10 Early Warning Signs Of Parkinson’s Disease

Share Button

By Hooman Azmi

newsAs many as one million Americans live with Parkinson’s disease: This is more than the combined number of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and Lou Gehrig’s disease. [1]

Parkinson’s is characterized by a lack of dopamine in the brain which, as a result, inhibits functioning in the central nervous system. “People with Parkinson’s disease may lose up to 80% of dopamine in their bodies before symptoms appear.”[2] Early treatment can include introducing various medications that will replace, prevent the breakdown of, or mimic the properties of dopamine in the body. Deep Brain Stimulation is also a common option in patients who don’t respond to medication or who exhibit an advanced condition because it utilizes a high frequency electrode to provide stimulation to the impaired movement center of the brain.

“Early intervention is the key to a high functioning, superior quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial for people to be aware of the early signs and symptoms of this debilitating disease.” – Dr. Hooman Azmi.

According the Parkinson’s Foundation, there are 10 early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease.

They include:

* Tremors or Shaking

* Small Handwriting

* Loss of Smell

* Trouble Sleeping

* Trouble Moving or Walking

* Constipation

* A Soft or Low Voice

* Masked Face

* Dizziness or Fainting

* Stooping or Hunching Over

To learn more about Parkinson’s disease, its warning signs and treatment options, Dr. Azmi is available for interviews. Please contact Steve Allen Media at [email protected] or 201-906-8251 or 661-255-8283.

– Hooman Azmi, M.D., Director of the Division of Movement Disorders at Hackensack UMC, specializes in the surgical treatment of Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. Dr. Azmi explains, “For those patients who are diagnosed early, we are able to successfully treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s with several medications and surgical procedures.”

[1] According to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation

[2] According to Parkinson’s Health.com