What is Parkinson's Disease?

Is Parkinson's disease hereditary?

Most cases of Parkinson's disease have no clear family history of the condition. They are what's known as "idiopathic" -- a term simply meaning we don't know the cause. Although, in some cases, genetic make-up or heredity may play a role, this is relatively rare. As such, having a close relative with Parkinson's disease may slightly increase your chances of developing the disease, with the risk increasing somewhat if you have multiple relatives with it. But again, this is still uncommon. Another potential Parkinson's disease cause has been linked to environmental factors -- exposure to certain toxins such as pesticides -- but we don’t fully understand all the connections.

What are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease?

The onset of Parkinson's may be slow, with symptoms that are barely noticeable at first. There are three main Parkinson's symptoms a physician may look for, although these are not the only signs of Parkinson's. Also, there can be other causes for these symptoms, which is why it's important to see a specialist trained in movement disorders if you or your primary care physician is concerned.

• Tremors -– Among the earliest symptoms a person may notice are "shaking hands," or tremors. Tremors caused by Parkinson's generally affect one side of the body first and spread to the other side. They are also typically "resting tremors," occurring when there is no activity, such as when a hand sitting in a lap begins to shake. This is different than an "active" tremor that occurs when a person is attempting to do something -- taking a drink, eating, buttoning buttons, writing, etc. Active tremors can sometimes be caused by a condition called Essential Tremors, which is different than Parkinson's.
• Stiffness -- Parkinson's can cause muscle and joint stiffness, limiting range of motion and movement. So, for example a person's arms may not swing as much as before and it may feel difficult to pick up his or her feet and walk easily, so walking can become "shuffling."
• Slowness (also called bradykinesia) -- With Parkinson's, it becomes harder to move, causing slower overall movement. For example, walking can be more difficult and getting out of a car or other everyday tasks can become extremely difficult.

Other Parkinson's disease symptoms can include:

• Balance problems and stooped posture
• Handwriting that becomes smaller as it becomes more difficult to write
• "Masked" face (facial expression becomes rigid)
• Speech changes (slurring, softer voice, hoarseness)

How is Parkinson's diagnosed?

The best tool for diagnosing Parkinson's disease is a physical evaluation by a neurologist trained in movement disorders. Unlike a condition such as epilepsy that leaves specific abnormal brain wave patterns a doctor can see on an electroencephalogram (EEG), there is no definitive lab or imaging test for Parkinson's. That said, your physician may perform lab or imaging tests to rule out other conditions.

An experienced movement disorders specialist will ask questions about your health history and symptoms, then perform a thorough physical exam. He or she will evaluate tremors and overall movement, if one or both sides of the body is affected, and other aspects of your physical appearance. This physical evaluation will guide the physician's diagnosis and set the course for a treatment plan.

Is Parkinson's disease treatable?

There is no cure for Parkinson's disease, however there have been numerous treatment advances over the past several years that can effectively control the symptoms and improve the quality of life for someone with the disease. Parkinson's disease treatment ranges from medication to surgery intervention, and because research shows exercise is beneficial to those with Parkinson's, a physician may recommend physical therapy or an exercise program to help with movement. The specific treatment determined by a neurologist is based on each patient's unique situation -- stage and progression of the disease, severity of symptoms, reactions to medicines, other medicines being taken, and other factors. Treatments include:

• Carbidopa-levodopa -- With Parkinson's, the symptoms are primarily caused because the brain stops making the chemical dopamine. Levodopa is a dopamine replacement, and is combined with carbidopa to counteract levodopa side effects such as nausea. In most cases, this combination drug is taken in pill form. However, the Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of Duopa™, an infusion of carbidopa-levodopa administered through a feeding tube to the intestines. This has proven to better control symptoms in more advanced cases of Parkinson's.
• Dopamine agonists -- Rather than replacing dopamine like levodopa, dopamine agnostics mimic the dopamine effects in your brain. In some patients, this works to control the symptoms.
• Amantadine -- Doctors may prescribe this drug short-term to reduce tremors in early-stage Parkinson's. It is also sometimes used in conjunction with dopamine medicines in later-stage disease.
• COMT Inhibitors -- Used alongside levodopa, these drugs can help prolong its effectiveness.
• Anticholinergics -- Working in a different way than the dopamine-producing drugs, this is sometimes used to control tremors.
• MAO-B inhibitors -- These drugs help suppress the symptoms by blocking an enzyme in the brain that breaks down levodopa.
• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) -- In cases where medication is no longer effective, DBS is proven to help control symptoms. With DBS, doctors implant electrodes into a certain spot in the brain which are connected to a pacemaker-like device. Impulses are then sent to the brain which can help interrupt Parkinson's symptoms.

What is the long-term prognosis of Parkinson's?

Parkinson's disease tends to progress slowly over many years. With medication, Parkinson's can be controlled and a good quality of life enjoyed for many years. Research has also shown that exercise is of great benefit for those with Parkinson's. Whether walking, yoga, swimming or aerobics, movement helps. And although there's no hard evidence to show benefit from healthy eating, many Parkinson's patients suffer from constipation due to the slowdown of their muscular function. So hydration and eating a balanced diet with fiber, fruits and vegetables are important.

Movement Disorders Experts in Kansas City

The HCA Midwest Health Neuroscience Institute is one of the region’s premier treatment centers for conditions of the brain, spine and nervous system. We offer a full range of care for patients with all types of movement disorders at Lee’s Summit Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center and Research Medical Center. Our Kansas City neurologists offer years of experience treating Parkinson's disease while partnering with patients to create a treatment plan tailored to their individual needs and goals. To find a neurologist specializing in Parkinson’s disease, use our online physician finder.