Understanding Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the control of movement. It’s caused by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain, leading to symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowness of movement and balance problems. While Parkinson's disease cannot be cured, effective treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. There is hope.

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Symptoms of Parkinson's disease

Identifying the symptoms of Parkinson's disease early allows our team of experts to intervene quickly and develop a plan for symptom management. Parkinson’s disease symptoms mostly affect movement, but they can also cause memory problems, a decrease in mental processing speed, dizziness with change in position, difficulty swallowing, problems with sleep, anxiety or depression. The most common movement symptoms that are important for the disease diagnosis are listed below:
 

Tremors

Involuntary shaking, that occurs at rest or with action, that can involve the hands and/or legs

Muscle rigidity

Stiffness in the limbs or neck, which can limit flexibility and ease of movement

Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)

Affects dexterity, voice volume, clarity of speech, and causes a decrease in facial expressions, difficulty getting up from a chair, slower walking speed, and stooped posture

Balance problems

As the condition progresses it may cause unsteadiness and increase the risk of falls

Diagnostic tests & screenings

At Endeavor Health, we use detailed standardized neurological evaluation and imaging methods to ascertain the diagnosis, so an appropriate treatment plan can be developed.

Neurological examination

A detailed standardized neurological assessment to determine the presence of specific symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

DaTscan

A specialized nuclear medicine imaging test that assesses the specific brain structures that are involved in Parkinson’s disease but not other conditions.

Brain MRI or head CT scans

These scans are used to exclude other conditions that may mimic Parkinson’s disease symptoms.

Treatment options for Parkinson's disease

Although Parkinson’s disease has no cure, there are many effective treatment options available to manage disease symptoms. These treatments aim to improve quality of life, help control symptoms over a long period and assist individuals in maintaining their independence for as long as possible. Treatment options include: 

While there are a number of medications available to treat the symptoms, the choice of medication depends on a person’s age and degree of symptoms. Levodopa, since its discovery more than 60 years ago, remains the most effective medication available to treat symptoms. Multiple different formulations of this medication are available and can be used depending on the degree of symptoms. Other medications to help manage symptoms include dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors and other drugs.

Used to treat muscle stiffness or dystonia associated with Parkinson's disease.

DBS is a surgical treatment option available for Parkinson's disease and is used when symptoms are not adequately controlled with medication alone. During surgery, electrodes are implanted in specific areas of the brain to help control abnormal movements.

Helps to maintain mobility, flexibility and balance. These are essential to improving overall quality of life.

Provides strategies and adaptive techniques to assist with daily tasks, which helps patients maintain independence.

As the disease progresses, a person may develop a soft, low-volume voice and difficulty swallowing. Speech therapy is essential in assessing the degree of the problem and developing methods to mitigate it, including help with voice control and communication issues.

Frequently asked questions

Parkinson's disease is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain, which leads to problems with movement and coordination.

Early signs may include tremors, slowed movements, muscle stiffness and changes in posture or balance. Some people may also experience a reduced sense of smell or changes in their handwriting. If you’ve noticed these symptoms, it’s important that you make an appointment with our team immediately.

Find a physician

Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, but treatments are available to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Treatment typically includes medications to increase dopamine levels, physical therapy to improve mobility and, in some cases, surgical interventions like deep brain stimulation.

DBS can help reduce symptoms such as tremors, stiffness and involuntary movements for patients who do not respond well to medication, improving quality of life.

Yes, regular exercise is highly beneficial for maintaining flexibility, balance and strength, and can help patients manage symptoms more effectively.

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Parkinson’s disease has a profound impact on your life, but so does effective treatment. Make an appointment today and let us be part of the team that stands with you.

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Endeavor Health Neurosciences Institute provides advanced care for brain, spine and neurological conditions. With world-class specialists and a commitment to innovation, we’re here to improve lives through compassionate, personalized neurological care.

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