According to the National Parkinson Foundation, after Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s is the most common neurodegenerative disease. Yet while so many continue to suffer, most Americans remain uninformed about the disease and its warning signs.

Diagnosing Parkinson’s involves a battery of tests, some that rule out several other conditions mimicking Parkinson’s symptoms. However, people who receive proper treatment in a timely manner often experience improvement in their overall medical condition and will realize a better quality of life in the long run.

What are some Parkinson’s warning signs?

• Mild tremors – usually the symptom causing people to seek medical help.
• Difficulty getting out of a chair.
• Speaking too softly.
• Handwriting is slow and looks cramped or small.
• Losing track of a word or thought.
• Feeling tired, irritable or depressed for no apparent reason.

Friends or family members may be the first to notice changes:

• Person's face lacks expression and animation (known as "masked face").
• Person does not move an arm or leg normally.
• Person seems stiff, unsteady or unusually slow.

How is Parkinson’s diagnosed?

• There are currently no blood or laboratory tests proven to help in diagnosing Parkinson’s; therefore, diagnosis is usually based on medical history and a neurological examination.
• The disease can be difficult to diagnose accurately. Doctors sometimes request brain scans or laboratory tests in order to rule out other diseases.
• When at least two of the four major symptoms are present, and especially if they are more evident on one side than the other, a Parkinson’s diagnosis is usually made, unless there are atypical features suggesting an alternative diagnosis.

Is there treatment?

• At present, there is no cure for Parkinson’s, but a variety of medications provide dramatic relief from the symptoms.
• In some cases, surgery may be appropriate if the disease doesn't respond to drugs.

Freedom Home Care in Dothan and Opelika, Alabama provides specialized in-home care for people with Parkinson’s disease. For more information or to schedule a free in-home assessment, call Freedom Home Care in Dothan, Alabama at 334-803-8078 or Opelika, Alabama at 334-745-7308. Freedom Home Care also has offices in Columbus, Georgia and Montgomery, Alabama.