Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the brain characterized by tremors (shaking) and difficulty with walking, movement, and coordination. The disease may also cause damage to a part of the brain that is involved with movement. It most often develops after age 50.
Parkinson’s disease is caused by progressive break-down of the nerve cells of the part of the brain that controls muscle movement. In addition to losing muscle control, some people with Parkinson’s disease become severely depressed or find they are less able to initiate voluntary movements.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:
- Muscle rigidity
- Unstable, stooped, or slumped-over posture
- Loss of balance
- Walking/gait changes, including a shuffling walk
- Slow movements
- Difficulty initiating movements such as walking or getting up from a chair
- Small steps followed by the need to run to maintain balance
- Muscle aches and pains
- Shaking (tremors)
- Changes in facial expression and voice/speech
- Loss of fine motor skills, such as writing or eating
- Frequent falls
- Decline in intellectual function
- Gastrointestinal problems, especially constipation
MedStar National Rehabilitation Network offers individualized, rehabilitative services designed to maximize the function and independence of persons with Parkinson’s disease. These services include:
- Medical evaluation and care, including prescription of medications
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Speech-language pathology
- Provision of assistive devices
- Recommendations for home modifications
- Nutrition and exercise recommendations
- Social work or other counseling services
Other services such as rehabilitation nursing, psychology, therapeutic recreation, and rehabilitation engineering as appropriate.