It is not contagious. Slowness of movement. Difficulty with balance and walking. Neurologists diagnose Parkinson's by medical history and a careful clinical examination. Often, tests are done to rule out other conditions which may resemble Parkinson's.
Treatment is needed to correct the chemical imbalance.
Drugs alleviate the symptoms but do not halt the progression of the disease. As symptoms progress, more medication is needed. While treatment does enable people to function better, it is not perfect and can cause side effects. Ongoing active research is focused on finding more effective treatment. Occupational and physical therapy are used in the rehabilitation of people suffering from Parkinson's disease.