Parkinson’s

Disease

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a chronic brain disorder that affects movement and bodily
functions. Damaged cells in the brain do not produce a necessary chemical, dopamine,
which usually controls these processes. Without dopamine, the body has trouble performing
everyday movements. Parkinson’s is a progressive disease, which means that symptoms
worsen over time, usually many years. Recent findings indicate that although dopamine may
be the most important chemical that is missing in Parkinson’s’ disease, it may not be the only
one.

Who is affected by Parkinson’s Disease?

Approximately 60,000 individuals in the US are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each
year, with men being slightly more often affected. Most Parkinson’s patients are diagnosed
after age 60, but 10-15% of Parkinson’s cases are found before age 40, which is
considered “early-onset.” While we do not know what the cause of Parkinson’s is, there are
studies that have found some genetic links to the disease. Family history of Parkinson’s is
particularly important in early-onset forms of the disease.

What are the Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?

Symptoms that may indicate Parkinson’s:
• Shaking (tremors) of the arms and legs initially on one side of the body while resting
or walking
• Slowness of movement (bradykinesia), especially in starting and attempting to
continue rapid repetitive movements (finger taps, foot taps, etc.)
• Muscle and limb stiffness
• Poor balance, difficulty walking with shuffling of the feet
• Fatigue
• Emotional changes such as depression
• Decline in mental function over time (dementia)
• Sleep disturbances
• Problems with swallowing, speech, bladder control and constipation
• Seborrheic Dermatitis
• Small, cramped handwriting (micrographia)
• Impaired sense of smell
• Visual hallucinations

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How is Parkinson’s Disease diagnosed?

A physician diagnoses Parkinson’s by performing a physical exam and taking a detailed
medical history. A diagnosis would depend on the presence of slowness of movement
(bradykinesia) and at least one of the other major signs: tremor at rest, rigidity or poor
balance. A gradual disease course in a patient with resting tremor and bradykinesia on one
side is typical, however, 25% of PD patients may not have resting tremor. There are no
specific tests for Parkinson’s disease but your doctor may order some brain scans such as an
MRI or a CT scan to rule out other disorders. Many disorders have similar symptoms but
different causes so it is important that those are ruled out before diagnosing Parkinson’s.
Often the best way to confirm a diagnosis is by how well a person responds to medication
designed to treat Parkinson’s. It may take time to make the correct diagnosis in a patient.

What are treatment options for Parkinson’s Disease?

There is no single medication or surgery that cures PD and every individual has different
needs and levels of disease progression. However, there are a number of different
treatments available that may help improve quality of life and delay onset of the nerve
damage caused by Parkinson’s. A neurologist would prescribe and try different treatments
to determine the best choice for an individual.
• Medication: There are three different types of medications prescribed to alleviate
the symptoms of Parkinson’s.
o Drugs used to increase or mimic function of dopamine in the brain such as
carbidopa/levodopa (Sinemet) and dopamine agonists—pramipexole
(Mirapex), rotigotine (Neupro), and ropinirole (Requip).
o Drugs used to balance the chemicals in the brain by lowering excessive
chemicals such as acetylcholine.
o Drugs to treat non-motor issues such as anti-depressants.
• Surgery: There is no surgery that can cure Parkinson’s, but some surgical options
have been successful in improving quality of life for patients. These delicate
procedures are typically reserved for individuals that have advanced disease.
o Lesioning Surgeries- Small overactive areas of the brain are destroyed to
prevent some of the symptoms. These techniques are rarely used in the US.
o Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)- An electrode is implanted into the brain and is
used to stimulate the brain, thus reducing some of the motor symptoms of
Parkinson’s. This also involves implanting a pacemaker under the skin to drive
the stimulation and occasional adjustments to the stimulation settings.
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Do the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease progress over time?

Yes, Parkinson’s disease progresses over time, typically taking many years to pass through
the different stages. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes describes
5 Stages:
1. Symptoms on one side of the body only.
2. Symptoms on both sides of the body. No impairment of balance.
3. Balance impairment. Mild to moderate disease. Physically independent.
4. Severe disability, but still able to walk or stand unassisted.
5. Wheelchair-bound or bedridden unless assisted.

Is there a cure for Parkinson’s Disease?

No. There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s. However, medication, healthy lifestyle
choices, and different treatments can greatly improve quality of life. There is ongoing
research to determine if various drugs (creatine, coenzyme Q10) can slow Parkinson’s
disease.

What psychological illnesses are associated with Parkinson’s?

Individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s are more likely to experience depression and
dementia. Depression can also be caused by emotional changes that come with the
progression of PD, such as feelings of powerlessness and dependence. Parkinson’s patients
may develop dementia as the disease reaches more advanced stages.

Are there other things I can do if I am diagnosed with Parkinson’s?

People can improve their quality of life through healthy eating and exercise. Each
individual should set up an individualized nutrition plan to maintain weight and counteract
reactions to medications. Some Parkinson’s patients have negative reactions to protein and
others lose weight without trying to. Regular exercise and physical therapy can help
alleviate some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s, decrease pain, and increase range of
motion.

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Resources

The National Alliance for Hispanic Health

Su Familia: The National Hispanic Family Health Helpline!
1-866-SU-FAMILIA (1-866-783-2645)!
SuFamilia@hispanichealth.org! www.hispanichealth.org

National Parkinson Foundation, Inc. (NPF)*

1-800-327-4545
contact@parkinson.org www.parkinson.org

NPF’s website (www.parkinson.org) provides information about affiliated Centers that

provide specialty care throughout the U.S. and internationally, support group network,
chapters and other general information and resources about Parkinson’s disease. There are
also discussion corners where persons and families living with PD can register and ask
experts their questions. The “Ask the Doctor” forum is available in Spanish “Preguntale al
Medico” (see website’s “discussion corner”). NPF has several free publications (see
website’s tab “publications” and click on “free publications”) in English and Spanish which
can be downloaded or requested by calling their toll free number.

NIH Neurological Institute*

1-800-352-9424
www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/parkinsons_disease/parkinsons_disease.htm

American Parkinson Disease Association

1-800-223-2732 www.apdaparkinson.org

Parkinson Disease Foundation

http://www.pdf.org

MedlinePlus Health Information*

http://www.medlineplus.gov

*Source information
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National Alliance for Hispanic Health • 1501 16th Street, NW • Washington, DC 20036-1401