Recently Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a disorder of the central nervous system caused by a lack of dopamine, a brain chemical used to send messages to the muscles to make them move properly. The loss of dopamine causes a variety of movement problems, including:
- Shaking (tremor)
- Difficulty walking
- Muscle stiffness or aching
- Slowness of movement
- Small handwriting
- Decreased facial expression
Because Parkinson’s disease is a progressive illness, symptoms may slowly worsen over time. However, change is different for every person with the condition. What’s most important to remember is that there is a lot you can do to minimize the impact of the disease on your everyday life.
After receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD), you may have a lot of questions, including:
Is Parkinson’s disease treatable?
While a cure for Parkinson’s disease has not yet been found, there are a number of options available to treat its symptoms. Learn more about
treatment options for Parkinson’s disease and the
importance of beginning treatment as early as possible.
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How can I manage the emotional impact of Parkinson’s disease?
As many as half of people living with Parkinson’s disease may experience clinical depression at some point. Addressing depression is important to your overall well-being. Occasional feelings of sadness or discouragement are normal, but you should watch for signs that you may be experiencing clinical depression and discuss them with your doctor.
A variety of prescription antidepressants can treat depression, and you may find psychotherapy, or “talk” therapy, helpful. Your doctor can help you decide whether an antidepressant is right for you and refer you to a reputable psychotherapist in your area.
Support groups, social workers, and faith-based counselors may also be helpful in dealing with the emotional ups and downs of Parkinson’s disease.
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Where can I find support?
Support can come from many different sources, and each has unique benefits:
- Family and friends can be key players on your support team. It’s important to maintain open and honest lines of communication with these individuals so that they can provide you with the support you need. Caregiving comes with its own challenges. Learn more about the role of a Parkinson’s disease caregiver and resources available to help them.
- Support groups are a great way to connect with others living with Parkinson’s disease. There are a number of Parkinson’s disease advocacy organizations that can assist you in finding a group in your area.
- Social workers and faith-based counselors can provide support in dealing with the emotional ups and downs of Parkinson’s disease.
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Are there lifestyle changes that can help with the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
There are a number of things you can do to help manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including making adjustments in your diet, starting an appropriate exercise regimen, and managing your sleep habits.
Learn more about specific steps you can take.
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