Parkinson’s Disease
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder affecting a specific portion of your brain known as substantia nigra. This is the area of your brain that produces dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates your emotional responses and movement.
Complications from Parkinson’s disease is the 14th leading cause of death in America. There’s no cure, but treatment can slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease develop slowly. By the time you notice them, the disease may have already caused significant damage to the neurons in your substantia nigra.
Symptoms include:
· Tremor
· Rigid limbs
· Problems with balance and gait
Dr. Saeed completes a thorough neurological examination and assesses your symptoms to reach a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.
How is Parkinson’s disease treated?
There are many medications that treat Parkinson’s. Most focus on addressing dopamine deficiencies brought on by Parkinson’s disease. Some drugs are converted into dopamine, some mimic dopamine, and some prevent dopamine from breaking down.
Your treatment will likely include a combination of medications and lifestyle modifications that help relieve symptoms. These include dietary improvements, increased physical activity, yoga, and meditation.
There are also many support groups, both in person and online, to help you cope with Parkinson’s disease. These groups are a great source for tips and techniques for living with Parkinson’s. They can also be a good place to vent frustrations or express your emotional reaction to the disease.