 Parkinson’s Disease is a potentially debilitating neurological disease. Often, for those who have it, professional care is required. Here are some things you need to know. What is Parkinson's Disease? The disease is named after the neurologist who first described it. It is a degenerative neurological condition that causes progressive loss of muscle control and a reduction in motor function. The fact that it’s named after a German physician is due to early research based on patients with the condition found in the German cities of Düsseldorf and Munich. Parkinson’s is marked by involuntary tremors, muscle rigidity, and slowness of movement. It’s estimated that around 50,000 people in the United States have Parkinson’s Disease. The main risk factors are age, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and diabetes. The first noticeable symptoms can occur as early as mid-life, when the person starts having trouble walking and balance. Causes of Parkinson's Disease Parkinson's disease is a long-term progressive disorder of the central nervous system. According to Healthline, there are two types of Parkinson's: Non-Parkinsonian Parkinson's disease Parkinsonism When most people think about Parkinson’s disease, they think of the most common form, Parkinson's disease tremor and Movement Disorder (PD). The tremor is a type of movement disorder. Those with Parkinson’s disease experience a lack of coordination of movement, which can be extremely painful. It can also make it difficult to eat, drink, brush your teeth, dress, and walk. Movement disorders are a collection of symptoms that interfere with physical activity, especially in the body’s own limbs. Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease There are five symptoms to keep in mind for someone suspected to be with Parkinson's Disease. 1. Palpitation in Parkinson's disease are known as atrial fibrillation, and they affect nearly three million people. Some other symptoms include flushing, sweating, chest pain, shortness of breath, and gasping for air. 2. Gag reflex is reduced in Parkinson's patients. This is commonly seen in Parkinson's because the level of dopamine in the system is low, and a smaller amount of dopamine is required to make the gag reflex happen. 3. Trouble using the tongue. Gum disease in Parkinson's patients is common, but there are other health issues that can cause it, too. Treatment for Parkinson's Disease It is often necessary to seek out professional care when a person has Parkinson’s Disease because the condition is often accompanied by substantial complications. 1. First, your doctor may want to put you on medications that manage the movement problems. 2. Other treatments may be necessary if the condition has already developed, or if it gets worse. Medication There are a variety of drugs that can help manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s. According to the National Parkinson Foundation, the following medicines are often prescribed: Dopamine-based drugs Noahwegic Systemically Tolerated Anti-Parkinson's Drugs (NFTDs) Dopamine agonists (stone pills) Nicotine-based medications Dopamine antagonists Stimulants (“Stimulants” refers to medications that increase dopamine levels.) However, not all medications are available for every patient. For example, Parkinson’s patients may not respond to certain drugs. Electromechanical devices and neurostimulators: Electromechanical devices are placed on the patients’ legs. The device delivers electrical impulses to the nervous system, which may improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Living with Parkinson's Disease Parkinson's Disease can cause complications, particularly in patients who also have cognitive impairments, such as dementia, as well as other physical impairments, such as severe tremors and balance and coordination problems. While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, there are some treatments that can help people with the condition live with it. Therapy and medication are the first line of treatment. Treatments: Medicinal drugs, such as levodopa and carbidopa, work by helping the body produce dopamine. As well as medicinal drugs, people who have Parkinson’s disease may have special exercises and other therapies to help them with their symptoms, improve their movement, and reduce their risk of falls. Exercise for Parkinson’s patients Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that occurs when certain nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord die. As they do so, the movement that gives a sense of balance, coordination, and movement, especially the ability to swing your arms, is impaired. As you might imagine, the deterioration of your ability to move isn’t great for the elderly. These individuals may not have the same physical needs as those in younger age groups, but their functional independence is much more important. In fact, one study estimates that 9 out of 10 people living with Parkinson’s die as a result of their disease. The key here is to keep people living with Parkinson’s moving as much as possible. One type of exercise that may do just that is called “Brachiation. What to eat for Parkinson’s patients There is no clear “short list” of foods that can help Parkinson’s patients with the tremors. They can only be certain to reduce their tremors when consumed alongside a healthy diet. Stimulant medications like Vibramycin and carbidopa/levodopa (which are used to treat Parkinson’s and other diseases like Lou Gehrig’s) can help some patients with their tremors. It’s also important to note that medications that improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s can actually accelerate the progression of the disease. You don’t want to rely on medication alone, however, as it can also cause many side effects. Keep in mind that many natural foods have nutrients that may be helpful to Parkinson’s patients. How to live independently as a patient with PD Anyone with Parkinson’s Disease needs help with daily tasks, like getting in and out of bed, dressing, and eating. And unless you are in a facility with special support, help is available 24/7. It's best to keep your spouse or significant other in your life. You need emotional support too, and often your other family members don't know what it's like to have a spouse with Parkinson's. While care may be provided at home, you may want to find a facility that specializes in care for people with Parkinson's Disease. The caregiver support can be significant, and that can be the difference between living comfortably and the struggle it can be to get through everyday tasks. You may eventually be in need of a eulogy writer. Don't worry, we've got your back! 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