About Parkinson’s Disease
It’s important to take the time to fully understand the diagnosis and symptoms of Parkinson’s in order for individuals, their families and caregivers to adapt to the unique challenges and progressions of the disease.
Other Related Movement Disorders
Atypical parkinsonism are conditions in which an individual experiences some of the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) — tremor, slowness, rigidity (stiffness), and/or walking and balance problems — but does not have PD. Atypical parkinsonism can be due to certain medications (some anti-nausea and antipsychotic drugs), other brain disorders (repeated head injury or multiple small strokes) or neurodegenerative diseases.
Parkinsonism is an umbrella term that refers to brain conditions that cause slowed movements, rigidity, and tremors. These conditions can happen for many reasons, including genetic mutations, reactions to medications, and infections. Parkinsonism refers to several conditions — including Parkinson’s disease — that have similar symptoms and features. However, Parkinson’s disease makes up about 80% of all cases of parkinsonism, making it the most common form by far.
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)
PSP is a rare, progressive neurological disease and form of Parkinsonism. Symptoms of PSP usually begin after the ago of 60 and can progress more quickly than Parkinson’s Disease. These symptoms may include sudden falls, balance difficulties, stiffness, visual disturbances or an impaired ability to perform certain voluntary eye movements.
Individuals with PSP may experience slurred speech, swallowing difficulites and personality changes. Dementia often develops during the course of the disease. Parkinson’s medications are often prescribed but rarely provide benefit. Speech and physical therapy are important aspects of the management of PSP. Learn more about PSP.
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)
MSA is a collective term for several rare disorders in which multiple systems in the nervous system deteriorate. The average age of symptom onset for MSA is in the mid- 50’s. These symptoms may include lack of coordination, poor balance, Parkinsonism, loss of smell, REM sleep behavior disorder, or abnormal autonomic function (fainting spells, heart rate flucuations, problems with bowel and bladder control). MSA patients might respond to treatment, but often the response is limited. Speech and physical therapy are important in the management of MSA. Learn more about MSA.
Lewy Body Disease or Dementia with Lewy Bodies (LBD)
LBD is a fairly common neurodegenerative disorder that results in progressive and fluctuating cognitive changes and functional deterioration. Symptoms of LBD usually begin after the age of 50 and can progress more rapidly than Parkinson’s Disease. These symptoms may include hallucinations, decline in thinking abilities, Parkinsonism, poor attention span and problem-solving skills, loss of smell, mood issues, sensitivity to certain types of medications, or REM sleep behavior disorder.
Currently there are no known therapies to slow or stop the progression of LBD. Parkinson’s Disease medications can be helpful for symptoms, but they can also make hallucinations worse. Some patients with LBD respond well to certain medications used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Learn more about LBD.
Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD) or Corticobasal Ganglionic Degeneration
CBD is a rare neurodegenerative disease and form of Parkinsonism. This disease begins around 60 years of age and can also progress more rapidly than Parkinson’s Disease. In addition to the Parkinsonism, CBD symptoms may include mood issues, disturbances of language, difficulties performing simple motor tasks, muscle contractions in or loss of control of the limbs, or decline in thinking abilities.
Movement symptoms in CBD patients may be much more prominent on one side of the body than the other. There are no known therapies to slow or stop the progression of CBD. Parkinson’s Disease medications are often tried but rarely provide benefit. Supportive treatment such as botulinum toxin injections and speech and physical therapy may be of help. Learn more about CBD.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurological disorder that affects motor neurons, the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement and breathing. As motor neurons degenerate and die, they stop sending messages to the muscles, which causes the muscles to weaken, start to twitch (fasciculations), and waste away (atrophy). Eventually, in people with ALS, the brain loses its ability to initiate and control voluntary movements such as walking, talking, chewing and other functions, as well as breathing. ALS is progressive, meaning the symptoms get worse over time.
The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved several medications for ALS that may prolong survival, reduce the rate of decline, or help manage symptoms. However, there is currently no known treatment that stops or reverses the progression of ALS.
Early symptoms of ALS may include muscle twitches in the extremities, muscle cramps, tight and stiff muscles, muscle weakness, difficulty chewing or swallowing, or slurred and nasal speech. As the disease progresses, muscle weakness and atrophy spread to other parts of the body. People with ALS may develop challenges with chewing and swallowing food, drooling, speaking or forming words, breathing, unintended emotional displays, constipation, or maintaining weight and getting enough nutrients.
Eventually, people with ALS will not be able to stand or walk, get in or out of bed on their own, use their hands and arms, or breathe on their own. Because they usually remain able to reason, remember, and understand, they are aware of their progressive loss of function. This can cause anxiety and depression in the person with ALS and their loved ones. Although not as common, people with ALS also may experience problems with language or decision-making.
Most people with ALS die from being unable to breathe on their own (known as respiratory failure,) usually within three to five years from when the symptoms first appear. However, about 10% survive for a decade or more. Learn more about ALS.