There is no cure for Parkinson's disease, but it can be managed -- and the symptoms of the disease can be relieved or reduced. Treating Parkinson's disease is often a "team effort" involving not only your neurologist but also a wide variety of specialists. Your health care team should include: Parkinson's Disease Important It is possible that the main title of the report Parkinson's Disease is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report. Read the Parkinson's Disease article > > The goals of treatment vary for each person, but in most cases, treatment for Parkinson's disease is designed to: Most people with Parkinson's disease can be treated using prescribed medications. The most commonly prescribed drugs include: If you react adversely to medications, or if the medications become ineffective, surgery may be advised. Depending upon your needs, medical history, health, and symptoms, one of the following procedures may be considered for Parkinson's disease: There are many other procedures being researched. One of the most promising involves the transplantation of fetal dopamine neurons (tissue transplant) into the brains of people with Parkinson's disease. The hope is that … Continue reading →

What is Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome? Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a specific type of abnormality of the electrical system of the heart. This syndrome causes a specific pattern on an electrocardiogram (Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern) and is linked to an episode of rapid heart rates, such as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) or atrial fibrillation. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a treatable medical condition. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is also referred to as WPW syndrome and pre-excitation syndrome. Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome can affect all ages but is usually diagnosed in children, adolescents, and young adults. Except in rare circumstances, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is not a hereditary condition. The heart has internal electrical wiring that is essential for proper pumping of blood to the rest of the body. In some people, an abnormal extra wire is present. This additional connection can cause a short-circuiting that causes the heart to beat very rapidly. This causes abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) testing with rapid rate rhythms called supraventricular tachycardia or SVT. Of note, the presence of a cardiac arrhythmia such as SVT can be from other heart conditions that are not Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Individuals affected by Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome can experience palpitations, rapid heart rates, difficulty breathing, and lightheadedness as well as near loss of consciousness and complete loss … Continue reading →

Parkinson's disease (PD also known as idiopathic or primary parkinsonism, hypokinetic rigid syndrome/HRS, or paralysis agitans) is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. The motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease result from the death of dopamine-generating cells in the substantia nigra, a region of the midbrain; the cause of this cell death is unknown. Early in the course of the disease, the most obvious symptoms are movement-related; these include shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement and difficulty with walking and gait. Later, thinking and behavioral problems may arise, with dementia commonly occurring in the advanced stages of the disease, whereas depression is the most common psychiatric symptom. Other symptoms include sensory, sleep and emotional problems. Parkinson's disease is more common in older people, with most cases occurring after the age of 50. The main motor symptoms are collectively called parkinsonism, or a "parkinsonian syndrome". Parkinson's disease is often defined as a parkinsonian syndrome that is idiopathic (having no known cause), although some atypical cases have a genetic origin. Many risk and protective factors have been investigated: the clearest evidence is for an increased risk of PD in people exposed to certain pesticides and a reduced risk in tobacco smokers. The … Continue reading →

Read the Latest Parkinson Report The fall/winter edition of the Parkinson Report has just been published! Download this special caregivers edition today for caregiving tips, tools, and a special caregiver's story as well as where the Moving Day Walk for Parkinson's is coming to next! In recognition of National Family Caregivers Month, NPF will explore the roles of caregivers and how caregivers can focus on taking care of themselves. We will also share common experiences based on evidence from the scientific literature. Please join us for this important webinar for caregivers, patients and their families and friends. Many people have questions about the Affordable Care Act and how it applies to people with Parkinson's disease. As of Oct. 1, 2013, people will be able to enroll in a new insurance plan; get the answers to frequently asked questions today! Register today for Moving Day, a walk for Parkinson's! With several events remaining this fall from coast to coast, thousands of walkers will "move" together for a common goal to beat Parkinson's. Register as an individual, join a team, or sponsor a participant make your move today! More: National Parkinson Foundation - Home … Continue reading →

PARKINSONS DISEASE OVERVIEW What causes Parkinsons disease? Parkinson's disease occurs when nerve cells, or neurons, in an area of the brain known as the black substance is altered or disappear. Normally, these neurons produce some chemicals important in the brain called dopamine and serotonin. The black substance is a gray structure located in the mesencephalon. It is part of the basal ganglia and has an important role in the stability of all motor movements. Dopamine is a chemical neurotransmitter responsible for sending signals. The lost of dopamine produces abnormal schemes of nervous activation within the brain that cause significant movement disorders. It is knwon that most patients affected with Parkinsons disease have lost an average of 70% or more of the dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra. Dopamine is directly related with norepinephrine, the main chemical messenger of the sympathetic nervous system. What are the symptoms of Parkinsons disease? Parkinsons disease causes movement disorders which are mainly of: shaking of the hands, arms and legs, limb stiffness and slowness of movement. It can also cause balance instability. The symptoms begin gradually and worsen over the time. The first symptoms of Parkinsons disease are mild and develop gradually. The people affected … Continue reading →