Parkinson's Symptoms
Parkinsonian Syndromes
Parkinson's: Non-Motor Symptoms
Parkinson's: Speech, Swallowing, and Drooling Problems
Parkinson's: Non-Medication Treatments
Parkinson's: When to Start Treatment
Parkinson's and the Early Levodopa Controversy
Parkinson's and Neuroprotection
Parkinson's Medications
Parkinson's: Surgical Treatment
Parkinson's Patient Resources and Links
Parkinson's Research Information
Parkinson's Diet Information
Things to Know About Parkinson's and General Medical Care
Mirapex Schedule
Requip Schedule
Parkinson's Motor Fluctuation Log

General Information

Parkinson’s is a disease of the brain caused by the gradual loss of nerve cells in the area that controls movement. When 80 percent of these special nerve cells have died or do not function properly, normal control of movements and balance is impaired and symptoms may develop.

Click here for information on Parkinson's Symptoms.

Parkinson’s disease affects both men and women of all races, and occurs in adulthood. The average age when symptoms develop is 57, but as many as 40 percent of the people who develop Parkinson’s disease may exhibit symptoms before the age of 50. The disease progresses gradually and may take 20 or 30 years to become disabling. Approximately one million Americans currently have Parkinson’s disease, making it the second most frequent degenerative brain disorder in the United States, after Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common.

At present, we do not know the cause of the degeneration of the nerve cells in the brain that results in Parkinson’s disease. Current theory suggests that both heredity and environmental factors bring about this disease. It’s possible that genetics predisposes a person to be vulnerable to certain toxins found in the environment, thus causing the nerve cell loss. In any case, there is no known way to prevent Parkinson’s disease.

Up to 10-20% of patients with Parkinson's type symptoms have so-called "atypical Parkinson's" or "Parkinson's variants". These conditions may have symptoms that are slightly different than typical Parkinson's and often do not respond as well to medication treatment. Click here for information on Parkinson's variants Parkinsonian Syndromes.

Click here for information on Parkinson's: Non-Medication Treatments.

Although there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, patients who regularly exercise and remain fit do much better in managing their symptoms. They can follow a simple exercise plan of daily walking or stretching to maintain flexibility.

Parkinson's disease is diagnosed based solely on history and neurological examination. There are no lab or x-ray tests that will diagnose this disease. MRI imaging may be done in some cases, but is usually normal.

Click here for information on medication treatment Parkinson's Medications.

Fortunately, Parkinson's disease usually responds to treatment. While medications do not cure the disease or prevent progression, they do reverse or nearly reverse the symptoms. The most basic and effective drug is Sinemet. About 90 percent of patients with Parkinson’s respond to some combination of individual drugs with improved symptoms.

Click here for information on patient resources and links for Parkinson's support groups/websites: Parkinson's Patient Resources and Links.