Healthcare Practices

Parkinsons Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a condition occurring as a result of loss of nerve cells in the brain which produce a substance called Dopamine. 

This chemical is a messenger in the brain which is involved with movement control.  Lack of Dopamine causes disorder of the control of movement:

• Tremor
• Slowness of movement
• Stiffness of muscles
  are all symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Other symptoms may include:

• Depression
• Sleep problems
• Constipation
• Incontinence

There is no test that can be used to diagnose Parkinson’s.  Clinicians, usually neurologists, or care of the elderly physicians, make the diagnosis with a thorough history and a comprehensive neurological examination.  It is important to exclude other brain conditions that may cause similar symptoms. 

Treatment for Parkinson’s is usually with medication and selection of the medication and dosage is tailored to the individual.

Patients need to receive care from doctors for this condition who have extensive experience at treating all stages of the disease.