Parkinson’s Disease

If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, we understand how overwhelming it can be to cope. At the WMCHealth Division of Movement Disorders in New York, we can confirm your condition or rule out others with symptoms like those of Parkinson’s disease. While there’s no cure, our Parkinson’s disease team can help you effectively manage symptoms to improve your quality of life.  

What Is Parkinson’s Disease? 

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition that causes parts of your brain to deteriorate. Parkinson’s disease is often referred to as a movement disorder because it affects your body’s ability to control movement.  

Who Does Parkinson’s Disease Affect? 

The risk of developing Parkinson’s disease increases with age. Symptoms can begin in childhood, but most cases start after the age of 60. Parkinson’s disease is slightly more common in men than women. It affects nearly 1 million people in the U.S. 

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease 

Parkinson’s disease symptoms can vary. Symptoms are usually associated with loss of muscle control but may also include non-motor symptoms, especially in the early stages. Symptoms often start on one side of the body and stay worse on that side, even after both sides of the body eventually become affected.

Motor-related Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease 

Symptoms can include: 

• Slowed movements 
• Trouble swallowing
• Stiff muscles 
• Balance problems 
• Stooped posture 
• Speech changes 
• Writing changes 
• Resting tremors (rhythmic shaking, even when you’re not using your muscles)
• Loss of facial muscle control 

Non-motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease 

Symptoms can include: 

• Depression 
• Loss of smell 
• Trouble focusing 
• Sleep-related issues such as restless legs syndrome 
• Autonomic nervous system problems such as constipation, urinary incontinence, or sexual dysfunction 

Causes of Parkinson’s Disease 

Doctors and researchers are working to better understand the causes of Parkinson’s disease. In most cases, the disease damages vulnerable brain cells. This damage is due to a buildup of misfolded alpha-synuclein, a protein that folds incorrectly and clumps inside these cells. 

Some cases appear to be hereditary (inherited from one or both parents) while other cases can be traced back to specific genetic mutations (at least seven genes have been linked to Parkinson’s disease). Other cases may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors (exposure to industrial pollution or toxins).  

Diagnosing Parkinson’s Disease 

To diagnose whether you have Parkinson’s disease, our expert neurologists rely heavily on: 

• Reviewing your medical history and asking any follow-up questions 
• Discussing your current symptoms 
• Performing a physical exam 
• Performing a neurological exam  

Most diagnostic and lab tests are used to rule out other conditions.  

Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease 

While Parkinson’s disease isn’t curable, treatment can be very effective at managing symptoms. At WMCHealth, we develop a treatment plan just for you, based on your particular symptoms and how quickly the condition is progressing.   

Medications  

Medications can boost dopamine levels in your brain, which helps to smooth muscle movements. Medications can also help you manage non-motor symptoms.   

Deep Brain Stimulation  

If your medications are no longer effective in managing your muscle movement, surgery may be the next step in your treatment plan. For example, deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure involving an implanted device that sends electrical pulses directly to areas of your brain.