Parkinson's Disease

Overview

Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects the motor system. Early symptoms include resting tremor, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability, and cognitive and behavioral problems may also occur.

Symptoms

• Resting tremor
• Muscle rigidity
• Bradykinesia
• Postural instability
• Masked face

Treatment

Management centers on medication, commonly levodopa and others to improve symptoms, with individualized dose adjustment. Combined with rehabilitation exercise; advanced patients may be evaluated for deep brain stimulation surgery.

Dietary advice

Eat a balanced diet with adequate dietary fiber and fluids to prevent constipation. Patients taking levodopa should space it apart from high-protein foods.