Parkinson’s disease: There’s a lot to know about Parkinson’s disease

A familiar sign of Parkinson’s disease is an uncontrollable shaking or movement, called a tremor.

Though more common among people over the age of 60, Parkinson’s disease can also develop in younger adults.

Parkinson’s disease causes several specific movement-related symptoms. These are called motor symptoms. Motor symptoms affect everyday tasks like buttoning clothing or writing. Motor symptoms can also affect the way you walk.

Your Parkinson’s disease treatment will be designed to reduce symptoms and improve function.

Replacing dopamine with medication is one way to treat Parkinson’s disease.

Physical therapy is another essential part of your treatment plan. Exercises can improve your balance and walking.

Surgery for Parkinson’s disease

Some people with Parkinson’s disease benefit from surgery. At UW Health, we offer deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s disease.

During DBS, surgeons place an electrode in your brain. The electrode is connected to a device implanted in your chest. The device in your chest sends electrical stimulation to areas of your brain affected by movement disorders.

Parkinson’s disease research at UW Health

At UW Health, we work every day to improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.

Your care will be guided by a UW Health neurologist within our Movement Disorders Clinic. Our Movement Disorders Clinic also includes:

• Neurosurgeons

• Neuropsychologists

• Pharmacists

• Social workers

• Health psychologists

• Physical, occupational and speech therapists

If you have symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, you’ll be cared for at the UW Health Movement Disorders Clinic. Here, we offer many treatment options for Parkinson’s disease, including deep brain stimulation.