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• About Parkinson's disease
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Parkinson's Disease occurs when some of the nerve cells in the brain stop working properly, leading to inability to regulate muscle movements. This group of nerve cells is called the substantia nigra, and is found in the midbrain. These cells stop producing an important brain chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is needed for the transmission of signals between various parts of the brain. When dopamine is deficient you may have rigid muscles, tremors, and difficulty in balance and walking. No one knows why the nerve cells die or become impaired.

Involuntary rhythmic shaking, called as tremors, is a major symptom of Parkinson's disease. It can occur in the hands, feet and even in the head. These tremors are seen more when resting. You may feel that you become slow in performing your routine activities, called as bradykinesia. Yet another symptom is stiffness of the body, known as rigidity. Over time, you may develop difficulty in walking and may develop a stooped posture. You may stop making some movements that are normally automatic, such as the natural swinging of arms while walking. Other symptoms you may feel include:

• Change in handwriting
• Monotony and lack of clarity in speech
• Difficulty in initiating an act
• Difficulty in changing positions or getting out of a chair
• Drooling of saliva

Parkinson's Disease is diagnosed based on a clinical evaluation. There are no lab tests that will confirm the diagnosis. However, tests are sometimes used to rule out other diseases.

There is no cure for Parkinson's disease yet. However, a variety of medications can give dramatic relief from the symptoms. Your doctor will prescribe medications to help restore the balance of chemicals in your brain. The main goal of treatment is to keep your movements as normal as possible with the smallest amount of medicine. It may not be possible to alleviate all your symptoms. Your doctor will try to use the smallest effective dosage of medicines, so as to minimize any side effects. Levodopa is the important medicine used to treat Parkinson's disease. Your doctor will decide which medicine is most suitable for you, and can also decide whether you are a candidate for surgery.

There are certain things that you can do:

• A program of daily exercise will lessen your muscle rigidity and improve your strength and coordination
• If you have a tendency to fall, use a walking aid
• Be aware of the medications you take and learn to identify their side effects
• Do not take medicines for other diseases without telling your doctor

You can make your house safer by:

• Putting up handrails along walkways
• Removing obstacles that might cause falls
• Using chairs with high arms and sturdy backs
• Try to make it easy for you to dress yourself:
• Wear clothing that is easy to get on and off
• Use velcro strips on clothing instead of zippers or buttons
• Wear footwear that closes with Velcro strips
• Stay as active as possible. Remain involved in your work, hobbies and other activities
• Get support from family and friends. Keep a positive attitude