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American Parkinson Disease Association Information and Referral Center of Minnesota

What is Parkinson's disease?

How is Parkinson's disease diagnosed?

What are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease?

Who does the Information and Referral Center serve?

The purpose of the American Parkinson Disease Association is to “ease the burden and find the cure.” To that end, Abbott Northwestern’s American Parkinson’s Disease Association Information and Referral Center of Minnesota 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.

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.

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.

For more information about the American Parkinson Disease Association, select from one of the following:

• calendar
• education materials
• support groups
• contact the APDA Information and Referral Center by calling
  612-863-5850 or 1-888-302-7762.

Minneapolis Neuroscience Institute
Abbott Northwestern Hospital
Mail Route 39304
800 East 28th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55407-3799
612-863-3200

First published: 08/23/2005
Last updated: 08/23/2006

Reviewed by: Paulette Olson, coordinator, American Parkinson Disease Association Information and Referral Center of Minnesota