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Parkinson's Disease: An Overview

Parkinson's disease is a progressive and chronic disorder of the nervous system.

Parkinson's (PD) results from the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in thesubstantia nigra—the "movement control center" of the brain.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, that participates in sending signals from the brain to the muscles that control motor movements, balance, muscle co-ordination, speech and emotional behavior. A lack of dopamine in the brain means that part of the vital communication link between brain and body is damaged.

Characteristic symptoms of Parkinson's disease include tremors in the hands, legs, arms and face. Rigidity of limbs and torso, poor balance and co-ordination, impaired speech and dementia are also symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson Disease: Origins
Parkinson's disease is named after the British doctor, James Parkinson, who first outlined the disease in "An Essay on the Shaking Palsy," published in 1817. Records of the disease, however, date back to the 5th century BC.

Parkinson's Disease: Facts and Figures

The two main types of Parkinson's disease are: early-onset, before the age of fifty (five to ten percent of all cases); and late-onset, affecting the fifty-plus age group.
In the US, about one million people have been diagnosed with Parkinson's, with about fifty thousand new diagnoses made each year.
Parkinson's disease affects men and women about equally.
The cause or causes of Parkinson's disease are unclear, although environmental and genetic links have been identified.

Although no cure for Parkinson's disease is currently available, recent studies, notably in the area of stem cell research, point to a better understanding of the bio-mechanics of this debilitating disease.

This section is divided into multiple articles, covering topics such as symptoms of Parkinson's disease and Parkinson's disease treatment, with each listed in the menu to the left. To research other conditions that cause dementia or associated health issues, please use the morefocus search tool.

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Posted by Kevin Lockette

October 07, 2008 at 12:32 PM

New Breakthrough DVD & Book!
(www.parkinsonsmoveit.com)

Written by Kevin Lockette PT
MOVE IT! is the first publication of it's kind! It is a complete movement, exercise and resource guide for Parkinson's Disease. The book includes:
➢ Overview of physical symptoms
➢ Medication review in easily understandable terms
➢ Techniques and tricks for improved mobility including bed mobility, transfers & walking.
➢ Anti- freezing techniques that really work!
➢ Adaptive Devices for easier everyday living.
➢ Assisted Device overview for safer walking.
➢ Complete exercise programs specific for Parkinson's Disease
➢ Exercise programs for all physical levels (Beginner, intermediate and advanced)
➢ Complete guide and exercise program for flexibility and much more!

Available on DVD featuring Wally Amos as the narrator.

Exercise in conjunction with medication is one of the best things that can be done to counteract the negative physical effects of Parkinson's Disease. Traditional or conventional exercise programs do not always carry-over well or meet the specific needs of dealing with PD symptoms.

This DVD includes demonstrations of movement techniques, three levels of exercise programs to simply follow along and much more! PD is a movement disorder that is unique. Due to this fact, the video/DVD format is the best way to illustrate movement techniques and exercise with actual persons with PD. The book includes additional useful information that is best presented with illustrations and text.

The DVD is available now

The book is due out in December 2008.
A percentage of Proceeds for each DVD will go back the NPF (National Parkinson Foundation) and Hawaii Parkinsons Association.

For more information go to www.parkinsonsmoveit.com To contact the author: Kevin@ohanapacificrehab.com
See what experts are saying:
This exercise Book and DVD is a "must have" addition to any library for persons with Parkinson's Disease, family members and caregivers. MOVE IT! Is also an excellent resource training tool for health professionals who work with PD patients.

--Katherine Kim, MPH
Coordinator
NPF/Hawaii PD Center of Excellence

This book/DVD is truly unique in emphasizing the importance of conscious feed back to modify everyday movement. I hope all patients with Parkinson's disease will utilize this material and incorporate various strategy to their movements, and make exercise their routine.

--Michiko Kimura Bruno, M.D
Neurologist, Movement Disorder Specialist
The DVD organized and developed by Kevin Lockette PT is a real jewel of emphasizing the elements that are truly important to a PD person. It has helped me immeasurably to regain some stability and balance because of my no longer functioning automatic pilot.
--David Lerps
Person with Parkinson's Disease (7+ years)

Funding for the DVD project was provided by
* HMSA Foundation
*General Atlantic Corporation
* Hawaii Center of Excellence (NPF)

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