Parkinson's disease


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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects your movement. It develops gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. But while tremor may be the most well-known sign of Parkinson's disease, the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement.

In early stages of Parkinson's disease, your face may show little or no expression, or your arms may not swing when you walk. Your speech may become soft or slurred. Parkinson's disease symptoms worsen as your condition progresses over time.

Although Parkinson's disease can't be cured, medications may markedly improve your symptoms. In occasional cases, your doctor may suggest surgery to regulate certain regions of your brain and improve your symptoms.

Symptoms
References
  1. Parkinson's disease: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/parkinsons_disease/detail_parkinsons_disease.htm. Accessed Feb. 13, 2012.
  2. Parkinson's disease. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec16/ch221/ch221g.html. Accessed Feb. 13, 2012.
  3. Chou KL. Clinical manifestations of Parkinson disease. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Feb. 20, 2012.
  4. Jankovic J. Etiology and pathogenesis of Parkinson disease. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Feb. 22, 2012.
  5. Chou KL. Diagnosis of Parkinson disease. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Feb. 13, 2012.
  6. Tarsy D. Pharmacological treatment of Parkinson disease. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Feb. 13, 2012.
  7. Tarsy D. Surgical treatment of Parkinson disease. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Feb. 20, 2012.
  8. Ahlskog JE. Does vigorous exercise have a neuroprotective effect in Parkinson disease? Neurology. 2011;77:288.
  9. Tarsy D. Nonpharmacologic management of Parkinson disease. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Feb. 24, 2012.
  10. Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-2/0/1494/0.html. Accessed Feb. 24, 2012.
  11. Parkinson's disease: Fitness counts. National Parkinson Foundation. http://www.parkinson.org/Search-Pages/Search.aspx?pKeywords=fitness. Accessed Feb. 24, 2012.
  12. Parkinson's disease. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed April 1, 2010.
  13. Complementary therapies and Parkinson's disease. National Parkinson Foundation. http://www.parkinson.org/Search-Pages/Search.aspx?pKeywords=complementary%20therapy. Accessed Feb. 24, 2012.
  14. Ahlskog, JE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 1, 2012.
DS00295 May 11, 2012

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