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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffParkinson's disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement. It develops gradually, often 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 a slowing or freezing of movement.
Friends and family may notice that your face shows little or no expression and your arms don't swing when you walk. Speech often becomes soft and mumbling. Parkinson's symptoms tend to worsen as the disease progresses.
While there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, many different types of medicines can treat its symptoms. In some cases, your doctor may suggest surgery.
- 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 March 29, 2010.
- Parkinson's disease. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec16/ch221/ch221g.html. Accessed March 29, 2010.
- Chou KL. Clinical manifestations of Parkinson disease. http://wwwuptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 12, 2010.
- Stacy M. Medical treatment of Parkinson disease. Neurology Clinics. 2009;27:605.
- Schapira AHV. Etiology and pathogenesis of Parkinson disease. Neurology Clinics. 2009;27:583.
- Gallager C. Parkinson's disease. In: Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/192217229-3/976194918/1494/64.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2954-0..50021-1_683. Accessed March 31, 2010.
- Tarsy D. Pharmacological treatment of Parkinson disease. http://wwwuptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 12, 2010.
- Fitness counts. National Parkinson Foundation. http://www2.parkinson.org/Document.Doc?&id=55. Accessed April 1, 2010.
- Parkinson's disease. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed April 1, 2010.
- Ahlskog JE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 2, 2010.
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