Maplewood Sauk City provides a snippet about Parkinson ’s Disease

Maplewood Sauk City provides a snippet about Parkinson ’s Disease

Nearly one million Americans are affected by Parkinson’s disease which is a chronic and progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement.

Dopamine is the chemical produced in our brains that plays a crucial role in controlling movement and coordination.  As Parkinson’s progresses, the amount of dopamine the brain produces declines, leading to the outward signs of the disease such as: tremors in the legs, arms, jaw and face; slow movement, stiffness in the trunk and limbs; and impaired balance and coordination – though symptoms vary from person to person.

Early signs for this slowly progressing disorder may be mild or go unnoticed.  Early symptoms of Parkinson’s include:  tremor or shaking, smaller than usual handwriting; loss of smell; sudden movements during sleep; trouble moving or walking; blank facial expression and dizziness or fainting.  Having one or more of these symptoms does not mean that you have Parkinson’s disease, but if you experience any of them, discuss the matter with your physician.

The cause of Parkinson’s remains unknown and there is not cure for the disorder, yet symptoms can be treated with medication, physical therapy or surgery.  Parkinson’s is found most often in middle-aged to older adults.

Go to  www.PDF.org  for more information.