Parkinson’s disease is\u00a0a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. The Parkinson\u2019s Foundation estimates that 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with the disease every year, and almost 1 million people in the US are living with the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Motor symptoms (movement-based)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Non-motor symptoms (not movement related)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In most cases, the symptoms start off gradually and then get worse over time. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Parkinson\u2019s, although research shows that there are therapies (yoga and exercise) and medications that can help manage symptoms. Such therapies may also help prevent falls, which is a common side-effect of Parkinson\u2019s due to balance issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Akinetic-rigid:<\/strong> the main symptoms include stiffness, slowed movement, balance issues and gait<\/p>\n\n\n\n Termor-dominant:<\/strong> the main symptom is tremors<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mixed:<\/strong> the main symptoms are a combination of the two above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parkinson\u2019s is a nervous system disorder that happens when nerve cells called neurons, in certain parts of the brain are no long making dopamine, which is a chemical in our brain that allows communication. What does dopamine do? It help produce smooth movement throughout your body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Researchers believe that Lewy bodies, clumps of protein, form inside the nervous system and neurons cannot break them down, leading to the neurons dying \u2014\u00a0 cutting off dopamine and easy communication through the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Genetics:<\/strong> studies say that people with an immediate family member such as a sibling or parent who has Parkinson\u2019s are at greater risk of developing the disease. About 15% of people with Parkinson\u2019s have a known relative with the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Age:<\/strong> the possibility of developing Parkinson\u2019s increases with age, but the average age of those who have developed it has been 60 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gender:<\/strong> men are 1.5 times more likely to develop Parkinson\u2019s than women<\/p>\n\n\n\n Doctors tend to look at the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n3 Subtypes of Parkinson\u2019s<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cause<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Risk Factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How is Parkinson’s diagnosed?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n