Parkinson’s disease is a disorder that affects mostly neurons in a specific area of the brain and causes problems with certain nerve cells within the brain. Parkinson’s disease affects the way you move. Symptoms usually develop more and move over time but some may develop sooner than others. The type of symptoms and how fast they progress differ for each person. The disease is very diverse and can be experienced differently by some.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease:

• Tremor, mainly at rest and described as shaking in the hands, legs, face and jaw
• Slowness of movements (bradykinesia)
• Muscle/Limb rigidity
• Difficulty walking/balance problems

The nerve cells make an important chemical called dopamine which sends signals to the part of the brain that controls your movement. This chemical allows you to move freely and allows your muscles to do what you want them to do. Parkinson’s disease affects these nerve cells by breaking them down. The less dopamine you have, the less you can control your movements. While this is something that can affect the way you live your life, there are treatments that can control it and still allow you to live a full life. If you know a family member or friend that is experiencing symptoms, contact your Las Vegas Neurologist for further steps on treating it.

The cause for Parkinson’s is still unknown and a cure has yet to be discovered. There are a variety of treatment options for Parkinson’s that can relieve some of the symptom. Medications and surgery are usually the two most common treatments. The disease can affect your life in a serious matter and can worsen and lead to other complications, however it is not a fatal disease.

Parkinson’s Disease and its Progression

Parkinson’s disease does not mean the best quality of life is not possible for you. By first understanding the disease, the options you have and how it can progress over time, you can prevent the disease from affecting and controlling your life.

Parkinson’s Disease can affect your walking and talking. It is usually affects people over the age of 60 but can affect people under the age of 50. Some people may experience the disease progressing much quicker than others. Everyone experiences it differently. While tremor is one of the first and most commonly experienced symptom, it is best to be aware of it when it happens. The most important step is not to overlook the symptoms. Some symptoms don’t always directly point to Parkinson’s. It is beneficial to observe and be aware of how often these symptoms occur, the severity of it and understanding when it’s time to visit your Las Vegas Neurologist.

During the later stages of Parkinson’s Disease, people feel more muscle changes in the body. People with PD will experience problems  swallowing food and drinks or constipation. Most people will begin to have a fixed or blanked expression, trouble speaking and sometimes this disease can lead to dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.