suffers from Parkinson's disease, then this is going to be one of the most important things you'll ever read.Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
29.06.10 / parkinson disease / Author: Alex
Tags: Disease, parkinsons, Understanding
It’s more than Michael J. Fox…In fact, 1.5 million Americans suffer from the degenerative movement disorder known as Parkinson’s disease!Watch More Health Videos at Health Guru: www.healthguru.com
Parkinsons Disease And What It Really Means To Us
The onset of Parkinsons disease is a tragic time for any patient and their families. As a degenerative condition, patients suffering from the condition are faced with no hope of recovery, but rather a slow and wearing process of loss of movement and co-ordination. Most notably, the condition involves the tremor, whereby patients can be seen trembling uncontrollably, as well as loss in speech capabilities and gradually all functionality in its later stages.
Parkinsons disease is a disorder which takes effect on the central nervous system. A movement disorder, Parkinson’s can be seen in four major symptoms; namely rigidity of muscles, a tremor of movement, slowing of overall movement (known as bradykinesia) and in certain instances loss of movement altogether. The symptoms gradually become more and more apparent in sufferers, and are progressive, that is patients do not recover, or get better. This degenerative condition is not contagious, nor passed genetically, and very little is known about the causes of most instances of the condition. Having said that, some cases can be explained through extreme drug abuse, cranial damage and other abuses of the body which have been shown to give rise to the condition.
The condition occurs as a result of the loss or destruction of brain cells which produce dopamine, a chemical associated with muscle activity. This chronic condition was first discovered and charted by James Parkinson in 1817, and concerns what he labelled as his patient’s ‘shaking palsy’.
A disease which has been a mystery to scientists and physicians across the world since its discovery, Parkinsons disease has no known cure, although there are ways to treat it and perhaps stall its development. Additionally, there are a number of support groups for both sufferers and carers, providing some much needed reassurance that all is not lost, and there are still ways to work to help the condition, which can sometimes feel like a distant fantasy.
A particularly crushing aspect of the disease is the impact it can have on a patient’s everyday life. The simplest of physical tasks become impossible, leaving the sufferer eventually in need of round the clock care and attention. There is a present no way of knowing who will develop the disease, or to what extent, although reassuringly, scientists the world over are desperately trying to expand their knowledge of the condition and look for other treatments, and possibly even the elusive cure.
Sadly, for patients with Parkinsons today, there is no real way out, and it’s best to try and remain as active and involved as possible in the normal daily routine to keep up morale, and keep the patient interested in life. Such a demoralising condition as Parkinsons requires a lot of patience, and it can be particularly hard and frustrating to see a family member descend into such a state. There are however, a variety of ways to significantly reduce the effects of the condition, and it is advisable for anyone worried about themselves or friend or family member to consult their physician for more information on the condition and what can be done to curb its onset.
Clive Jenkins recommends the Parkinsons Disease Help websiteproviding comprehensive information on Parkinson’s. To find articles, tips and free info and advice check out the site here:
http://www.parkinsonsdiseasehelponline.com/
Parkinson’s Disease For Dummies
- ISBN13: 9780470073957
- Condition: USED – VERY GOOD
- Notes:
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease you’re probably wrestling with fear, despair, and countless questions about the future. It’s brighter than you think. In Parkinson’s Disease for Dummies, you’ll discover how to keep a positive attitude and lead an active, productive life as this user-friendly, guide pilots you through the important steps toward taking charge of your condition. It helps you: Make sure you have an accurate diagnosis As
Rating: 
(out of 12 reviews)
List Price: $ 19.99
Price: $ 8.98
Parkinson’s group meets
A Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meeting will take place July 14 from 1:30-2:45 p.m. at Prairie Adult Care, located in Victory Lutheran Church, 16200 Berger Drive, Eden Prairie. read more
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Question by aditya: Parkinson disease?
My father who is 71 years old suffering from parkinson since last 5 years. He is active, mobile,energitic and mentally alert too. Goes for morning walk, yoga and exercise daily since long. Right now his hand rather palm shakes not all the time but yes it does and at times he feels that he has to put efferts now to walk means now he drags his legs while walking, gets tired after some job. Couple of years back, he had high chelestrol level + high BP, so was on restricted diet he is loosing weight also is only 47 kg. Doctor say after 7 years parkinson takes bad shape He is on allopathy medicene and gets giddyness with that. I am worried about him please help me and is there any alternate therepy also…please advise
Best answer:
Answer by mlgable
The best therapy out there is to use the meds designed to help the symptoms. He should also rest when he can but still remain active.
What do you think? Answer below!
Press advert for Parkinson’s Disease Society
Image by HowardLake
The Parkinson’s Disease Society is trying to recruit new donors from cold audiences with a national ‘and-raiser’ direct marketing campaign devised by direct-to-digital agency TDA. The campaign aims to make contact and build a dialogue with people who have an empathy with the disease.
Comments: 32
@ianwhy12345
WTF michael j fox isn’t dead.
RIP michael fox
god bless them
bless all with parkinsons
@Keith6192 its awesome, you will be hired to star in movies and travel the world!
im sorry to hear that for who ever has it
I think im gonna get parkinson.
hmmm dopamean is what makes you feel happy.. marijuana gives you dopamean.. so why dont they just all smoke weed??
My mother was diagnosed when she was 37. Which compared to many ages people are giving here, quite young. I think she is lucky though ( best of the worst situation i mean) she doesnt show heavy signs of it. (Even though she is 50 now). Hopefull, she can continue, and my heart goes out to all the people who have this terrible disease.
We all have our own road to walk…I too have Parkinson’s and work hard to make my life full.. as a way to keep my ability to speak, I sing…this has proven to be a major benefit. Because of my story and singing on line, it is now being tested by a leading hospital in Australia. Even when we are faced with a challenge, we all have something that we can give back. Every time I lose an ability, I gain a new one…hard work and Prayer is the key…Scotty
@peppiecola123 i would thank you……
@julietfs if ur dad has parkinsons that means u could get it as parkinsons runs in the family
@Marine1802 He has brown hair and has an average diet. He’s otherwise healthy aside from the Parkinson’s.
@lockedine is your father a red-head and does he have a good diet?
44 years old, just diagnosed…devastating!!
spaz!!!!!!!!
i am 35 yrs old and suffering PD
@julietfs
You have parkinson’s?
@lockedine i was military too,18 years service….xxx
@lockedine i have it too,im 45 same shit every day ,wakeup,then struggle to do what once was easy, our minds tell our bodies to do something but the body aint listening,please be there always for your dad,xxxx
My grandpa was on both Aricept and Sinemet, however his Parkinson’s was also coupled with a touch of Alzheimer’s. The Sinemet is defintely effective though.
@Shorta4
same man, its hard to see her struggle
I think you might be referring to Deep Brain Stimulation. The Thalamus is a part of the brain that the electrodes can be placed in, but for Parkinson’s they would be placed in the Basal Ganglia.
@lockedine napalm !
@malikshoaib You are very welcome and I hope you find as many answers to your questions, as as many positive results.
It is true, both the patient and the family and the surrounding loved ones suffer from this disease.
Review by J. Browne for Parkinson’s Disease For Dummies
Rating:
After having read several books regarding Parkinson’s Disease, I found that this was one of the most clearly written, comprehensive books I’ve read on the topic. It starts with a definition of the disease and then discusses such areas as emotions, health care, diet and exercise, family members’ concerns, and medical options (and more!)
One of the most helpful sections dicusses the importance of managing and overcoming mental obstacles patients experience and how to cope with them. Its positive tone offers practical advice to patients as well as caregivers in every stage of the disease.
As a PD patient, I’m glad to have this book in my collection and know that I’ll be referring to it often.
Review by Sally Mcleod for Parkinson’s Disease For Dummies
Rating:
As a person with Parkinson’s Disease (PWP), I am always on the lookout for sources of information that help me live my life to the fullest while dealing with the increasing number of challenges that the disease presents. Parkinson’s Disease for Dummies is the best book I have found for under $100.00!
Parkinson’s disease is an expensive disease. . . . . I’ve gone into the “donut hole” already this year and will do so every year in the future. Thank You to the authors and publishers who have created this wonderful, affordable resource available to PWP.
A copy of Parkinson’s Disease for Dummies, should be should be in the hands of all Parkinson’s patients, families, caregivers and doctors!
Note: To increase the accessibility of this book take it to place like Kinko’s, have them slice off the binding and rebind it with a plastic coil spine. The new binding will allow the user to have the book open flat when put on desk or table.
Review by P. Green for Parkinson’s Disease For Dummies
Rating:
As with all “for Dummies” books, this one is factual, informative, easy to read and written so a lay person can understand it. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has or knows someone who has Parkinsons. It answers a lot of questions about the disease and it put my mind to rest about a lot of things that were bothering me. It answered questions I hadn’t asked yet!
Review by newly diagnosed for Parkinson’s Disease For Dummies
Rating:
Essential reading. Dr. wisely recommended it. I’m certain it reduced my list of questions drastically. First time I bought a “Dummies” book for a health issue. Fabulous idea. Read this before investing in any other PD related books. I purchased Delay the Disease at the same time, money I could have saved. The exercise section in Dummies is far superior.
Review by dtn for Parkinson’s Disease For Dummies
Rating:
As usual, fast shipping from Amazon.
Extremely comprehensive and detailed book on Parkinsons Disease(PD). One of the best I’ve read so far. My Father has PD and I read anything I can get my hands on. This has everything from helpful exercises specifically for PD, to dressing tips, to a ton of resources on the computer. Also inlcudes chapters for the Caregiver (which is very important) and chapters for breaking the news to children (both young and old), siblings, etc. Tons of useful information within the book and than other
resources to go to. If I had to pick one book to buy for PD thus far, it would be Parkinsons Disease for Dummies. You won’t be dissapointed.
Parkinsons is a HORRIBLE disease. I watched my grandfather suffer with if for many years. I’m sorry you are going through the same thing. They have not found a complete cure for the disease just meds that help keep tremors down etc. The best thing to do is keep him comfortable and be there for him when he needs you. Its going to get harder and harder but you just need to be strong and be there. If you need to talk please email me. Like I said my grandfather had it and I know this is a very hard time for you and the rest of your family. Best wishes. -Allie
This is just a horrific disease, I saw my grandfather die from it. There is no going back, the only way to deal with it is to keep on the meds. there is no cure, only to manage it. Unfortunately it will be fatal, enjoy your father as much as you can and if he is doing well then it is a gift.