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Parkinson's Disease Symptom

Parkinson's disease is the result of damaged nerve cells within the brain. This disease is commonly associated with the aging process. According to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, as of 2009, around one million people in the United States have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Therapy, medication, and surgery can be used to treat the symptoms associated with this condition.

  1. The Facts

    • Parkinson's disease is a condition that affects the central nervous system. There appears to be no link between gender or ethnicity and the people who develop Parkinson's disease. Every year there are 60,000 new cases of this disease diagnosed in the United States. The majority of people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease will be over the age of 65. Just 15 percent of people are under the age of 50 at the time of diagnosis, according to the National Parkinson's Foundation.

    Primary Motor Symptoms

    • To diagnose Parkinson's disease, patients generally need to exhibit at least one of the primary motor symptoms that are commonly associated with this condition. According to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, nearly 70 percent of people affected by this condition will experience small tremors. Slow or interrupted movements are also common symptoms of this disease. Parkinson's disease can cause the muscles to become rigid and lead to problems with coordination.

    Secondary Motor Symptoms

    • There are a number of secondary motor symptoms that people with Parkinson's disease may experience. Hunched posture is a common secondary symptom of this condition. Some people will lose their ability to form any facial expressions. Handwriting can become cramped over time. People suffering from this condition may notice that their dexterity may become weakened. Parkinson's disease can also cause speech problems. Other secondary motor symptoms include fatigue and drooling.

    Non-motor Symptoms

    • Many people suffering from Parkinson's disease will struggle with several of the non-motor symptoms. Due to tremors, pain, and rigidity, sleep problems are common. People with Parkinson's disease may experience fatigue and lose their energy. Dementia and depression are both symptoms associated with this condition.
      A person's cognitive abilities may slow as Parkinson's disease sets in. Anxiety can also be a non-motor symptom of this condition.

    Treatment

    • There is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease. Different types of therapies are used to help control the symptoms of the condition, which have proven to be highly effective. Changes in lifestyle to include exercise have proven to be beneficial. Medications can be prescribed to treat different symptoms. Over time, these medications may need to be adjusted in strength or additional medications may be added. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research reports that a surgical treatment called deep brain stimulation (DBS) is another alternative for people suffering from Parkinson's disease. DBS involves the placement of electrodes in key locations of the brain that are used to deliver electrical impulses to improve motor function.

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