Parkinson's Disease
The Basics - Signs, Symptoms And Diagnosis
- A Quick Glance Into Parkinson's Disease
Many people with the Parkinson's disease diagnosis can live for many years, going about their lives with work and family. Certain allowances have to be made and adaptations in lifestyle adopted. The disease itself is not a killer but it does complicate other health issues as they arise - Early Signs Of Parkinson's
Sometimes the early signs of Parkinson's disease are so subtle that only the trained eye can pick them up, otherwise they may be missed. It is in fact, difficult to diagnosis Parkinson's disease in the early stages. Approximately 8 to 35% of cases are misdiagnosed - Primary And Secondary Symptoms Of Parkinson's
These symptoms may start out mild and progress slowly or they may start out in full swing and progress rapidly - Is My Poor Sense Af Smell A Sign Of Parkinson's?
Both the diminished capacity to smell and loss of smell are the result of the same chemical processes in the brain that leads to impaired motor function. A decrease of dopamine producing cells is the major culprit - Prevent Parkinson's Disease With Regular Exercise
The direct tie-in between Parkinson's disease and exercise was the more rigorous the physical activity schedule, the less likely someone was to develop the disease. Of course, that is not to say that the light exercise schedule will cause the disease, because it will not - 4 Risk Factors That Could Be The Precursors For Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease does not discriminate by sex and people of all ages can get it, although it is primarily an "old person's disease." Do you know the risk factors that many medical experts feel could be precursors for the disease? - Ruling Out The Other Conditions
The problem is that there is no definitive test that says, "Yes you have Parkinson's." Doctors have to rule out other diseases and conditions first, hence the longer road to a diagnosis - Can Pesticides Trigger Parkinson's Disease?
Two pesticides in particular – DDT and dieldrin – are particular candidates in the contribution of Parkinson's development. These pesticides were used quite a bit in farming and while they were outlawed in the United States in the late 1970s - What Is Parkinson's Disease Diagnosing Like?
When an individual brings a symptom to the attention of a doctor, the doctor will start to rule out other diseases or conditions. To do this, the doctor will take x-rays, blood tests or brain scans in order to see if they are positive for other diseases - Will I Have Parkinson's Disease?
The average age of diagnosis is 55. As we age our chance of being diagnosed with Parkinson's increases. Although there is a 10% probability of contracting Parkinson's below age 40 - 8 Parkinson's Common Questions And Answers
To better understand this "shaking" disease, the following frequently asked questions should help you figure things out
Complications
- 5 Common Complications Caused By Parkinson's Disease
Not all of these complications can be solved with a shot or pill so expect there to be some frustration as they develop and solutions try to be garnered
- Sleep Problems In People With Parkinson's Disease And How To Solve Them
If you are having difficulty getting in and out of bed you can install bed rails, a trapeze, or use something that you can pull yourself with. It may be beneficial for you to see a physical therapist to help with exercises to strengthen muscles
- Bladder And Bowel Dysfunction - The Side Effects Of Parkinson's Disease
Luckily, there are medications that can help relieve an overactive bladder. Of course, physical aspects such as the muscles used to hold in the urine and release it may be a problem as well
- The Impulsive Behaviors Related To Parkinson's
Of course, not everyone experiences impulsive behaviors on these dopamine agonists but there has been enough of a prevalence to make cause for concern and prompt doctors to start giving the warnings to their patients
- Example Of Common Gastrointestinal Problems
People with PD have drooling issues, not because their body is producing excess saliva. In fact, they don't produce enough. But what they do produce is hard to swallow because swallowing saliva is one of the autonomic nervous system functions
- Some Examples Of Cognitive Dysfunction Related To Parkinson's
If you develop a cognitive issue, memories and skills learned after PD cognitive symptoms are displayed could be lost and have to be relearned. Here are a few examples of cognitive dysfunction
Medications And Treatments
- Common Medications For Parkinson's Disease Treatments
Being able to stick to the prescribed medication regime will give the highest degree of benefit to the patient. Missed doses can lead to unpleasant "off" periods, so it is important not to miss doses
- Common Treatments For Parkinson's Disease
The symptoms can be controlled for many years by using medications, therapy both physical and speech, and by other alternative treatments
- Two Surgical Options
When the disease progresses far beyond what medications can treat or the medications simply do not work, you should try these surgical options
- Who Makes Up Your Medical Support System
Your support system will include medical personnel, therapists, community-based programs, nutritionist, social workers; even your pharmacist is part of your support system
- 6 Possible Alternative Treatments
While Parkinson's may not have been known by that disease name, the condition has been around since ancient times and back then, alternative treatments were the standard. Here are some possibilities you might want to consider in addition to your traditional drug treatments
- Before And After The Diagnosis Of Parkinson's Disease
The risk factors for Parkinson's disease include age. Young people under age 40 rarely are diagnosed with the disease. The risk for Parkinson's disease increases with age. Heredity also may play a role in the risk for the disease
- Be A Proactive Patient!
It is important to find a second or even third opinion from neurologists who specialize in motor coordination illnesses and has proven credentials in all the latest techniques and knows about the latest medications and therapies
- Neupro - the First Parkinson's Treatment Patch
The Neuro skin patches are created to be changed each day and are reminiscent of a self adhesive bandage. You just peel back the protective backing to expose the sticky side and adhere to the skin. This daily patch contains a new dopamine agonist formulation called rotigotine
- 5 Advice For Sufferers And Caregivers
Remember that you are not alone – your loved one with the disease is right there with you and is as ambivalent as you are. Here are a few things to remember when dealing with Parkinson's and caregiver duties
- Deep Brain Stimulation Or Brain Pacemaker For Parkinson's Patients
A number of studies have been done with groups of patients who have Parkinson's disease. One group stayed on drug therapies while the other group got brain pacemakers. Within a few months, the ones with brain pacemakers were functioning well in social settings as well as physically
- Controversial Protective Possibilities For Parkinson's
There are certain enzymes in the blood that work to break down dopamine so that it can not work as long or effectively in the brain. Selegiline can block the enzyme or slow it down so the dopamine can do its job in the brain and reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's disease
- Physical Therapy And Exercises For Parkinson's Disease Patients
Exercise, particularly physical therapy can be very beneficial to Parkinson's patients as it can help improve a person's bearing, walking pace, balance and strength
- Gene Therapy Might Do The Trick
So far though, medical researchers involved in the gene therapy study have said no harm physically or through toxic means has occurred
Life After Parkinson's
- How To Adapt After The Parkinson's Attack
Changes in lifestyle will need to occur but most patients stubbornly cling to their old ways for as long as possible before the symptoms of Parkinson's is too pronounced to ignore
- How To Create A Safe Home For A Parkinson's Sufferer
The disease can be tiring and make activities such as work and hobbies more difficult, much less daily routines. It is important to brush up on a few tips that might make your life a little less tiring and hectic
- Insurance And Benefits For Peole With Parkinson's
There are several types of programs that offer benefits to people with disabilities. There is Social Security disability insurance (SSDI), Medicare, Medicaid, supplemental security income (SSI), and a program called SHIP or state health insurance counseling and assistance
- 5 Tips For Reducing Your Risk of Falling
There are several things you can watch out for in your own home to reduce falling hazards. Here are a few ideas
- Get Started With Your Independence Planning
There are many more suggestions that can help your life be a bit easier as Parkinson's disease progresses. You might want to consider working with consultant and have them examine your home for potential dangers that might hinder your movements and cause injury
- How To Make Your Life Easier - Even With Parkinson's
Believe it or not there are some things that may make your life easier as you struggle to try to maintain daily activities in the face of this progressive disease ..
- How To Care For The Parkinson's Patient At Home
The individual with Parkinson's has slowness of movement so he or she must be given extra time to accomplish tasks such as dressing in order to not feel rushed
- 4 Lifestyle Changes Can Help Coping With Parkinson's
As far as your lifestyle is concerned, you can make your time with the disease even more tolerable and make life a bit easier. Here are some tips to get you started on an easier lifestyle
- Will Exercise Help Me After I Have Parkinson's Disease?
Regular exercise can reduce symptoms such as reducing the occurrence of muscle cramps, rigidity of the joints and even reducing the experience of aches and pains that may be noticed when sitting still for too long of a period of time
- Driving Essentials For People With Parkinson's
Problems with spatial relationships are common in the disease and it is determining the spatial relationship on the road (i.e. how far ahead a car is in front of you, traffic lights and gauging exit ramps) is very important
- Some Changes To Help You Do Your Job More Efficiently
Only by thoroughly examining every aspect of your job duties, work environment and standards of work performance can you adequately evaluate how your livelihood will be impacted
- How To Make Travel Easier For People With Parkinson's
Sure, there is extra planning and preparation involved but the end result is so worth it. You can enjoy your traveling experience and experience less anxiety and stress with some of the tips listed here