Q
: 1
06/01/2009 |
Is Parkinson's Disease hereditary?
In some cases, there is a definite link that is noted, but in most cases that occur after the age of 60, it is thought to not be. A person can carry one of the Parkinson's genes and still not exhibit the symptoms of the disease.
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Q
: 2
05/26/2009 |
Does surgery cure Parkinson's Disease?
Deep Brain Stimulation does NOT cure Parkinson's disease. It is a treatment that can help alleviate some of the symptoms.
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Q
: 3
12/29/2008 |
How is Parkinsonism different from Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease is a specific disease caused by loss of cells in a certain area of the brain (substantia nigra). Parkinsonism is a syndrome in which a patient can have some of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease--rigidity, tremor, slowness (bradykinesia), balance or gait problems--but not have the disease.
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Q
: 4
12/28/2008 |
My paternal grandfather had and father has Parkinson's. I am 53 and first experienced one of the prediangosis symptoms about 15 years ago. Over the years it has increased to the current number of four. Is there anything I should be doing to help delay the progression?
There have been many studies of different agents to slow the progression of Parkinson's disease in diagnosed patients with early symptoms. At this time, none were conclusively effective in delaying progression. There have been no trials to date, assessing delay of progression in people prior to diagnosis. Current compounds under study in early Parkinson's include creatine and coenzyme Q which are both available. Exercise has been suggested as another approach that might delay onset.
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Q
: 5
08/21/2008 |
Can one have Parkinson's without major tremors?
Yes. Not all persons with Parkinson's disease have tremors. It is best to be evaluated by a neurologist for a complete medical history and neurolgical examination. We do offer the services of neurologists who specialize in movement disorders.
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Q
: 6
08/20/2008 |
Is Parkinson's hereditary?
There are some cases of Parkinson's disease that are inherited, especially young-onset cases. These are determined by genetic testing. If onset is after the age of 60 and there is a family history of the disease, there may be a contributing factor that is present. Current research is ongoing.
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Q
: 7
08/20/2008 |
The information on the Web site describes the physical symptoms of Parkinson's. Are there any cognitive impairment symptoms that go with the disease?
Cognitive symptoms can and do accompany the disease. Not every person experiences the same, if any, level of impairment. It is very important to discuss this matter with your neurologist.
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Q
: 8
08/10/2008 |
My father suffers from Parkinson's disease. On the whole he copes very well with it but the one thing he has a great deal of diffuculty with is his speech. He finds it very difficult to project his voice. He manages a whisper at best and therefore finds various everyday situations a strain. The only time his voice seems to improve his when he has a cold. Could you please provide more information about the collagen injections?
Answer Reduced volume of speech is a common problem in Parkinson's disease. Speech therapy programs that rely on the "Lee Silverman method" and train the person to project their voice are a common and effective method to treat this problem. Although I am acquainted with the use of collagen injections for this problem, it is not commonly being used. We are not relying on this approach at the University of Maryland Parkinson's Disease Center.
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Q
: 9
07/01/2008 |
My wife is recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease due to intermittent tremors on her left side. She just turned 61. What would you recommend as preventative therapies?
At this time, no medications have been shown to slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. However, there are many medications that relieve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and therefore, delay the onset and progression of disability. We are currently studying exercise and physical activity is likely to play an important role in preventing disabilty.
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