How is Parkinson’s disease diagnosed?
Receiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis is a life-altering event that nearly 1 million people in the United States have experienced. Parkinson’s disease symptoms can vary from person to person. Receiving a diagnosis often requires several steps. In this blog, we’ll be sharing more details about the disease and discussing opportunities for individuals to get involved in Parkinson’s research.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease occurs when the nerve cells of the basal ganglia (the area of the brain that controls movement) become damaged and die. The primary role of these cells is to produce dopamine, a chemical that coordinates moment and norepinephrine, a chemical that helps transmit nerve signals throughout the body. While scientists are still unsure what causes these cells to die, the reduced level of dopamine is what impacts a person’s movement. Whereas the reduced level of norepinephrine is thought to be the cause of the non-movement-related aspects of Parkinson’s disease symptoms.
What are the early signs of Parkinson’s disease?
The experience of living with Parkinson’s disease is different for everyone, but common symptoms can be identified. The early motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are generally mild and can include a lack of arm swing while walking, occasional slurring, and a reduction in facial expressions. Eventually, symptoms will progress, including tremors, slowed movement, rigid muscles, slacking posture, and difficulties speaking and writing.
How is Parkinson’s disease diagnosed?
Currently there is no definitive test to confirm a Parkinson’s diagnosis. Patients must work with their health care providers to evaluate their symptoms, medical history, and physical exam results. Typically, a doctor will assess an individual’s movement patterns and abilities against the possible symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, and may order a dopamine transporter (DAT) scan to see detailed pictures of the brain’s dopamine system. These tests can help rule out conditions that may mimic Parkinson’s.
Are there Parkinson’s disease clinical trials?
While there are treatments available for Parkinson’s disease, clinical studies are always seeking patients to help find better diagnostic and therapeutic methods for the condition. Recent research has found a potential link between Parkinson’s disease and a loss of smell, a phenomenon researchers are continually investigating. All adults over 60 without a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis can request a free smell test to help advance science in this area — click here or at the link below to get yours.
