What is Parkinson's Disease?

  • Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the central nervous system caused by a change in the part of the brain that controls movements like walking and balance.
  • Symptoms include tremor, slowness of movement, muscle tightness and problems with balance.
  • Parkinson's may appear at any age, but it's most common in people over 50 and rare in those under 30.

 

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Click here to view our NEW Parkinson disease Questions and Answers Medical Brochure

 

What to do as a Parkinson's patient?

  • It is important to find and be treated by a neurologist.
  • Adhere to your treatment program (diet, exercise, medications). This will help you maintain an optimum level of functioning. Physical therapy and daily exercise is just as important as medication. Most, if not all, patients with the proper combination of medication and exercise should be able to lead a happy and useful life.
  • Encouragement, reassurance and treatment of associated conditions are important parts of a Parkinson's patient's overall program. Counseling may be warranted to relieve or ward off depression. Try to find a support group in your area. Support groups, led by a social worker, psychologist or health care professional meet on a regular basis to discuss common problems.
  • Occupational or speech therapy may be helpful or recommended.
  • Accident-proof your home to prevent falls and injuries.
  • Wear a Medic-Alert bracelet or neck tag that indicates your medical problem.
  • Call your doctor if new, unexplained symptoms develop especially urination difficulty, confusion or blurred vision.

Is there a cure?

Remarkable progress has occurred in the study of PD in the last few years. To date, however, there is no known cure for the disease. For most people living with PD, symptoms can be controlled for many years, and life expectancy is not significantly reduced.

 

How you can help?

There are many ways in which you can help raise awareness about the disease and get involved to help raise funds for medical research.

  • Contact us (212) 682-9900 and we will tell you about all the events and opportunites going on within the Foundation that you can get involved in.

  • Get your community involved by word of mouth or by starting an event.

  • Make a personal contribution.

 

Suggested Reading

 

"Parkinson's Disease: A Guide for Patient and Family"
by Roger C. Duvoisin, Raven Press,
1140 Avenue of the Americas,
New York, NY 10036.


"Eat well, stay well with Parkinson's Disease"
by Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD,
Five Star Living, Inc., c/o Willman Productions,
PO Box 272345,
Fort Collins, CO 80527
(970) 223-7379 or (800) 816-7566
$21 (includes shipping and handling).

 

"From Rage to Courage-The Road to Dignity"
by Michael Monnot, St. Dennis Press,
PO Box 442, Northfield,
MN 55057.

 

"We Are Not Alone-Learning to Live With Chronic Illness"
by Sefra Kobrin Pitzele,
Methodist Hospital Park Clinic,
PO Box 650
Minneapolis, MN 55440.

 

Help support our research efforts by Donating Online!

 

Or sending your donation via mail to:

The Bachmann-Strauss Dystonia & Parkinson Foundation, Inc.
The Fred French Building

551 Fifth Avenue, Suite 520

New York, NY 10176

Telephone: 212-682-9900

Fax: 212-682-6156