Treating Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's typically affects patients over the age of 60, although it can affect younger patients.

Parkinson’s disease symptoms often start slowly, beginning with a barely noticeable tremor in one hand or a lack of expression on your face.

Over time, people with Parkinson’s disease may experience symptoms such as more severe tremors, stiffness, slurred speech, stooped posture, slowed movement, changes in writing and muscle rigidity.

The diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is usually made by a neurologist, based on a history and physical examination. There are no specific diagnostic tests that will confirm the diagnosis. When an individual presents with characteristic findings and features of the disease and responds to dopaminergic medication or replacement of dopamine, it's usually enough to confirm the diagnosis.

Parkinson’s disease medications that increase or substitute for dopamine can help patients manage tremors and movement problems. Dopamine agonists are drugs that mimic dopamine and act on dopamine receptors to facilitate movement and reduce symptoms.