Over 1 million Americans suffer from this disease for which neither a cause nor a cure is known.
What is Parkinson's Disease?
"The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, or Parkinsonism (PD), result from the degeneration of nerve cells in the mid-brain, and the corresponding loss of the neurotransmitting chemical dopamine produced by those cells. Parkinson’s progressively destroys physical movement, coordination and speech, and ultimately leaves its victims incapable of caring for themselves."
More Specifically Parkinson’s is a disorder of body movement. It is a progressive neurological disease that affects people of either sex and all ethnic groups. PD is NOT fatal. It is NOT infectious. It CANNOT be transmitted to other members of the family.
Over 1 million Americans suffer from PD, with more victims, young and old, being diagnosed daily. 40% of the victims are under the age of 60. It is estimated that PD costs the U.S. over $26 billion annually in disability costs and lost productivity. Neither the cause nor the cure for PD is known.
Because the disease is progressive, it may ultimately become debilitating. Without adequate treatment and support, people with Parkinson’s may tend to become depressed and withdrawn. However, with modern drug treatment and community support, such isolation is unnecessary.
What causes Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is caused by the failure of a group of nerve cells in the brain to produce adequate amounts of a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is necessary for smooth, coordinated movement and muscle relaxation. It is not known why the cells cease producing dopamine. However, it is likely that research will soon provide the answer.
What are the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease?
Three main symptoms may be experienced by people with PD:
1. Tremor (shaking) of one or more parts of the body.
2. Muscular rigidity.
3. Bradykinesia (difficulty in initiating movement and slowness of movement).
Fatigue, difficulty with fine movements and poor handwriting are other symptoms often experienced early in the disease.
Each person’s pattern of symptoms is unique. Some people have only one or two of the main symptoms. Others may have all major symptoms in varying degrees of severity.
How is Parkinson's Disease treated?
Many of the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease can be treated, even though to date there is no cure. Research has provided us with medications which are very effective over long periods of time. Physiotherapists, Nutritionists, Speech and Occupational Therapists, and Counselors can all help to maintain and improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson's Disease.
Resources to consult to learn more about Parkinson’s Disease include:
MyParkinsons.com – This consumer friendly site is a free resource for people with Parkinson's disease, their healthcare providers, and their caregivers. It provides an online community where visitors can ask questions of site specialists and participate in forums, chat rooms, and live education events, as well as interactive management tools where one can access medical information and obtain health assessments and reminders for important checkups.
American Parkinson Disease Association - This national association has several booklets that can be download regarding maintaining independence, activities, nutrition, and communication for those living with and caring for individuals with Parkinson’s. Links under the ‘Information and Referral’ side navigation bar (to the left of the main home page) are to local offices of the Association.
The Northwest Parkinson's Foundation - The Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation (NWPF) is a Washington state non-profit charity, established to make the Northwest a leading world center of movement disorders knowledge and treatment. You can easily contact the NWPF if you would like to be involved in their effort to bring light to Parkinson’s Disease in the Northwest. Text regarding Parkinson's Disease above was provided by The Northwest Parkinson's Foundation.
Address: P.O. Box 56
Mercer Island, WA 98040
Phone (toll free):(877) 980-7500
e-mail: nwpf@nwpf.org
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