What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's is a slowly progressive condition which occurs when insufficient quantities of the chemical dopamine are produced by the brain. This results in many changes relating to movement, balance and coordination.

What causes it?

This is not yet known, but there is much research worldwide. Great progress in understanding Parkinson's has been made in recent years.

Who gets Parkinson's?

One person in every 1000. Both men and women from all walks of life. It is more common in later years.

Is there a cure?

There is no known cure at present, but:

• medication can usually control symptoms to a marked degree
• there are many self-help measures that can assist
• most Parkinsonians are able to lead active lives for many years.

What are the symptoms?

Because Parkinson's can affect all muscles, a variety of symptoms may develop. The main characteristics are:

• tremor
• stiffness and rigidity
• slowness of movement (bradykinesia).

Other characteristics which may be experienced include:

• tiredness
• numbness, tingling, weakness
• difficulty in initiating movement
• postural change
• difficulty with writing
• altered speech
• loss of facial expressions.

Early symptoms are often general and vague; everybody is affected differently. An individualised treatment programme is necessary so that an independent lifestyle can be maintained.

Treatment

Modern medication is the main form of treatment. While it does not cure the disease, it reduces the symptoms. The most commonly used drugs replace the dopamine which is produced in inadequate quantities.

Activity and self-help measures are very important, for example appropriate excercise, and avoiding becoming overly stressed.

Parkinson's facts

Parkinson's is not:

• contagious
• thought to be hereditary
• curable
• an acute illness
• life threatening
• an intellectual impairment.

To the people with Parkinson's and their families

Parkinson's will concern the whole family. You will need to learn as much as you can about Parkinson's, so that you can understand what is happening and play an active part in the management of the condition. This will assist in the maintenance of a satisfying lifestyle.

Communication and support is vital. It is important to be aware that the person with Parkinson's may have less energy than previously. Energy levels may fluctuate but doing less does not indicate laziness.

Original material supplied by the Parkinson's Society of New Zealand. Edited by everybody.