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	Société Parkinson du Québec www.parkinson.ca

What is Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease. Movement is normally controlled by dopamine, a chemical that carries signals between the nerves in the brain. When cells that normally produce dopamine die, the symptoms of Parkinson’s appear.

The most common symptoms are:

Tremor
Slowness and stiffness
Impaired balance
Rigidity of the muscles

Other symptoms can also occur in some people:

Fatigue
Soft speech
Problems with handwriting
Stooped posture
Constipation
Sleep disturbances

Currently there is no cure. You can live with Parkinson’s for years. The symptoms are treated with medication. Some people with Parkinson’s may benefit from surgery. The following therapies can also help manage the symptoms:

Physical therapy helps mobility, flexibility and balance
Occupational therapy helps with daily activities
Speech therapy helps with voice control
Exercise helps muscles and joints and improves overall health and well-being

Parkinson’s can progress at a different rate for each person. As symptoms change, medication will need to be adjusted. As the disease progresses, non-motor symptoms may also appear, such as depression, difficulty swallowing, sexual problems or cognitive changes. It is important to find a doctor who is knowledgeable about Parkinson’s, ideally a neurologist. By working with a health-care team, a treatment plan can be created that will meet the person’s individual needs.