Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a non-contagious progressive movement disease that is caused by the destruction of nerve cells in a certain part of the brain. Patients with PD have a shortage of the chemical substance dopamine, which allows for a natural ease of movement. Over one million people in the United States have Parkinson's Disease.

Symptoms

Tremors, rigidity (stiffness), bradykinesia (slow movements), poor balance and walking problems can be symptoms of PD. Some individuals may also have cognitive problems such as memory, thinking, and reasoning. Other possible symptoms include depression, speech problems, swallowing problems, problems with writing, sleep disorders, anxiety, and skin problems as well as several others.

PD typically has five stages.
Stage I: Only one side of the body is affected.
Stage II: Both sides of the body are affected.
Stage II: Patient has difficulty with balance.
Stage IV: Patient cannot walk without assistance; other symptoms are significant.
Stage V: Patients must use a wheelchair.

Although typically found in people over 60 years old, it has also been found in persons younger than 40. There are approximately 50,000 new cases reported each year.

Treatment

A variety of medications are often used in combination for treating symptoms. It is important that you remain under the care of a physician, since the medicines need to be monitored by a professional. There is a range of side effects that can sometimes appear at the beginning stages of taking a medication and then diminish. Side effects for other medications may not appear until several years after beginning their use. There are also surgical procedures that can be helpful if treatment with medicine is ineffective.

Eating nutritional meals and exercising regularly as suggested by your physician are important to your well-being. If needed, you may be referred for physical therapy, occupation therapy, and/or speech therapy.

Support groups are an important source of not only support but also information for both patients and their families. There are several local support groups from which to choose.

Support

Alliance
Midwest Parkinson's Awareness Group
P.O. Box 2785
Alliance, OH 44601
Phone: (330) 829-2964

Canton
Aultman North
Whipple and Dressler Roads
North Canton, Ohio
Contacts: George and Helen Tsarwhas (330) 499-4649 GGTHT221@aol.com
Meets: The 2nd Wednesday of the month (No meetings Dec- Feb) 2:00 PM

Wooster
Parkview Church of Christ
1912 Burbank Road
Wooster, Ohio
Contact: Elsie Lawrence (330) 264-4271) jackelsie7@aol.com
Meets: The 3rd Monday of the month (No meeting in December) 1:30 PM

Parkinson's Disease Foundation
http://www.pdf.org/
710 West 168th Street
New York, NY 10032-9982
800.457.6676

National Parkinson's Foundation
http://www.parkinson.org
1501 Northwest 9th Street
Miami, Florida 33136-1407
Telephone: 305-547-6666