Parkinson’s disease primarily affects the part of the brain that controls movement. The earliest symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are usually mild and get worse over time. As the disease progresses, everyday movements like walking or getting up from a chair become more difficult. Both men and women can get Parkinson’s disease and usually starts when a person is in his or her fifties or sixties, but younger people can also have the disease too.
What are the Symptoms?
The most common signs:
Moving slowly
- Stiff muscles
- Shaking or tremor of an arm, leg, hand or foot when at rest
- Trouble with balance
Other signs of Parkinson are:
- Problems walking
- Changes in handwriting
- Not being able to stand up straight (stooped posture)
- Depression
- Sleep problems
- Voice becomes softer
Other Things You Should Know
- Parkinson disease symptoms usually begin on one side of the body, involving either arm or leg.
- People cannot get Parkinson disease from another person like cold or flu.
- Parkinson disease affects each person in a different way. Some people may have more problems with one symptom that another.
- With the appropriate support, treatment and medical care a person with Parkinson disease can live well for many years.
As of now, there is no cure for Parkinson disease, because doctors do not know what causes it. But, there are treatments that make it easier to live with Parkinson disease.
We know that medicines and other treatments can help with the symptoms such as problems with walking, moving, speaking and depression. Yoga, exercise, massage and support groups can also be helpful.
** Articles from Community Partners for Parkinson Care
