Parkinson's Disease

If you or a loved one develop tremors or involuntary body movements, Parkinson’s disease may be to blame. At the Dayton Center for Neurological Disorders (DCND), providing services to adults in Dayton, Centerville, Springfield, Eaton, Wilmington, Hillsboro, Beavercreek, and Huber Heights, Ohio, the experienced neurology team diagnoses and treats Parkinson’s disease to minimize symptoms and disease progression. To seek help for Parkinson’s disease at DCND, ask your primary care provider for a referral. Then the team will reach out to schedule an appointment.

Parkinson's Disease Q & A

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a disorder affecting your nervous system and areas of your body controlled by nerves. Symptoms of the disease often begin slowly, progressively worsening over time when not addressed. Tremors, or involuntary body movements, are common symptoms.

What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

The hallmark symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:

Stiffness
Slowed body movements
Tremors
Rigid muscles
Impaired balance and posture
Showing few facial expressions
Soft or slurred speech
Difficulty writing
Reduced ability to smile, blink, or swing your arms while walking

Such symptoms may not be noticeable in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. While there’s no cure for the disease, treatment is vital to reduce the chance of debilitating complications.

What are the risk factors for Parkinson’s disease?

The risk factors for developing Parkinson’s disease include:

Genetics
Environmental toxins
Pesticide or herbicide exposure
Lewy bodies (specific substances in brain cells)
Aging
Being a man

Potential complications associated with Parkinson’s disease include depression, emotional changes, cognitive challenges, difficulty swallowing, or problems eating. You might experience bladder issues, a sleep disorder, or changes in bowel movements.

Smell dysfunction, fatigue, pain, and sexual dysfunction are other complications associated with untreated Parkinson’s disease.

While there’s no known way to prevent Parkinson’s disease if you’re prone to it, adopting healthy habits, such as getting regular exercise and eating nutritious foods, may reduce your risk.

How is Parkinson’s disease diagnosed?

The Dayton Center for Neurological Disorders team diagnoses Parkinson’s disease after discussing your symptoms, medical history, medications, lifestyle habits, and more. They complete physical and neurological exams and may suggest blood tests, an MRI, a PET scan, or another imaging procedure before diagnosing your condition and personalizing treatment.

How is Parkinson’s disease treated?

The Dayton Center for Neurological Disorders offers an array of treatments that may help you better manage Parkinson’s disease, including:

Dietary counseling
Medications
Infusions
Deep brain stimulation
Neurology rehabilitation
Lifestyle changes
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Clinical trials

The neurology team tailors each treatment to best suit you and follows up whenever needed to minimize symptoms and your risk of complications.

To schedule a Parkinson’s disease evaluation at the Dayton Center for Neurological Disorders, ask your primary care provider for a referral. Then the team will call you to arrange an appointment.