Parkinson's disease, also known as the shaking palsy, is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. This disease results from the death of the dopamine-generating cells of the mid-brain.
Symptoms include:
- slow or stiff movement
- stooped posture
- shuffling or dragging the feet
- monotone voice
- blinking less frequently than normal
- lack of spontaneity in facial expression
- difficulty in adjusting positions
- dementia (in advanced stages)
Medications to increase the dopamine level are usually prescribed by doctors. Other treatments include warm bath and massages. Here are some other helpful hints:
- Take care to maintain a safe home environment.
- Simplify tasks.
- Include high-fiber foods in the diet (to add bulk) and drink lots of fluids, to prevent constipation.
- Get expert physical therapy.
- Remain as active as possible.
- Get professional help to relieve depression, if necessary.
Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com
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