Courageous Steps for Parkinson's

Parkinson's disease is a neurological movement disorder that is chronic and progressive, meaning that symptoms continue and worsen over time. It affects nearly one million people in the United States.Parkinson's disease is one of a larger group of neurological conditions called motor system disorders. Historians have found evidence of the disease as far back as 5000 B.C. It was first described as "the shaking palsy" in 1817 by British doctor James Parkinson. Because of Parkinson's early work in identifying symptoms, the disease came to bear his name.

It affects the most basic abilities that we often take for granted such as walking and talking. Some of the first symptoms commonly experienced with Parkinson's include the following:

• Rigidity — Arms and legs become stiff and hard to move
• Tremors — Rapid shaking of the hands, arms or legs
• Slowed Movements — Difficulty starting or completing movements, called bradykinesia
• Impaired Balance — Lack of balance or difficulty adjusting to sudden changes in position

Other symptoms include difficulty speaking or swallowing, drooling, stooped posture, inability to make facial expressions, oily skin, cramped handwriting, shortness of breath, constipation, increased sweating, erectile dysfunction, difficulty sleeping, problems urinating and anxiety.

The disease is caused by the progressive impairment or deterioration of neurons (nerve cells) in an area of the brain known as the substantia nigra. When functioning normally, these neurons produce a vital brain chemical known as dopamine. Dopamine serves as a chemical messenger allowing communication between the substantia nigra and another area of the brain called the corpus striatum. This communication coordinates smooth and balanced muscle movement. A lack of dopamine results in abnormal nerve functioning, causing a loss in the ability to control body movements.

Medicatiions can provide dramatic relief from the symptoms of Parkinson's, but no drug can stop the progression of the disease. In some cases, surgery is an option. Some doctors recommend physical therapy or muscle strengthening. For many patients, a combination of these approaches works best.