What Is Parkinson's Disease?

gave me some answers about many of the things (symptoms) that I have been living with and wondering why? I feel alot better to know. I am now going to try and do some strenous exercises-- for two reasons: 1) to lose about 80 pounds and 2) (if I understand the article correctly) distribute more blood flow to the brain and most importantly to the cells that produce dophamine.

A.B.

26 days ago

Thanks for the information. I suffer from PD, and the diagnosis three years ago was an earthshaking experience. I am on medication, as we as various forms of therapy. I function a little less well than before the onset of PD. It is very useful to know of so many smaller indicators that help to confirm my symptoms. There is so much to learn, but knowledge is power. I am determined to not let PD get the better of me. So far, all my family and friends have been helpful and understanding. It is hard for them to see the various symptoms affect me, but they recognize my resolve to remain independent and healthy for the remainder of my years.

pootsa

about 1 month ago

It would be advantageous to point out the necessity of getting treatment from a physiotherapist straight after being diagnosed with PD and not waiting until abnormal walking patterns and difficulties with activities of daily living become fixed.

Dadfrank

6 months ago

Descriptions support our experience. We wish that a treatment will be found soon to overcome this disease.

HARP2132

6 months ago

Family Grandpa had this progrewssed He was a painter . Does it run in families the symmptoms help.

Dadfrank

6 months ago

Generally, the explanation was helpful for me. My wife and two sons have been diagnosed with Parkinson's. My wife (age 85) has been told by the surgeon who repaired her him (broken in a fall) that she will in all probability never walk again. Crushing information!!!

yes, it was very helpful.

mixed up

8 months ago

because of cancer (colon) symptoms are passed off as side effects of treatment. Grandparents &mother have parkinson's.I am 64 and a good chance I will get Parkinson's. This article points to80 percent of my symptoms now. Also to be careful self diagnose could cause more anxiety

alexjes2

8 months ago

i want to use visualization, etc., along with denial (not always a bad thing) and defiance. this approach probably requires something like a road map for the terrain of the likely,in order to defy as much as possible.

Emily M.

9 months ago

Hi AZ Phyllis and Anonymous, Thank you both very much for your comments. If you have questions, you can post them in our Ask & Answer section, here: ( http://www.caring.com/ask ). Take care -- Emily | Community Manager

When visiting a chiropractor for the 3rd time in 8 yrs. (while on vacation out of state), that I exhibited some changes from my previous visit several yrs. prior. He detected very early signs of possible neurological disease - possibly Parkinson's (both parents have/had - which he didn't know). He detected some "rigidity" (which I still don't see). He strongly suggested I see a neurologist for a CT scan of my brain. He was very concerned that it be checked out EARLY on & that I start taking some natural substances to help ward it off. As he's in another state, his own financial gain is not a factor. He also referred me to a well-known Dr. of Naturopathy - (too far from me, & I've yet to see ANY). I fully believe he was genuinely concerned for me. Yet, I see none of the signs listed in your very detailed article. Should I cast aside his suggestion? With my family background, I remain concerned. I lost some sense of smell in the 1980s, following sinus surgery & a root canal that left a HORRID tase in my moth for over a year! I've NOT lost ANY sense of taste! Food is DELICIOUS! The 2 MDs I've seen & shared of my concerns, as well as my regular chiropractor (of 12 years) see no changes. So, I'm left with remaining questions.

AZ Phyllis

9 months ago

I would like to see an article on Parkinsons Plus, MSA. My 53 year old husband has developed so many symptoms so fast. He falls 4 or 5 times a day, even with a walker. What is next?

Capricorn

10 months ago

Symptoms and surgical treatment information is helpful. Thank you so much for this site.

Emily M.

10 months ago

Hi sassy's mom, I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's difficult situation. Unfortunately, we are unable to give direct medical advice for our site members. I suggest that you contact your husband's doctor regarding his medical issue, and find out what the best solution is. I hope our informational site will be of help for you in the future. Take care, Emily | Community Manager

sassy's mom

10 months ago

According to a neurologist, my husband has the beginning of Parkinson's. But, he also is on very strong does of medicine for being bi-polar. The neurologists says he should not be on medicine for Parkinson's because it would affect his other medicine. What is the answer.

Capricorn

10 months ago

The list of symptoms and treatments.

Checking on my symptoms. I am taking Sinomet and CarboDolopa and have bradydyskinesia and shuffling gait.

switzerland

10 months ago

great article ,because my sister in switzerland had pcabout for 20 years,and we pray for her ,and she is in a nursing home where there she have the best ,for me its very hard to call her .it is so hard to communicate on the phone.thats all we can do to pray for her,because it breaks my hearth that we are so far away and i cant go visit pray for all those people.god bless them all

Xerxes

10 months ago

A mention of PARKINSONISM would be very valuable.

Emily M.

10 months ago

Hi ROSE A, So sorry to hear about your situation. Have you contacted your doctor about getting a proper diagnosis? With a proper diagnosis, you will be able to receive medications that may help with some of your symptoms. Learn more about Parkinson's disease medications here: ( http://www.caring.com/articles/parkinsons-symptoms-and-medication ). I hope that helps. Take care -- Emily | Community Manager

ROSE A

10 months ago

I h ave most of the symtons, my husband hasnt been able to sleep in the bed with me due to all the movements my body makes. Some time my body will jerk so hard that it wakes me up. I havent had a good nites sleep in over a year. Some times I feel like giving up, get so depressed @ times. Also the pain is so horrible I wake up crying. Is PD pain ful? Really need any help I can get. Drs have me on several strong pain pills, that doesnt take all the pain away. Im stuck @ home due to never know when the muscles will go wild or the worst pain will start, never a warning. I pray that I get answers & NO ONE GOES THROUGH THIS! GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Everything!

Emily M.

11 months ago

Hi M.Hartzell, I'm glad you found this article useful! Here are few other article you may want to look into: 8 Ways to Help Your Parent Cope With Parkinson's Disease: (http://www.caring.com/articles/dealing-with-parkinsons) AND, What I Wish I'd Known About a Parkinson's Diagnosis: Educator Rasheda Ali-Walsh: ( http://www.caring.com/reflections/rasheda-ali-walsh-reflection-parkinsons). If you still have questions, I encourage you to post a question in our Ask & Answer section located here: (http://www.caring.com/ask). I hope that gets you started. -- Emily

M.Hartzell

11 months ago

Now that I`ve read all the symptoms, medications and advice on the treatment, can someone tell me what the stages of Parkinsons disease are and what I have to look forward to in my Mothers care?

Rams

over 1 year ago

Everybody please be aware with Parkinson's diseases. Thanks for caring.com to know about our health, because i am not a doctor.

ed mannas

over 1 year ago

Recognizing the progressive stages, also listing the many afflictions associated to the overall disease.

I believe I have two relatives with Parkinson's at two different stages. One I live with and other is a few minutes away. I dont how to cope w/ the one I live with. In the past few months, she has fallen a few times and one of the times she refuse me to get help for at least a hrs not minutes to someone to help her up. Im only 43 yrs taking this responsibilty and I dont know where to turn. Any suggestions like I was thinking about getting a LIFE ALERT button for her since I work outside the home for at least 10 hrs and sometimes I would like to go out w/ friends which I dont have worry so much. Thanxs to anyone who could response with some answers for me.

For better o­r worse

over 1 year ago

Make sure your loved one sees a NEUROLOGIST WHO SPECIALIZES IN PARKINSON'S! This has made a huge difference in my husband's day-to-day living when the specialist changed his medications. I can't urge you enough to do this. We're in this together. God Bless each and every one of you who is the patient or the caretaker.

itsme

about 2 years ago

my husband also has PD and is taking the naturopath route which is helping so much more than western medicine. western medicine basically said here's your pill,take it till it doesn't work and come back and we'll see what we can do for you. ( it was the mayo clinic) the naturopath is so much more into different treatments to help the symptoms. he's doing so much better now. was diagnosed 12/03/08. don't just stick with western medicine. find out what other treatments out there.

This article was very informative because my husband has Alzheimer's, but also exhibits symptoms of Parkinson's as well. Several professional's have publicly commented concerning a need for an additional diagnosis.