching, and speech therapy.

Medications

Medications can help improve problems with walking, movement and tremor. Drugs that act by increasing or replacement of dopamine in the brain.

People with Parkinson's disease have low levels of dopamine in the brain. But the dopamine cannot be given directly because it cannot enter the brain.

Your symptoms may improve significantly after the start of the treatment. The benefits may decrease over time, but usually the drugs are still in control of the symptoms also.

The medications that may be prescribed include:

  • Carbidopa-levodopa (Rytary, Sinemet, other).Levodopa is the most effective Parkinson's disease medication. It is a natural chemical that passes into the brain and is converted into dopamine. Levodopa is combined with carbidopa to help levodopa to reach the brain and to prevent or decrease the side effects, such as nausea. Side effects may include nausea and dizziness when standing up, called orthostatic hypotension. High doses of levodopa can cause involuntary movements, known as dyskinesia. If this happens, your dose may be necessary to decrease or adjust. The benefit of levodopa may decrease with time. They can also appear and disappear. This is called weathering. Carbidopa-levodopa is usually best taken with an empty stomach if you have advanced Parkinson's disease. Follow your healthcare team's advice on the best time to take it.
  • Inhaled levodopa (Inbrija). This medicine helps to control the symptoms when oral medications may suddenly stop working during the day.
  • Carbidopa-levodopa infusion (Duopa).This medicine is given through a feeding tube in a gel form and is aimed directly into the small intestine. The tube is placed during minor surgery. There are some risks of having the tube. The tube can fall out or cause an infection at the infusion site. Carbidopa-levodopa infusion is for patients with advanced Parkinson's that still responds to the medicine, but need a more constant level of levodopa. It helps control motor difficulties and other symptoms, such as anxiety and depression.
  • The dopamine agonists.Unlike levodopa, dopamine agonists does not change in dopamine. In its place, which mimic the effects of dopamine in the brain. They are not as effective as levodopa in the treatment of the symptoms. But last longer and can be used with levodopa to improve how well it works. Dopamine agonists are: Pramipexole (Mirapex ER).Rotigotine (Neupro), given as a patch.Apomorphine (Apokyn), a short-acting dopamine agonist shot for quick relief. Side effects of dopamine agonists may include dizziness, nausea, hallucinations and somnolence. The drug can also cause involuntary movements and compulsive behaviors such as hypersexuality, gambling, and eating. If you are taking these medicines and behave in ways that are not typical for you, talk with your health care team.
  • Pramipexole (Mirapex ER).
  • Rotigotine (Neupro) , given as a patch.
  • Apomorphine (Apokyn) , a short-acting dopamine agonist shot for quick relief.
  • Inhibitors of monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors.These medications include: Selegiline (Zelapar).Rasagiline (Azilect).Safinamide (Xadago). MAO Binhibitors help block an enzyme called monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) which breaks down dopamine in the brain. When the drug is administered with levodopa, can keep the levodopa wearing off. Side effects ofMAO Binhibitors may include headaches, nausea, insomnia, and confusion. MAO Binhibitors can also cause hallucinations. When added to carbidopa-levodopa, these medications increase the risk of hallucinations. MAO Binhibitors are usually not used together with the majority of antidepressants or some medicines for pain to cause rare but serious reactions can occur. Ask your health care professional before taking any other medication with anMAO Binhibitor.
  • Selegiline (Zelapar).
  • Rasagiline (Azilect).
  • Safinamide (Xadago).
  • Catechol O-methyltransferase, also called the COMT inhibitors.These help to treatment with levodopa last longer by blocking an enzyme that breaks down dopamine. They include: Entacapone (Comtan).Opicapone (Ongentys).Tolcapone (Tasmar).This medication is rarely prescribed because your risk of serious liver damage and liver failure. Side effects ofCOMTinhibitors may include increased risk of involuntary movements. Side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
  • Entacapone (Comtan).
  • Opicapone (Ongentys).
  • Tolcapone (Tasmar). This medication is rarely prescribed because your risk of serious liver damage and liver failure.
  • Anticholinergics.These medications have been used for many years. Are not used as often now, because of their modest benefits and the risk of side effects. They can be useful in the control of severe tremor for some people with Parkinson's disease. They include: Benztropine.Trihexyphenidyl. Side effects of anticholinergics may include memory loss, urinary problems, confusion, blurred vision, dry mouth, and constipation.
  • Benztropine.
  • Trihexyphenidyl.
  • Amantadine (Gocovri).This medicine can be taken only for short-term relief of mild, early stages of Parkinson's disease the symptoms of the disease. It is mainly used with carbidopa-levodopa during the advanced Parkinson's disease to help control the involuntary movements of the muscles. Side effects of amantadine may include blemishes of the skin, thinking and memory problems, swelling of the ankles, hallucinations, and agitation.
  • The adenosine receptor antagonists (A2A receptor antagonists). One of these medications is istradefylline (Nourianz). These help to prevent the deterioration of dopamine and allow a greater amount of dopamine to be released. The researchers are also studying whether these medications can help treat other symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
  • Pimavanserin (Nuplazid). This medicine treats hallucinations and delusions that can occur with Parkinson's disease.

Carbidopa-levodopa (Rytary, Sinemet, other). Levodopa is the most effective Parkinson's disease medication. It is a natural chemical that passes into the brain and is converted into dopamine. Levodopa is combined with carbidopa to help levodopa to reach the brain and to prevent or decrease the side effects, such as nausea.

Side effects may include nausea and dizziness when standing up, called orthostatic hypotension. High doses of levodopa can cause involuntary movements, known as dyskinesia. If this happens, your dose may be necessary to decrease or adjust.

The benefit of levodopa may decrease with time. They can also appear and disappear. This is called weathering.

Carbidopa-levodopa is usually best taken with an empty stomach if you have advanced Parkinson's disease. Follow your healthcare team's advice on the best time to take it.

Carbidopa-levodopa infusion (Duopa). This medicine is given through a feeding tube in a gel form and is aimed directly into the small intestine.

The tube is placed during minor surgery. There are some risks of having the tube. The tube can fall out or cause an infection at the infusion site.

Carbidopa-levodopa infusion is for patients with advanced Parkinson's that still responds to the medicine, but need a more constant level of levodopa. It helps control motor difficulties and other symptoms, such as anxiety and depression.

The dopamine agonists. Unlike levodopa, dopamine agonists does not change in dopamine. In its place, which mimic the effects of dopamine in the brain.

They are not as effective as levodopa in the treatment of the symptoms. But last longer and can be used with levodopa to improve how well it works.

Dopamine agonists are:

  • Pramipexole (Mirapex ER).
  • Rotigotine (Neupro) , given as a patch.
  • Apomorphine (Apokyn) , a short-acting dopamine agonist shot for quick relief.

Side effects of dopamine agonists may include dizziness, nausea, hallucinations and somnolence. The drug can also cause involuntary movements and compulsive behaviors such as hypersexuality, gambling, and eating.

If you are taking these medicines and behave in ways that are not typical for you, talk with your health care team.

Inhibitors of monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors. These medications include:

  • Selegiline (Zelapar).
  • Rasagiline (Azilect).
  • Safinamide (Xadago).

Inhibitors of MAO-B to help block an enzyme called monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) which breaks down dopamine in the brain. When the drug is administered with levodopa, can keep the levodopa wearing off.

Side effects of inhibitors of MAO-B may include headaches, nausea, insomnia, and confusion.

Inhibitors of MAO-B may also cause hallucinations. When added to carbidopa-levodopa, these medications increase the risk of hallucinations.

Inhibitors of MAO-B are usually not used together with the majority of antidepressants or some medicines for pain to cause rare but serious reactions can occur. Ask your health care professional before taking any medication with an inhibitor of MAO-B.

Catechol O-methyltransferase, also called the COMT inhibitors. These help to treatment with levodopa last longer by blocking an enzyme that breaks down dopamine. They include:

  • Entacapone (Comtan).
  • Opicapone (Ongentys).
  • Tolcapone (Tasmar). This medication is rarely prescribed because your risk of serious liver damage and liver failure.

Side effects of the COMT inhibitors may include increased risk of involuntary movements. Side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.

Anticholinergics. These medications have been used for many years. Are not used as often now, because of their modest benefits and the risk of side effects. They can be useful in the control of severe tremor for some people with Parkinson's disease. They include:

  • Benztropine.
  • Trihexyphenidyl.

Side effects of anticholinergics may include memory loss, urinary problems, confusion, blurred vision, dry mouth, and constipation.

Amantadine (Gocovri). This medicine can be taken only for short-term relief of mild, early stages of Parkinson's disease the symptoms of the disease. It is mainly used with carbidopa-levodopa during the advanced Parkinson's disease to help control the involuntary movements of the muscles.

Side effects of amantadine may include blemishes of the skin, thinking and memory problems, swelling of the ankles, hallucinations, and agitation.

Surgery

Surgery for Parkinson's disease includes deep brain stimulation.

Deep brain stimulation

Deep brain stimulation, also called DBS involves placing electrodes in the brain. The electrodes are connected to a pacemaker-like device that is inserted under the skin in the chest. The electrodes are connected to a generator placed on the chest near the collarbone. The generator sends electrical impulses to the brain and can reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

You may need follow-up appointments to adjust the settings for best results. Some people experience problems with the DBS system or have complications due to the stimulation. A member of your health care team may need to adjust or replace some parts of the system.

DBS can be very useful to improve the severe trembling and control the involuntary movements of the muscles, called tardive dyskinesia. It is effective for the control of change of the responses to levodopa or for the control of dyskinesia that does not improve with medication changes.

Deep brain stimulation is the most effective for people who respond to treatment with levodopa. Although deep brain stimulation can have long-term benefits to help with the symptoms, not the disease of Parkinson's disease worse. The researchers are looking for ways to improve the quality of the DBS works.

Side effects of deep brain stimulation can include:

  • Bleeding in the brain.
  • Injury or death of the tissue.
  • Infection.
  • The breakage of the skin.
  • Muscle contractions.
  • Depression.
  • Speech or vision problems.

Advanced treatments

Magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound, also called MRgFUS, is a minimally invasive treatment that helps to control the tremor in some people with Parkinson's disease. A magnetic resonance imaging guides an ultrasound of the areas of the brain where the shaking starts. Waves of ultrasound are at very high temperature and burning of these areas.

Side effects of mri-guided focused ultrasound may include:

  • Walking and speech problems.
  • New involuntary movements of the muscles, also called tardive dyskinesia.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Some lifestyle changes can help relieve your symptoms of Parkinson's disease. But certain medications can make their symptoms worse. Ask your health care team that the remedies provide the greatest relief of symptoms with the fewest side effects.

Healthy eating

There are No foods that are proven to treat Parkinson's disease, but some can help to relieve the symptoms. For example, eating foods that are rich in fiber and drinking plenty of fluids can help prevent constipation.

A balanced diet also provides nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, which can help people with Parkinson's disease.

Exercise

Exercise can improve your muscle strength, walking, flexibility and balance. It can also help to reduce depression and anxiety.

Ask your health professional suggest a physical therapist that can help you create an exercise program for you. The exercises that can help include walking, swimming, gardening, dancing, water aerobics, and stretching.

To improve your balance and gait, try these tips:

  • Do not move too fast.
  • Leave your first the heel when walking.
  • Look forward, not down, when you walk.

Prevent falls

The following tips may help:

  • Don't rush.
  • Not to do too many things at once.
  • Use the handrail.
  • Use night-lights.
  • Do not use mats or rolling chairs and keep the cables out of the way.
  • Learn new turn and walk techniques, including the landing on the heel first. Also, standing up and look forward instead of down at their feet when walking. If you begin to stir, stop. Check your posture and make sure it is of the right foot.
  • The use of a walker or a cane if your healthcare professional recommends.

Activities of daily living

These health professionals can help with the daily tasks:

  • Occupational therapist. An occupational therapist can show you ways to help with activities such as dressing, bathing and cooking.
  • Speech therapist. A speech therapist may be able to help with the swallowing and speech problems.

Alternative medicine

Supportive therapies may help relieve some of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as pain, fatigue and depression. When combined with their medical treatments, they can improve their quality of life. These include:

  • The massage. Massage therapy can reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation. This therapy is rarely covered by health insurance.
  • The Tai chi. An ancient form of Chinese exercise, tai chi uses slow, flowing movements that can improve flexibility, balance and muscle strength. Tai chi may also help to prevent falls. Several forms of tai chi are suitable for people of any age or physical condition.
  • Yoga. In yoga, gentle stretching movements and postures may increase flexibility and balance. You can modify most of the poses to suit their physical abilities.
  • The Alexander technique. The technique — which focuses on the muscles of posture, balance, and thinking about how to use the muscles — can reduce muscle tension and pain.
  • Meditation. In meditation, in silence to reflect and focus your mind on one idea or image. Meditation can reduce stress and pain, and improve your sense of well-being.
  • Relaxation techniques. These practices help to lower the blood pressure and heart rate, and improve the muscle tone.
  • Self-hypnosis. This method helps you learn to relax when you are prompted by their own phrase or suggestion.

Coping and support

Living with a chronic illness can be difficult, and it is common to feel angry, depressed, or discouraged at times. Parkinson's disease can be deeply frustrating as walking, talking and even eating to be more difficult and time consuming.

Depression is common in people with Parkinson's disease. But antidepressant medications can help relieve symptoms of depression. Talk with your health care team if you have feelings of sadness or hopelessness, that does not go away.

Although friends and family can be your best allies, the understanding of the people who know what they're going through can be especially useful. Support groups are not for everyone. However, for many people with Parkinson's disease and their families, a support group can be a good resource for practical information about Parkinson's disease.

Also, the groups offer a place for you to find people who are going through similar situations and can support you.

Trying to keep some of their usual activities can be useful. The goal of making as many things as possible that you could do before the Parkinson's disease symptoms begin. Focus on the present and try to keep a positive attitude.

To learn about support groups in your community, talk with your health care team for a disease, Parkinson's disease from a social worker or a local public health nurse. Or in contact with the Parkinson's Foundation or the American Parkinson Disease Association.

You and your family also may benefit from talking with a mental health professional, like a psychologist or a social worker, trained to work with people who have chronic conditions.

Preparing for your appointment

It is likely that you first consult your family health practitioner. Then, you may be referred to a doctor trained in disorders of the nervous system, called a neurologist.

Because there's often a lot to discuss, it is a good idea to prepare for your appointment. Here's some information to help you prepare.

What you can do

  • Write down your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment.
  • Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
  • Make a list of all the medicines, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
  • Ask a family member or friend to come with you, if possible. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information provided to you during an appointment. Someone who goes with you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
  • Write questions during your appointment.

Your time, your care team is limited, so preparing a list of questions in advance can help you make the most of their time together. For Parkinson's disease, some basic questions to ask include:

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • There are other possible causes?
  • What kinds of tests do I need? Do these tests require any special preparation?
  • How does Parkinson's disease affect usually get worse?
  • I, finally, the need for long-term care?
  • What treatments are available, and which do you recommend for me?
  • What types of side effects can I expect from treatment?
  • If the treatment does not work or stops working, do I need additional options?
  • I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take my house? What sites do you recommend?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your care team, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care team is likely to ask him several questions. Be ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. You may ask:

  • When did you first start having symptoms?
  • Do you have symptoms all the time, or come and go?
  • Nothing seems to improve the symptoms?
  • Does anything seem to make your symptoms worse?
Symptoms and treatment of Parkinson's disease