Parkinson's disease cases continue to rise, with an estimated 1.1 million people in the United States currently living with the disease. Approximately 90,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, making Parkinson's one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders.
Much of this increase can be attributed to longer life expectancy and the growing aging population, according to Khashayar Dashtipour, MD, PhD, a neurologist and movement disorders specialist at Loma Linda University Health. Increased awareness of Parkinson's disease among the public has also contributed to more people being diagnosed earlier.
"For years, many of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease were often attributed simply to getting older," Dashtipour said. "Today, family members are much more likely to recognize changes such as slower movements or tremor and encourage their loved one to seek medical evaluation."
One of the earliest signs of Parkinson's disease is often a decline in fine motor skills and dexterity. Patients may notice difficulty with handwriting or other tasks requiring precise finger movements, before developing other symptoms such as gait impairment or tremor.
"A lot of times, patients notice that their handwriting becomes much smaller or less legible," Dashtipour said. "People who work with their hands using tools, sewing, or performing other fine motor tasks may begin having difficulty doing things that once came naturally. Others may notice simple tasks, such as tying their shoes or buttoning a shirt, becoming more challenging."
As Parkinson's disease progresses, patients may develop tremor, stiffness, slower walking, shuffling, reduced arm swing, and balance problems. Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, but it is the combination of these findings that helps physicians make the diagnosis.
"Parkinson's disease is a complex neurological disorder that affects the brain's ability to control movement," Dashtipour said. "It develops because brain cells that produce dopamine, a chemical messenger essential for coordinating movement, gradually decline. While we still do not fully understand why these cells are lost, we have very effective treatments to control symptoms and help most patients maintain an excellent quality of life."
More than 50 years ago, researchers discovered that replacing dopamine could significantly improve Parkinson's symptoms.
"Today, we have several medications that increase dopamine activity in the brain," Dashtipour said. "These medications can substantially improve slowness, stiffness, and tremor. Although we do not yet have a treatment proven to slow the progression of the disease, most patients experience meaningful improvement with appropriate therapy."
No two patients respond exactly the same way to medication. Finding the right medication and dose often requires careful adjustment over time, making regular follow-up with a movement disorders specialist an important part of treatment.
Dashtipour also encourages patients to adopt healthy lifestyle habits to support brain health.
"I'm proud that Loma Linda University Health has promoted healthy living throughout its history," he said. "Regular exercise, healthy nutrition, stress reduction, and other lifestyle changes can improve a patient's overall well-being and brain health. Sleep is another area that deserves much more attention in Parkinson's disease. I also encourage patients to keep their brains active through hobbies, meaningful relationships, lifelong learning, and spiritual practices."
For some patients, surgery may become an option when medications alone no longer provide consistent symptom control or begin causing involuntary movements known as dyskinesias.
"Deep Brain Stimulation, or DBS, can significantly improve symptoms in appropriately selected patients," Dashtipour said. "The procedure involves placing thin electrodes into specific areas of the brain that are connected to a battery-powered device implanted under the skin. The system delivers electrical stimulation that helps regulate the abnormal brain activity responsible for Parkinson's symptoms. In many patients, the benefits last for years, and sometimes even decades."
Overall, Dashtipour emphasizes that although Parkinson's disease is a complex neurological condition, it is one that can often be managed successfully.
"Recognizing the early signs, seeking evaluation promptly, and combining individualized medical treatment with healthy lifestyle choices can make a tremendous difference in quality of life," he said.
More information about Parkinson’s Disease can be found on the Loma Linda University Health website. For information about treatments for Parkinson’s and other movement disorders at Loma Linda University Health, visit the website.
More stories about: Neurology Senior Health
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