Parkinson's disease is a progressive nervous system disease that affects motor movement.
Parkinson's typically starts off with muscle stiffness, loss of balance or a small tremor, causing you to lose partial control of your hands or other limbs. Over time, the symptoms get worse.
It is estimated that three out of 100 people in the U.S. will have Parkinson's disease by age 70, making it the second most common neuro-degenerative disease.
Although the condition usually develops after the age of 65, approximately 15 percent of those diagnosed are under age 50.
What are some of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease?
The disease affects patients in different ways. What one patient may experience, another may not. For example, progression can be quick in some patients, whereas other patients may experience symptoms slowly over time.
Unfortunately, Parkinson's disease cannot be detected by an MRI or a CT Scan and is diagnosed primarily on your medical history and symptoms.
Is there any cure?
There is no cure for Parkinson's disease; but a multifaceted approach typically works the best for symptom management. There are medications available that help address the motor symptoms (shakiness, stiffness, tremors, etc.) such as Levadopa/Carbidopa.
What other information do you need to know about Parkinson's disease?
Dr. Howard Weiss joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss symptoms of Parkinson's disease, the risk factors and complications associated with Parkinson's, and what treatment options are available.
A Degenerative Illness: Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
Roughly 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease annually. Do you know the early symptoms?
Additional Info
- Segment Number: 3
- Audio File: staying_well/1434sw1c.mp3
- Featured Speaker: Howard D. Weiss, MD
- Guest Website: LifeBridge Health
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Guest Bio:
Howard D. Weiss, M.D., is the director of the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder programs at the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute at LifeBridge Health in Baltimore, Maryland.
Dr. Weiss is a board-certified neurologist who has been practicing at Sinai Hospital, part of LifeBridge Health, for 30 years. He earned his medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School. He is also an associate professor of Neurology at Johns Hopkins Medical School and is a member of the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology's Deep Brain Stimulation Team for Movement Disorders.
Dr. Weiss completed his internship at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center and his residency at Massachusetts General Hospital. He spent two years in neurological research at the National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute. -
Transcription:
- Length (mins): 10
- Waiver Received: No
- Host: Melanie Cole, MS
Published in
Staying Well
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