Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition which results in the loss of neurons in the brain which produce dopamine. Without dopamine the parts of the brain that coordinate movement are unable to function normally. As a result, the key symptoms of Parkinson's are tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement.

Who get's it and what is the treatment?

Parkinson's can affect anybody. It affects both men and women equally across all races and socio-economic boundaries. While Parkinson's is more prevalent in those over 60, more than 15% of Parkinson's suffers are diagnosed before they're 50. There are currently over 1.5 million Americans currently suffering from Parkinson's disease.

The most common medication for Parkinson's is Levodopa, which the body converts to dopamine. (Dopamine can not be taken directly as it would be rejected by the brain.) Levodopa can be very effective in reducing the symptoms of Parkinson's, but its effectiveness can decline over time as the cells that respond to dopamine become over-sensitized to the bursts of dopamine the drug produces. As a result, about a third of patients taking Levodopa eventually develop Dyskinesia –large, involuntary & repetitive movements. (In many ways Dyskinesia is the opposite of Parkinson's in that it causes movement while Parkinson's suffers have difficulty moving.) Several new medicine are currently being tested which purport to alleviate this problem and actually slow the progress of the disease.

Coping with Parkinson's

The foundation of a care plan for Parkinson's sufferers is as basic as a well-balanced diet and a regular exercise plan. Physical fitness including strengthening and stretching exercises can be a key part of managing the disease. A physical therapist can help develop an exercise plan to help patients improve their motor control, including such basic muscular control exercises as swallowing. As people with Parkinson's lose their ability to move automatically, physical therapists can teach people how to think through each movement's step by step. While often times frustrating, these exercises are key to maintaining mobility. "Move it or lose it" is the ongoing refrain for those with Parkinson's.

Obviously, good nutrition is important in maintaining your physical health, and this is particularly important for Parkinson's suffers. However, due to swallowing difficulties it may be necessary for those with Parkinson's to restrict themselves to easy-to-swallow foods. In addition, because protein can make Levodopa less effective, a low protein diet is often recommended for those taking the drug. Consulting a dietician to help develop a diet plan that meets all of these goals, can be extremely effective.

Finally, it is important for both the Parkinson's patient and his or her caregiver to address their psychological needs as well. Many of those who suffer from the disease, as well as their caregivers (see accompanying article), find themselves suffering from depression as a result of frustration and exhaustion. Don't hesitate to seek out professional counseling or Parkinson's support groups.

To find a group in your area we recommend visiting the National Parkinson's Foundation excellent website at www.parkinson.org.