Symptoms of Advanced Parkinson's Disease

Advanced Parkinson's disease is a progressive, incurable brain disorder that predominantly affects people over 50, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

History

• London physician James Parkinson's "Essay on the Shaking Palsy," first described symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as a stooped posture and tremors, in 1817.

Types

• Symptoms of advanced Parkinson's include memory and balance problems, stiff facial muscles, involuntary movements, slow or slurred speech patterns, and impotence.

Diagnosis

• Parkinson's disease is hard to diagnose because there are no tests specifically used to detect the disorder, according to the Mayo Clinic. Doctors can perform a neurological test to look for some Parkinson's symptoms, such as rigid muscles and slowed movements.

Treatment

• Parkinson's disease results from a deficiency of dopamine in the brain. Doctors often prescribe drugs that increase levels of this chemical and reduce tremors and movement problems in Parkinson's patients, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Considerations

• People with advanced Parkinson's disease often develop dementia, a mental condition that affects memory and can cause people to have trouble performing everyday activities, such as eating or getting dressed.