American Parkinson Disease Association Information and Referral Center of Minnesota

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• Neuroscience Institute

The purpose of the American Parkinson Disease Association is to "ease the burden and find the cure." To that end, the American Parkinson Disease Association Information and Referral Center of Minnesota at Abbott Northwestern seeks to:

• connect individuals to medical providers with expertise in Parkinson's disease management
• provide free information regarding the disease and its management
• educate those interested in learning more about Parkinson's disease
• assist support groups throughout Minnesota.

Who does the Information and Referral Center serve?

The Information and Referral Center provides information to individuals who have Parkinson's disease, their families, caregivers, allied health professionals, and anyone interested in learning more about how to live well with Parkinson's disease.

See a complete listing of Parkinson's disease education and support groups.

Order education materials.

Visit the American Parkinson Disease Association's Web site.

What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological condition that affects nerve cells in the brain. In PD, there is a loss of nerve cells that make dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical messenger that passes between nerve cells to help control muscle movement and balance. The symptoms of PD begin to occur when the level of dopamine in the brain drops too low. PD usually begins around age 60, but it can develop in people as young as 20. PD is not fatal.

How is Parkinson's disease diagnosed?

There are no definitive lab tests or brain scans for PD. So it is vital—both for peace of mind and for medical treatment—to be diagnosed by a physician experienced in treating the disease. Neurologists, especially those specifically trained in movement disorders, can make a diagnosis and prescribe a course of action based on the latest knowledge. The diagnosis is made through the history and the examination.

What are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease?

The main symptoms of PD include tremor (shaking), muscle stiffness, slow movements and loss of balance. However, the symptoms can vary significantly from person to person, both in the type of and severity of symptoms. Some people have only one symptom, while others may have more. PD is a progressive disease. For some individuals the symptoms can change slowly over time and may become more severe over 20 to 30 years. For others, symptoms can progress much faster. Medications can usually manage the most difficult symptoms.