What are dyskinesias and how can I manage them? Dyskinesias are abnormal, involuntary movements that occur in response to repeated dopamine-replacement therapy (Brotchie 2005; Olanow 2001). Sometimes, they can be debilitating. These motor complications are typically “choreiform”. Chorea comes from the Greek word meaning “to dance”, so the dyskinesias looks…
What is the best test for my doctor to order to diagnose Parkinson’s disease? There is no reliable blood test to diagnose Parkinson’s disease. The best way to make a diagnosis is to have a neurological examination by someone experienced in the care of Parkinson’s disease patients. There are diagnostic…
6 Things Every Family and Sufferer Need to Know about PSP How do I know if I have PSP and not just Parkinson disease or “Parkinsonism?” Parkinsonism actually is not a diagnosis, but rather what we doctors use to describe the classic symptoms of Parkinson disease. These include 1)…
Over the years we have noticed that Parkinson’s disease patients commonly present with constipation. We always recommend as much daily vigorous exercise as is possible, and drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day. If that doesn’t work, we have over the last ten…
Rasheda Ali, author of “I’ll Hold Your Hand So You Won’t Fall: A Child’s Guide to Parkinson’s Disease” & daughter of Muhammad Ali As…
Congratulations to our friends at the NPF! Last month they completely redesigned their website and it seems much easier to find what you are interested in. Please go have a look and let them know what you think!…
Please read the complete article here. Excerpts follow: Together, the findings suggest that gene therapy to enable the brain to retain its ability to produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that falls in critically short supply in Parkinson’s patients, could be safely attempted during earlier stages of the disease…
