Parkinson's disease (also known as Parkinson disease or PD)
impairs the sufferer's
motor skills, speech, and other functions.
Parkinson's disease belongs to a group of conditions called
a slowing of physical movement (
bradykinesia) and, in extreme
cases, a loss of physical movement (
akinesia). The primary symptoms
are the results of decreased stimulation of the
motor cortex by the
of the brain. Secondary symptoms may include high level cognitive
dysfunction and subtle language problems. PD is both
chronicand progressive. PD is the most common cause of chronic
progressive
parkinsonism, a term which refers to the syndrome
of tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability. PD
is also called "primary parkinsonism" or "
idiopathic PD"
(classically meaning having no known cause although this term
is not strictly true in light of the plethora of newly discovered
genetic mutations). While many forms of parkinsonism are
"idiopathic", "secondary" cases may result from toxicity most
notably of drugs, head trauma, or other medical disorders.
who made a detailed description of the disease in his essay:
The National Parkinson Foundation is collaborating with 23andMe
, a personal genetics company formed by the wife of Google
co-founder, Sergey Brin, in recruiting 10,000 persons with
Parkinson's Disease for an innovative web-based research
project. The reduced price of $25 to participate in the study
is only for those who have been diagnosed with PD. Otherwise
it's much more than that. Since the NPF and the Michael J. Fox
Foundation have gotten onboard with it, we feel it is something
we can share with you so you know about it and can make an
informed decision about participating. Here's a link to the
NPF website announcing the study.
Dr. James Parkinson
Central Texas Parkinson's Support Groups
Temple Parkinson's Support Group
3rd Thursday of the Month
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
First United Methodist Church, Dennis Hall
102 N. 2nd Street, Temple
Contact: Christy Herff 254.724.5309
Killeen Parkinson's Support Group
4th Tuesday of the Month
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
2201 E. Veteran's Memorial Blvd, Killeen
Contact: Christy Herff 254.724.5309
Parkinsons Support Group
- Georgetown
4th Thursday of the Month
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Scott & White Georgetown Clinic
4945 Williams Drive, Georgetown
Contact: Bev Edwards 512.863.8443
Parkinson's Disease
What is Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder. It occurs when certain nerve
cells (neurons) in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra die
or become impaired. Normally, these cells produce a vital chemical
known as dopamine. Dopamine allows smooth, coordinated function
of the body's muscles and movement. When approximately 80%
of the dopamine-producing cells are damaged, the symptoms of
Parkinson's disease appear.
What are the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease?
Theloss of dopamine production in the brain causes the primary
symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The key signs of Parkinson's
disease are:
- Tremor (shaking)
- Slowness of movement
- Rigidity (stiffness)
- Difficulty with balance
Other signs of Parkinson's disease may include:
- Small, cramped handwriting
- Stiff facial expression
- Shuffling walk
- Muffled speech
- Depression
Who gets Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease affects both men and women in almost
equal numbers. It shows no social, ethnic, economic or
geographic boundaries. In the United States, it is estimated
that 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, joining the
1.5 million Americans who currently have Parkinson's disease.
While the condition usually develops after the age of 65, 15%
of those diagnosed are under 50.
How is Parkinson's disease diagnosed?
Theprocess of making a Parkinson's disease diagnosis can be
difficult. There is no X-ray or blood test that can confirm Parkinson's
disease. A physician arrives at the diagnosis only after a thorough
examination. Blood tests and brain scans known as magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) may be performed to rule out other
conditions that have similar symptoms. People suspected of
having Parkinson's disease should consider seeking the care
of a neurologist who specializes in Parkinson's disease.
What is the treatment for Parkinson's disease?
Thereare a number of effective medicines that help to ease the
symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Most symptoms are caused
by lack of dopamine. The medicines most commonly used will
attempt to either replace or mimic dopamine, which improves
the tremor, rigidity and slowness associated with Parkinson's disease.
Several new medicines are being studied that may slow the
progression. Many promise to improve the lives of people with
Parkinson's disease.
Can surgery help Parkinson's disease?
Surgery can ease the symptoms of Parkinson's disease,
but it is not a cure. Because of the risks associated with
brain surgery, it is usually not considered unless all appropriate
medications have been tried unsuccessfully. When considering
surgery, it is important to see both a neurologist and brain surgeon
who specialize in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Cats Corner would like to welcome
Capital Area Parkinson's Society to our network
P. O. Box 27565
Austin, Texas 78755-2565
512.371.3373
