SYMPTOMS: Tremors, stiff muscles Shuffling gait, Poor coordination Balance problems, Fatigue Speech & swallowing difficulties TREATMENTS: Medications to replace dopamine Medications to control tremors Surgery, Electrical stimulation Physical Therapy, Speech therapy COMPLICATIONS: May choke on food-aspiration Constipation, Incontinence Dementia, Personality changes, Falls Unable to care for self or work Need for long term care EMOTIONAL COMPLICATIONS: Social isolation, Impaired self-image Unable to communicate with family Loss of friends and activities Loss of independence PARKINSON’S DISEASE: Brain stops producing dopamine (a chemical messenger) Causes problems with movement and balance
View this you tube video to learn about Parkinson’s disease YouTube - Understanding Parkinson's Disease