Helpful Information
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
The hallmark for Parkinson’s disease is postural instability (when muscle stiffness interferes with balance) because the brain has lost its ability to make a neurotransmitter called dopamine.
What are some of the symptoms?
With decreased dopamine a person may develop tremor, stiffness in their arms or legs, difficulty or slowness of movement and postural instability. These Parkinson signs may manifest as problems with balance or coordination, tremor, speech and even constipation. People with Parkinson’s usually notice stiffness or difficulty moving the arm or leg on one side of their body first, but it can progress to include both sides.
What can cause Parkinson’s?
The brain loses it’s ability to make a neurotransmitter called dopamine, a substance that lets our muscles move.
What can I do?
There is no cure for Parkinson’s but there are many medications that can help reduce the symptoms. Parkinson’s is a chronic disorder and each person has their own rate of progression, symptoms and challenges.