Of all the degenerative neurological diseases, Parkinson's is second only to Alzheimer's disease. Parkinson's is a chronic condition for which there is no cure and the disease progression is different from one case to the other so people with the disease should not compare their symptoms or progress with a medication to anyone else.

This chronic disease occurs when the neurons (nerve cells) in the substantia nigra (a small crescent shaped area of the brain) become damaged or die. These neurons produce a chemical called dopamine which serves as a carrier, conveying signals from the substantia nigra to fibers that tentacle throughout the brain. For the most part, these signals affect motor coordination so when the neurons start to die or are damaged, dopamine transmission is interrupted, causing shaking or tremors.

The issue with these nerve cells that transmit dopamine is that when they start to die off or become damaged, other motor coordination areas in the brain become somewhat lost without the dopamine carriers so more symptoms of Parkinson's disease develop. Typically, symptoms start to become noticeable when 75-80% of these neurons die.  For the most part, people with the disease experience mild symptoms starting on just one side of the body. A discernible percentage may have tremors while their body is at rest while others do not. While the shaking is likely not the most disabling symptom, it is often the most upsetting to people as it is very noticeable.

Minor symptoms eventually worsen with tremors becoming more pronounced and fine skill motor coordination such as eating or putting on makeup being a hardship. Slowness in movement may be more of impairment for Parkinson's sufferers than the tremors because it makes daily routines quite difficult. The ability to get up and move around is an issue as well so disease sufferers end up relinquishing such tasks as driving and cooking and need help getting in and out of chairs. Speech is affected with a lighter, monotonous voice and balance concerns abound.

Progression of the disease eventually spreads to another limb as well as the other side of the body until the entire body is engaged. Each patient experiences different rates of problems, based on body chemistry, how quickly medical attention was sought and how effective the Parkinson's medication is. As there is no cure for the disease, the only thing doctors can do is helping treat the symptoms so these disease sufferers can stay independent for as long as possible.

What doctors cannot do is predict how fast the debilitating effects can spread throughout the body in patients. In addition, there is no indication of how one drug over another will work to slow the progression of the disease until it is tried on the patient. The only thing that can be done is test for conditions with similar symptoms to rule them out before settling on a Parkinson's disease diagnosis. From there, doctors and patients can work together on a drug regiment to slow its progression and stretch out the time before full-time help is needed with every day tasks.

Any chronic disease or condition is difficult to deal with but the individual with the disease and the family members who love and care for the individual can learn coping mechanisms that will help everyone to cope with the disease one day at a time.

There are some very normal feelings that will surface when the diagnosis is given and throughout the course of the disease. You may feel angry, depressed, even discouraged at times. There are some very special problems that will surface when you have Parkinson's disease due to the chemical changes that will occur in your brain as the disease progresses. These chemical changes may make you feel anxious or depressed. The disease can be extremely frustrating both for the individual who has it and for those family members who live with and care for the individual. Everyone can be very understanding and supportive and try to get what it is that you are going through but the truth is that unless you can walk in the shoes of the person with Parkinson's you will never really understand it all. This is where support groups can come in handy. Those who are at the support groups and those who run them are very knowledgeable about Parkinson's because they have it, or have been specially trained in the disease so that they can offer the very best support to those who need it most. Support groups can also be a great resource for some very practical knowledge about how to cope with Parkinson's disease.

Your doctor can steer you in the right direction for finding support groups in your community. Your doctor, your local health department, support groups and even churches can offer resources that you can use to add new coping strategies as you navigate the waters of your disease. There are also organizations such as the National Parkinson Foundation or the American Parkinson Disease Association that can also be a wealth of information for the patient and the family members.

When trying to give yourself the best quality of life for as long as possible as one of your coping strategies it is important to keep as physically active and as mentally active as possible. Participate in physical therapy to help keep your body functioning as long as possible and stimulate your mind by staying socially active with family and friends. Do not isolate yourself, as the tendency to be depressed will be greater.

Parkinson's makes your body slow down so it is not always possible to eat and drink as much as your body needs you to. It is important to remember to include fiber in your diet to avoid constipation. Drink plenty of fluids, take medications before meals, and get regular exercise. All of these things will help you to avoid constipation.

A number of treatment options exist for Parkinson's disease but most of them are drug protocols. However, there is a surgical option called deep brain stimulation that has shown great promise in treating the symptoms of the disease. While it is not a cure, it can delay the progression of the disease and give you some semblance of normalcy in your life and help you maintain your independence for as long as possible.

Defining Deep Brain Stimulation

If you have dyskinesia (involuntary movements such as tics), tremors or rigidity in the limbs, deep brain stimulation can help you. The procedure may sound a bit like science fiction but it has helped a number of Parkinson's patients. This surgical technique involves the emission of a steady high frequency electrical stimulation. Special electrodes the size of a thin uncooked spaghetti noodles are placed in strategic areas of the brain and the high frequency emission is captured by these electrodes.

The primary area targeted with great success is the STN or subthalamic nucleus which is an important, yet small part of the basal ganglia region. This area is responsible for motor coordination, particularly the complex ones. This procedure is reversible as the electrodes implanted in the brain do no harm and are easily removed. The use of the deep brain stimulation can reduce the symptoms of poor motor control so you can live relatively normally and independently. It is not a cure all but rather a long-term treatment.

More than Parkinson's Patients Benefit

Virtually any disease or condition in which motor control is affected could possibly try the deep brain stimulation. Tremors caused by multiple sclerosis, epilepsy symptoms and essential tremors can all be treated by this surgical procedure. Of course, medications and physical therapy are tried first before deep brain stimulation becomes an option.

Not every person with motor coordination issues is eligible for deep brain stimulation surgery.  Your overall health is a consideration as is your mental health. Plus, the surgery is not offered everywhere or covered by all insurance plans. You will want a neurologist that specializes in this type of surgery and has performed it often with great success.

Understanding Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation is still a mystery somewhat as the brain is a complex organ of which less than 10 % is effectively used. This surgery blocks the misfires that cause the poor motor controls but no one knows yet how long it actually lasts and whether or not the electrodes can be placed in other areas of the brain for better results. While the basics of deep brain stimulation are available to the public, there is still plenty of research being conducted as well. It is definitely a better alternative to surgeries like the pallidotomy where lesions are created on the brain in the hopes of interrupting those brain misfires.

Overall, the benefits far outweigh the risks, particularly if medications have not been totally effective in reducing your symptoms. Talk with your doctor regarding your eligibility for this procedure.

Approximately one million Americans suffer from Parkinson's disease. Only 4% of those who have Parkinson's are diagnosed before they reach age 50. Typically Parkinson's strikes those in their 60s or older. There is no known cause for Parkinson's though researchers and scientists are working to discover any possible causes including whether genetics or environmental factors contribute to the presence of Parkinson's. At the present time there is no known cure for Parkinson's. There are however, treatment options including medication and surgery that can manage the common symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder. The disease is both chronic (long-term) and progressive (worsens over time).

The most common symptoms of the disease are tremors of the arms, jaw, or legs; stiffness of the limbs and trunk of the body; slowness of movement; instable posture or an impaired balance and coordination.

Parkinson's is not contagious. We do know that sometimes there is more than one person in a family with Parkinson's but scientists are not yet sure how having a family with Parkinson's affects a person's chance of developing the disease.

Through studies we have discovered that the disease occurs when a group of cells, in the brain called the substantia nigra, begin to malfunction and then eventually die out. The function of these cells is to produce a chemical known as "dopamine". Domamine, is a neurotransmitter, a sort of chemical messenger whose job is to regulate the activity of the brain that controls the initiation and coordination of bodily movements.

Individuals who suspect they may have Parkinson's may seek a diagnosis from a doctor. The doctor does not have a particular test that can be run to diagnose Parkinson's, which makes it difficult to diagnose. The doctor instead, will run laboratory tests and x-rays in order to by process of elimination rule out all other diseases in order to make the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. A neurologist may be consulted to help make the diagnosis. Symptoms will be looked at carefully when trying to make the diagnosis. There will also be a neurological examination in order to gather information for making the diagnosis.

Doctor's treat patients, who have Parkinson's disease by using medications to minimize the symptoms, bring relief, and possible surgery when necessary to manage the disease. Surgery is used only after medication is no longer effective at managing the symptoms. Surgery is usually only effective for a small percentage of those who have Parkinson's. The surgical candidate must meet certain criteria.

Parkinson's is not considered to be a fatal disease, although it is a progressive disorder, so it does worsen over time and makes life very difficult from individuals who suffer from the disease. Individuals who have Parkinson's will experience a decreased quality of life and usually cannot perform simple daily tasks. They are also forced to stop working at some point because of their inability to perform simple tasks. Individuals have died indirectly from Parkinson's disease when they succumb to such things as pneumonia.

The medication cost alone to a patient for one year can average around $2,500 and if they require therapeutic surgery that can run approximately $100,000.

There have been significant resources devoted to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease. Unfortunately the number of people volunteering for clinical trials is not keeping up with the number of volunteers necessary for the clinical trials.

When you are fairly sure that you might have Parkinson's disease (PD) and you seek a doctor's opinion, it is important that you find the right one who will not only listen to your symptoms but take into account what you believe the illness could be. No one knows your body better than you do and gut instincts are often right or close to being right. When a doctor listens to your symptoms and conducts his own examination, he must do so with an open mind. Parkinson's is not an old person's disease and should not be classified as such.

It does help when you conduct your own research into Parkinson's and compare it to your symptoms. Create a list of your symptoms and bring a list of Parkinson's symptoms when you go to the doctor. It is important to note that other conditions can mimic Parkinson's as well so be prepared to hear about those as well. When you suspect PD, try to snag an appointment with an actual neurologist rather than your general practitioner if insurance will allow it as the general practitioner will just refer you anyway.

A neurologist with a sub-specialty in movement disorders is the best choice when choosing a doctor to see for the first time. While a regular neurologist is equipped to come to a Parkinson's diagnosis, the ones with the sub-specialty have extensive experience and are the best ones to define treatment options and testing requirement to rule out other conditions. In addition, choosing a neurologist with the sub-specialty you need likely means they keep their finger on the pulse of the latest Parkinson's research.

Finding a Doctor to Suit Your Needs

There are several avenues to pursue when it comes to identifying a doctor that can help you with your needs. Of course, you can start out with your general practitioner who can then refer you to an appropriate doctor. Second, if you know of anyone else with Parkinson's, ask them for their help. Garner referrals from family and friends or even co-workers as chances are someone knows someone who has Parkinson's disease.

Head to the internet and search the local hospitals and prominent medical institutions for neurologists. Many hospitals post biographies of their physicians so look for any neurologists that specialized in motor coordination. Talk with a patient advocate at the hospital who can possibly refer you to the right doctor. See your local neurologist who can possibly refer you to another that specializes in Parkinson's. The National Parkinson Foundation or even the American Parkinson Disease Foundation may have chapters or support groups in your area. Check with them or even online as their network of doctors is likely vast.

The First Appointment

Because first doctor appointments tend to be a bit awkward, be sure to bring with you a list of questions that you want to ask so that you do not forget about them! In addition, gauge the performance of the doctor as you will likely have multiple visits with them. Do they listen to you when you talk about your concerns? Do they take your views seriously and do they adequately answer your questions? Do they encourage your input when creating a treatment plan and facilitate communication between visits? The bottom line is that you need to find a doctor that not only specializes in Parkinson's disease but also one that you feel comfortable with - after all, it affects your quality of life!

Dealing with a Parkinson's disease diagnosis is nerve-wracking enough that you may not remember the right questions to ask your doctor. With a chronic degenerative disease, you need to be armed with as much information as possible to deal with it. When you have had time to absorb the news, get your pen and paper handy and write the questions you want to ask the doctor before your next appointment which likely will deal with treatment options and medication. Preparing in advance will make sure you don't forget about anything you want to know.

Here are nine important questions you should ask your doctor about Parkinson's disease:

1.  Is there a discernible reason why I got Parkinson's disease? Most percentage of cases are idiopathic, meaning there is no reason that can be pinpointed for developing the disease, but there is still a small portion that can be attributed to exposure to environmental toxins or genetics. If it is genetics, it is important for your kids to know about because they would have a propensity for it too.

2.  What treatments are available that would be best for me? There are several different types of medications for Parkinson's disease. Some work best alone and others like dopamine agonists may work best with paired with something else. There are also deep brain stimulation and physical therapy options.

3. What the advantages and disadvantages of the treatments? Your doctor is not the sole one making the judgments about your Parkinson's treatments. You need to take an active role and ask the "what if's" and the "why nots." Doing your own research and bringing your finding into your doctor's appointment may prod your doctor into thinking of alternative methods of treatment for you.

4.  How long do I have before I start going downhill health-wise and need 24/7 care? This is a question that is tough to answer as everyone develops symptoms at different rates. You could go for years with just a few tremors or degrade quickly and get dementia. The how's and why's of it all are still something of a crap shoot.

5.  What kind of side effects can I expect with the Parkinson's treatment? Every drug can cause side effects, some more than others. You need to know what to expect so you know your reactions are normal or know when you need medical treatment.

6.  What changes can I make to my lifestyle that will help delay the progression of the disease or keep me independent as possible? In terms of making lifestyle changes, your doctor can advise you on medications, over the counter treatments and diet but other advice may be best coming from a physical therapist that can help you with assistive devices and tips to modify your home.

7.  Where can I find more information? Your doctor will likely have plenty of pamphlets and information to help you navigate your way through the disease. However, the best source of help may very well be support groups. The people who have already been experiencing the disease are often willing to share their experiences and give some helpful tips as well. Hospitals, churches, social workers and of course, the national foundations for Parkinson's can all help.

8.  Are there any clinical trials I qualify for to test new medications and other breakthroughs? Your doctor likely gets a lot of information about different trials to test new Parkinson's disease treatments. However, you may not qualify for most of them. If your case is farther along and other treatments are not making enough of an impact though, doctors will typically work hard to help you find something that might be beneficial.

9.  How do I cope with the stress of it all? Besides the support groups mentioned before, there are stress relief techniques, aromatherapy, physical therapy and other ways to relax and calm your worries. Your doctor will have suggestion as will the nurses, therapists and other Parkinson's patients.

Eating right and following proper nutrition when you are healthy can is hard enough but throw Parkinson's disease into the fray and all of the sudden, some of the food challenges seem to grow. With PD, because part of the autonomic nervous system are affected like swallowing food, the stomach emptying properly and body elimination, nutrition takes on a bigger role than ever thought before in maintaining good health and symptoms for as long as possible.

Balance your diet

Examine your diet. Are you eating enough fruits, vegetables and whole grains? Are you balancing your fats, proteins and dairy? Eating a nutritional balanced diet is important and skipping meals can affect your disease as some medications require that you have a full stomach. If you are staying busy and trying to maintain independence, you are likely challenged continually to eat right. Or, symptoms could be getting you down, putting you off your feed. You may want to consult with a nutritionist who can help you with an eating plan to keep you at the top of your game, particularly when you are battling a disease like Parkinson's.

Avoid broken bones

Parkinson's disease can cause patients to be prone to osteoporosis, a disease characterized by a low bone mineral density. This can lead to easy bone breakage. If you are older and smoke in addition to being underweight and not taking in enough vitamin D and calcium, you are a prime target of osteoporosis. And because Parkinson's patients have trouble with balance and motor coordination, the risk of falling increases, so proper bone health is very important.

The one thing a Parkinson's patient does not want is a broken bone as this will hamper their independence. Make sure you get enough vitamin D and calcium through food and drink but if needed, there are supplements that can help. Seek out low-fat dairy and other foods with these nutrients such as fresh vegetables like spinach, orange juice and tofu.

Keep the bowels moving

As the autonomic nervous system is thrown out of whack thanks to Parkinson's disease, an embarrassing and possibility harmful condition called constipation can be quite a problem. If your body cannot eliminate properly, a bowel obstruction could occur. While the disease itself is often a culprit, there are some lifestyle changes, particularly in the diet that can alleviate this problem.

Add plenty of fiber into your diet as this helps with constipation. You may not get enough fiber through food so fiber supplements can be helpful. Drinking plenty of water is important as this keeps you hydrated and your bowels moving too. Exercise can work on digestion as well and can be helpful for maintaining bowel regularity.

Perhaps the most important aspect of nutrition when you have Parkinson's is the conflict between food and medication. Some drugs are counteracted by too much protein in the diet or perhaps you are simply not eating enough for the drugs to sit well in the body. Timing is everything and can take a bit of experimentation to get right. You may need to take medication on an empty stomach right before you eat or sometimes, you need food in your belly so it does not become upset. Nutrition is integrally tied to good health, especially when you have Parkinson's disease.

A number of research studies around the world have come to the conclusion that omega-3 fatty acids do indeed protect the brain and reduce the chances of developing Parkinson's disease. This disease is characterized by the progression of motor coordination dysfunction as well as many other issues associated with the death of neurons in the brain that produce dopamine. This dopamine is a neurotransmitter that sends messages to other parts of the brain, specifically the parts that control motor movement.

Typically, when Parkinson's disease is diagnosed, up to 80% of the neurons (nerve cells) that produce dopamine have already died or become impaired and no drug treatment exists to halt that progression. The goal of many research teams around the world is to find something that could prevent the disease, halt or slow down its progression. Researchers believe they have found at least one avenue to pursue with omega-3 fatty acids.

Using lab test animals like mice, researchers fed them diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids. When introduced to a harmful substance called MPTP, a compound that contributes to the damage in the brain that causes disease like Parkinson's, these test animals with their rich omega-3 diets seemed impervious to it. The MPTP is often used to simulate the effects of Parkinson's disease because it also targets the dopamine producing cells in the brain.

The lab animals fed an ordinary diet were also introduced to the MPTP and developed symptoms of Parkinson's disease. When tested, they experienced a large drop in dopamine levels and over 25% destruction of neurons. When the lab animals that had the omega-3 fatty acids in their diet were tested, it was shown that a huge component of omega-3, a substance called DHA, replaced some of the omega-6 fatty acids present in the brain. This dominance of DHA is one of the ways that the brain shows a need for the diet rich omega-3 fatty acids for protection.

Researchers extrapolated further and feel that an overabundance of omega-6 fatty acids paves the way for the development of Parkinson's disease. These omega-6 fatty acids are found in foods with a lot of animal fat or vegetable oils and are linked to other diseases like Alzheimer's, heart disease, arthritis and more. The balance of these fatty acids should be 4 to 1 in omega-3's favor and yet most diets yield at least 10 times the amount of omgega-6 needed. And it should be noted that the body cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids on its own so it must be consumed through the foods eaten or via supplement form.

Omega-3 fatty acids are definitely a factor that can reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease but people must introduce almost four times as much as what they are getting now. These beneficial brain fatty acids can be found in fish like mackerel and salmon as well as dark leafy vegetables, vegetables oils like soy or canola, nuts, flaxseed and more.

It is not too late to introduce more omega-3 fatty acids to the diet although starting early is much better. Not only are these beneficial fatty acids a safeguard against Parkinson's disease, they also protect the body from other illness and diseases.

The role of caregiver is often thrust upon a person without any warning, usually due to sudden illness of a loved one. However, with Parkinson's disease, you have a chance to test the waters before the disease progresses. The thing to keep in mind though is that as a caregiver, you are on call 24/7 and must be ready for anything. Patience is a virtue and being positive and caring is a must. Inner strength and a determination to make the disease as manageable as possible for both you and the Parkinson's patient is the goal.

Understanding Parkinson's

Unlike certain illnesses, Parkinson's disease varies wildly in its symptoms. No two patients are quite the same. One person may only have tremors for years while another may progress quickly into dementia in addition to the physical symptoms. Understanding the disease will affect your patient in different ways than from what your research and the doctor tells you are important. Also, it is important to think positively and not think always in worst case scenarios.

As a caregiver, you should know that some symptoms of Parkinson's disease are not as noticeable at first and you may not realize it is part of the disease for a while. Tremors and balance problems are widely known symptoms but would you recognize poor penmanship or softer speaking voice as signs of the disease?

Take note of anything uncharacteristic of your patient and write it down. It may be a symptom of the disease that has not been pinpointed yet. Do not assume that their gradual shying away from public events is them being standoffish but rather a likely symptom of the disease just as not being able to maintain eye contact or even drooling.

Of course, you may be lucky in the role of caregiver to a Parkinson's patient as they may never display any more serious symptoms like bowel and urinary problems or dementia. For sure, most patients will display the motor coordination problems but those you can easily get around by working with them to rearrange the home and office into a more maneuverable area and employing assistive devices.

Important Duty

As the caregiver, you should be attending the doctor appointments with your loved one that has the disease. You have a unique perspective of the disease as an observer and your loved one may not remember to relay all the necessary details or not realize that some things you have observed may be important for the doctor to know. Plus, being present at the appointment means you hear everything first hand rather than relying on the information relayed via second hand sources.

In addition, you are in the unique position of evaluating the doctor as well. Perhaps your loved one is still in a bit of denial and won't go for the second opinion. Therefore, your perception of the doctor appointment is less clouded and if you feel a second or even third opinion is necessary, you are in the position to convince your loved one of doing it.

In addition to taking care of your Parkinson's patient, you are also in the role of advocate. You have the ability and position to fight for your loved one's rights, especially when it comes to treatment and disability benefits. One thing you should not forget too is your own needs. Cultivate outside resources for support and recruit family or friends to relieve you occasionally so you can have a break as well as your loved one.

Considering all the technology and pharmaceutical tools at the world's disposal, there is still no cure or definitive treatment that will halt Parkinson's disease in its tracks. The only thing that can be done is finding a treatment that addresses the most bothersome symptoms of the disease so sufferers can stay independent as long as possible and retain quality of life.

Treatment for Parkinson's disease starts with drug therapy, of which there are several different types. Other options include surgery and several different types of therapy that treat the effects of the disease. For now, pharmaceutical drug treatment is the best option for most disease sufferers. The choice of drug treatment will vary from patient to patient, depending on the severity of their condition. In addition, each person's body chemistry is different and can change over time so dosages will change as well as adding new drugs to enhance others.

Levodopa

Levodopa has been around in some form or fashion for over 30 years and is the leading prescribed drug for treating Parkinson's disease. It works by manipulating those nerve cells in the brain to produce dopamine, the chemical neurotransmitter that communicates with the part of the brain responsible for motor coordination and function. The lack of dopamine is what causes the symptoms of the disease to occur so Levodopa works to greatly slow down the disease's progress.

Typically, Levodopa is combined with an enzyme inhibitor as Levodopa itself might get broken down by enzymes in the blood before it could reach the brain to be of some good. Levodopa is absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and the blood carries the drug to the brain where it "wakes up" the nerve cells to produce dopamine so it can be released to other parts of the brain. There are controlled-release as well as immediate-release formulas available of the drug.

Anticholinergic drugs

One of the oldest drugs used for Parkinson's disease, this medication works on some of the symptoms to reduce their severity. Rigidity of the limbs and tremors are the two main symptoms that anticholinergic drugs work on. Some doctors prescribe this class of drugs in conjunction with Levodopa as a complement to one another. However, it is not a good drug for the elderly with the disease as confusion or disorientation is a common side effect.

Amantadine

The drug amantadine's original use was as an anti-viral medication but it showed great promise in reducing the severity of symptoms in Parkinson's disease patients. When prescribed, it is often used in conjunction with levodopa or dopamine agonists. Amantadine works to reduce slowed movement, rigidity of limbs, tremors and fatigue and is best in patients in the early onset of the disease.

Enzyme inhibitors like Selegiline

There is a special enzyme called monoamine oxidase B or MAO-B which breaks down dopamine, the essential chemical neurotransmitter that communicates with the part of the brain that controls motor movement. To combat this, drugs like Selegiline, an inhibitor of this enzyme, work to prolong the effects of the released dopamine before the enzyme can break it down. Some believe these enzyme inhibitor drugs can slow the progression of the disease but there is no definitive evidence to the fact. What doctors do know is that it also has an antidepressant effect, a positive side effect for someone dealing with a disease which has no cure.

Each person is different and suffers from a varying severity of symptoms. Therefore, the medications prescribed will reflect and treat the most common problems patients are dealing with. Be prepared for some experimentation before the right combination of drugs is reached to produce maximum effect.