Description
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
FINAL CONTENT TO COME (this section)
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, muscle control, and balance as well as numerous other functions. It is part of a group of conditions known as motor systems disorders. Parkinson’s disease was named for James Parkinson, a general practitioner in London during the 19th century who first described the symptoms of the disease. Symptoms describing Parkinson’s disease are mentioned in the writings of medicine in India dating back to 5,000 BCE as well as in Chinese writings dating back approximately 2500 years. Parkinson’s disease is the most common movement disorder and the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, the most common being Alzheimer’s disease.
The hallmark symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) are asymmetric tremors at rest, rigidity, and bradykinesia (slowness in movement). There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease; it is always chronic and progressive, meaning that the symptoms always exist and always worsen over time. The rate of progression varies from person to person, as does the intensity of the symptoms. Parkinson’s disease itself is not a fatal disease and many people live into their older years. Mortality of Parkinson’s disease patients is usually related to secondary complications, such as pneumonia or falling-related injuries.
About the Medifocus Guidebook on Parkinson’s Disease
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, it's critical to learn everything you possibly can about this condition so that you can make informed decisions about your treatment. That's why we created the Medifocus Guidebook on Parkinson’s Disease, a comprehensive 202 page guide to symptons, treatments, research and support. Available as either a soft-cover book or in PDF format, this unique guidebook answers many of your most important questions about Parkinson’s Disease including:
- What are the causes and risk factors for Parkinson’s Disease?
- What are the signs and symptoms?
- Which medical tests and procedures are necessary to establish and confirm the diagnosis?
- What are the goals of treatment?
- What are the standard treatments?
- What are the treatment options?
- What impact does this condition have on quality of life?
- Are there any new promising treatments currently under development?
- Where can you find doctors, hospitals, and medical centers with specialized expertise in managing patients with Parkinson’s Disease?
