Why was this site created?
Parkinson's hopeDIGEST was created to increase patient and caregiver awareness of the causes of Parkinson's disease and its treatment options.
What is Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease is a condition that occurs when the dopamine producing neurons in a portion of the brain called the substantia nigra die off at an alarming rate. When 20-30% of the dopamine producing neurons remain, patients start to experience symptoms such as stiffness, tremors, difficulty balancing and slowness of movement (bradykinesia). There are many other symptoms; and each person living with Parkinson's disease has a different experience with the way that Parkinson's disease manifests.
What kind of physician treats Parkinson’s disease?
In most cases a neurologist will be the physician that helps you manage Parkinson’s disease. Many patients choose to see a neurologist that is even more specialized in movement disorders, often called a ‘movement disorders specialist’ or MDS. If your community does not have a neurologist, you may elect to work with a family practice or internal medicine physician. Nevertheless, it may be advisable to travel to a neurologist for consultation as frequently as possible.
Is there a cure for Parkinson’s disease?
No. There are therapies that treat the symptoms to some degree. Nevertheless there is no cure.
How do physicians treat Parkinson’s disease?
The most common treatment is medication. Your choice of medication will depend on many factors. Deep brain stimulation is a surgical procedure that offers some patients significant relief from symptoms. Many patients also report benefits from physical therapy, exercise, stress reduction and proper nutrition.
What is the best treatment for Parkinson’s disease?
There is no one best treatment, because each person is so different. People with Parkinson’s have many different symptoms. Furthermore, some people may respond very well to one medication or procedure, while others have a less favorable experience. Your neurologist will help you match your symptoms with treatments that are likely to be ideal.
Are there any treatments that can slow down Parkinson’s disease?
There is not a clear answer to that question yet. Many patients and physicians think that exercise, physical therapy, and a proper diet may slow the progression of Parkinson’s. Furthermore, the Parkinson’s community is researching a new medications that may slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Further studies will clarify the answers. Parkinson's hopeDIGEST follows these studies, and reports their results promptly in our Daily Updates, News and Research and Newsletter Articles.
What is a Daily Update, and why do you write Daily Updates about Parkinson’s?
Our Daily Updates are informational, newsworthy entries. A daily update is simply a record of events historically used by explorers, writers, scientists and others to document important information and events. Daily Updates allow us to pass along important information quickly to a large number of people. We love daily updates because we can link to authoritative sources so that readers can research further. This medium allows us to keep people up to date on important events. The Daily Update also educates people so that they are prepared for visits with their physician. Educated readers often find treatments that work well for them, and improve their lives.
Do you accept donations?
No. We do not accept donations. If you want to donate to the Parkinson’s disease cause, we encourage you to donate to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, or another organization that is working on a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
How does Parkinson's hopeDIGEST protect my personal information?
Parkinson's hopeDIGEST does not share or sell your personal registration information. Please read our complete privacy statement here.
How can I contact Parkinson's hopeDIGEST?
The best way to email us at info@hopedigest.com.
How can I learn more about Parkinson’s disease?
- You can register here to receive our monthly email newsletter. We will update you on news and treatment options.
- You can follow some of these links to some respected Parkinson’s websites:
- Parkinson's Disease: An Overview from the National Parkinson’s Foundation
- Parkinson’s Booklet Downloads from the American Parkinson Disease Association (You will have to register.)
- Free publications from the National Parkinson Foundation
- You can attend a support group in your area. Your physician should have contact information for support groups.