Parkinson's disease upsets that chemical balance in the nervous system, giving rise to the various symptoms associated with the disorder. Another disorder, called Parkinsonism, produces symptoms that are essentially the same as those of Parkinson's disease, since dopamine production is also reduced. Incidence Parkinson's disease afflicts about 1 million people in the United States. It usually begins between the ages of 45 and 65. Symptoms you are likely to notice The earliest noticeable symptoms may include a slight tremor in the fingers of one hand, the tendency to drag a foot while walking, or stiffness in one of the limbs.
More advanced cases produce a clearer pattern of symptoms, including muscle tremors.
Tremors disappear when the affected limb is in motion and while the patient sleeps. Fatigue and stress can make tremors worse. Symptoms your physician may observe When the disease has progressed far enough, the symptoms generally make for a fairly certain diagnosis of Parkinson's. Blood tests or CT or MRI scans of the brain can help pinpoint the origin of symptoms. Treatment options Thanks to a variety of treatments available today, only a small percentage of patients eventually become completely incapacitated by the disease.