What is Parkinson's Disease
by Anna DiMarco, Senior Physiotherapist
Parkinson’s Disease is one of the most common progressive movement disorders affecting approximately 1% of those aged 60 plus.
Global prevalence has doubled in the last 25 years. The most likely cause for this dramatic increase incidence is an aging population.
It is a multi-systemic and multi- symptomatic neurodegenerative disorder that may cause unintentional movements such as stiffness and rigidity, shaking, freezing, and difficulty with balance and coordination. It may also cause non movement related symptoms like depression, difficulty with talking, skin changes, loss of smell and sleep disturbances.
Many of the early symptoms are indistinguishable from the changes associated with normal aging.
Ten early symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease include:
Tremor in hand, finger, face while at rest
Change in handwriting: may become smaller, more crowded
Loss of smell
Trouble sleeping, sudden movements while sleeping
Trouble moving and/or walking: feeling stiff, feet feeling stuck on ground
Constipation
Soft or low voice
Facial Masking: reduced capacity for facial expression
Dizziness or Fainting
Stooping posture: unable to straighten up
If you have any concerns with the above symptoms, it is best to discuss the situation with your family doctor. Medication, physiotherapy and occupational therapy may be very helpful in symptom management and progression and in addressing movement symptoms and improving daily function.
