Parkinson’s Disease
As your partner in care, we provide expert assessments and advanced, personalized therapies.
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a common neurological condition that usually affects people over age 60. It causes ongoing and permanent deterioration of an area of the brain called the basal ganglia. Healthy nerve cells in the basal ganglia make dopamine, which helps control movement. When these cells become damaged, dopamine levels drop, causing:
- Slow movement
- Stiff, contracted muscles
- Uncontrollable shaking (tremor)
- Instability due to a stooped posture and shuffling gait
Other symptoms can also occur, such as:
- Depression and emotional changes
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dementia
- Fatigue
- Fixed facial expression
- Orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when you stand up)
- Sexual dysfunction
- Sleep problems
- Soft speech
- Urinary problems and constipation
It’s not clear why some people develop Parkinson’s disease. Doctors think genetic changes and environmental factors, such as exposure to chemicals, likely play a role in the disease.
Diagnosing Parkinson’s Disease
There’s no specific test to diagnose Parkinson’s disease, although imaging and laboratory tests can help rule out other conditions. Instead, neurologists rely on a review of your medical history and neurological exam.
A neurological exam looks at all aspects of brain function, including:
- Involuntary processes, such as breathing, heart rate and digestion
- Muscle reflexes, balance and coordination
- Senses, such as touch, hearing, smell and vision
- Thinking and memory
Treating Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a lifelong condition that can interfere with daily life. At Memorial Neuroscience Institute, you’ll find an experienced team of specialists, the latest treatments and support for you and your family.
Your treatment plan may include:
Medications are an important treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Some work by increasing dopamine in the brain, while others reduce tremors and muscle stiffness. Our neurologists are experienced in helping you find the right medications to control symptoms.
Medications don’t always provide good symptom relief, or they may become less effective over time. In this case, we may recommend surgery.
Deep brain stimulation delivers electrical pulses to deep areas of your brain. These pulses block the nerve signals that cause movement disorder symptoms. In DBS, a neurosurgeon implants thin wire electrodes in your brain. The electrodes connect to a device placed under the skin of your chest. After surgery, our neurologists program the device to fine-tune the electrical pulses.
DBS doesn’t cure Parkinson’s disease, but it can provide a remarkable reduction in symptoms. Many patients experience life-changing results.
Physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy can help improve many Parkinson’s disease-related symptoms. Memorial Rehabilitation Institute offers several programs specifically designed for this condition, including:
- Parkinson’s Disease Exercise Program: This program offers supervised exercise classes several times per week. Classes include aerobic exercise, mobility training and strength training. You can participate standing or seated in a chair.
- Parkinson’s Disease Therapy: This program provides physical therapy and speech therapy. Each set of treatments has been designed for people with Parkinson’s disease.
Depression is common in people with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. An essential part of care is assessing patients for depression and other mental health concerns. When needed, we coordinate referrals to Outpatient Behavioral Health for treatment. We also connect you with other resources, such as education programs and support groups.
Leaders in Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders
Our multispecialty team provides exceptional care and support for patients and families. Learn more about our Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Program and what sets us apart.
