Parkinson’s Disease by Jessica Teen Health 8

Definition *Parkinson’s Disease is a disorder of the brain characterized by shaking and having difficulty walking, movement, and coordination. * The part of the brain that is damaged is the part that controls muscle movement.

Cause of Parkinson’s Disease *Progressive deterioration of the nerve cells of the part of the brain that controls muscle movement.

Number of Cases *The disease affects approximately 2 out of 1,000 people. *It most often develops after the age of 50. *There are an estimated 1.5 million cases in the U.S.

Symptoms *Muscle rigity *Unstable or slumped over posture *Loss of balance *Walking pattern changes *Shuffling walk *Slow movements *Difficulty beginning to walk *Difficulty initiating any involuntary movement.

Symptoms Continued *Small steps followed by the need to run to keep balance. *Muscle aches and pains *Shaking *Changes in facial expression *Voice/speech changes *Loss of fine motor skills *Frequent falls *Depression *Memory loss

Prognosis for Patients *If Parkinson’s Disease is untreated, it could lead to total disability, and it could lead result in an early death. *If it is treated, most people respond to the medications. *Some side affects from the medication can be severe.

Current Research *Research is being done on a test that could detect Parkinson’s Disease in its early stages before it affects movement and speech.

Michael J. Fox and Parkinson’s Disease *Michael J. Fox is an actor and he announced on November 25, 1998, that he has had Parkinson’s Disease for seven years. * He has had brain surgery to try and control his symptoms.

Conclusion *Parkinson’s Disease is very serious. *Main symptoms are: -Loss of Balance -Shaking -Depression

BIBLIOGRAPHY Yahoo. Parkinson’s Disease. Internet WWW page, at URL: Conditions/Disease_Feed_Data/Parkinson_s_ Disease/ Ask Jeeves. Michael J. Fox and Parkinson’s Disease. Internet WWW page, at URL: