By Jazlyn Oliver, SPT
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s. There are three main types which include secondary, idiopathic, and the most common idiopathic.
Signs & Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
• Rigidity
• Uncontrollable movements
• Bradykinesia, Akinesia, Hypokinesia
• Postural instability
• Impaired balance and coordination
• Difficulty with speech
• Sleep disorders
• Difficulty swallowing
• Bowel and bladder changes
• Depression
• Emotional changes
• Memory loss
• Dementia
Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Options
• Medication: One of the most common being Levodopa-Carbidopa
o Helps to improve symptoms, especially in the early to moderate stages.
• Surgery: Deep brain stimulation
o Can help to improve symptoms if medication is no longer working.
• Physical activity: Physical therapy/Occupational therapy
o Research has shown that high intensity, large amplitude exercise may have beneficial effects and reduce symptoms at all stages.
Different options are available for treatment of Parkinson’s disease and may overlap depending on the individual person’s needs. Research continues to show that physical activity may have beneficial effects in the prevention of Parkinson disease as well as treatment.
Parkinson’s Disease responds well to Physical Therapy and is a condition that Capital Area PT therapists can provide assessment and treatment for. For additional information, contact our physical therapy clinics in Malta at 518-289-5242, Saratoga Springs at 518-289-5242 , or Queensbury – Glens Falls at 518-289-5242.
