Mobility & Parkinson's Disease

Each year, over 100,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, according to the Parkinson's Support Center for Kentuckiana. The symptoms of Parkinson's disease often limit mobility and cause an impact upon many aspects of life.

Causes

• In the brain, spaces exist between nerve cells, and specialized chemicals called neurotransmitters are needed to carry messages between these cells. One such neurotransmitter is dopamine, which is important to transmitting information about intentional movements that you wish to make; shortages of this chemical make it difficult for you to move.

Symptoms

• Often, Parkinson's disease causes muscle rigidity that produces pain, limits how much you can move, affects your coordination and posture and interferes with your balance. Additionally, Parkinson's also causes a slowing of movement or bradykinesia, which can effect your hands and feet, limiting mobility.

Effects

• Decreased mobility caused by Parkinson's disease can make it difficult to perform housework, run errands, drive a car or fulfill your daily obligations at work. It can also interfere with enjoyment of your hobbies, especially those that involve sports or the outdoors, reports the National Parkinson Foundation.

Treatment

• Prescription medications that mimic or substitute for dopamine may help you regain some of your mobility, according to the Mayo Clinic. Occupational and physical therapy may also help you learn to overcome and compensate for some of your movement problems.

Coping

• Because of your decreased mobility, it may be necessary for you to accept help, either in the form of a housekeeper or gardener, the use of a cane or walker or the understanding of your friends and family. In addition to your physical symptoms that contribute to a lack of mobility, you are likely to suffer depression and fear regarding your condition, and talking to a therapist or sharing your thoughts in a support group may help.