Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson Society Canada

Parkinson Society Canada is the only national full-service Parkinson’s organization serving Canadians living with Parkinson’s, with 10 regional Parkinson’s Societies and 240 Support Groups and Chapters across the country.

Learn more about the Parkinson Society Canada.

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Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease resulting from the death of brain cells that produce dopamine – a brain chemical that carries signals between nerves in the brain. As these cells die, the symptoms of Parkinson’s appear.

Four main features characterize PD: rigidity or stiffness of the arms, legs or neck; tremor, usually of the hands; bradykinesia or slowness and reduction of movement; and postural instability (loss of balance). Other symptoms may accompany the main features, including depression, dementia or confusion, postural deformity, speech and swallowing difficulty, drooling, dizziness on standing, impotence, urinary frequency and constipation.

Currently there is no cure for PD. Medication can alleviate some of the symptoms and some people with Parkinson’s may benefit from surgery. The following therapies can also help manage the symptoms:

• Physical therapy helps mobility, flexibility and balance
• Occupational therapy helps with daily activities
• Speech therapy helps with voice control
• Exercise helps muscles and joints and improves overall health and well-being

People live with Parkinson’s for many years. Over 100,000 Canadians are living with Parkinson’s today and approximately 6,600 new cases of PD are diagnosed each year in Canada (based on annual incidence of 20 new cases per 100,000 people). Most are diagnosed over the age of 60 however at least 10% of the Parkinson’s population develop symptoms before the age of 50.

Parkinson’s progresses at a different rate for each person. As symptoms change, medications need to be adjusted. As the disease progresses, non-motor symptoms may also appear, including depression, difficulty swallowing, sexual problems or cognitive changes.

It is important to find a doctor who is knowledgeable about Parkinson’s, ideally a neurologist. By working with a health-care team that understands the unique aspects of Parkinson’s, a treatment plan can be created that will meet a person’s individual needs.