There is no accurate blood or imaging diagnostic test for Parkinson’s. Doctors make the diagnosis based on clinical examination - though this can be difficult as other conditions such as Alzheimer's disease can resemble PD and must first be excluded.
In the early 1960s, researchers identified the fundamental brain defect behind Parkinson’s disease: loss of the brain cells producing the neurotransmitter dopamine, which helps control muscle activity. This led to the first successful treatment for...
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is found throughout the world and is thought to affect one or two people in every 1000. It is named after William Parkinson, who first described it as ‘the shaking palsy’ in 1817.
The key to treating Parkinson’s disease is to enhance the patient’s quality of life and wellbeing by focusing on a high-quality diet, a good daily multivitamin, effective stress control and, where appropriate, a programme of exercise.
Surgery is resorted to only when drug therapy fails. Possible procedures include everything from implanting devices and transplanting neural tissue to blasting the troublesome brain cells with an electrode - all with limited success and major side...
What Doctors Don't Tell You