Parkinson's Disease + Original Articles

Here's what you need to know about this neurological condition, from symptoms to treatment options. You may not have heard of Lewy Body Dementia because it tends to be overshadowed by its close relations, Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. But experts say that this neurological disorder is woefully underdiagnosed, with many doctors uninformed about it.

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal column resulting from the simultaneous shrinking and drying out of the spinal discs and the swelling or growth of the spinal bones and ligaments. But it also may also have other causes. If you're like millions of other Americans, your lower back hurts. This pain may be intermittent or it may be more constant. And if you're like a lot of other Americans, you throw back some ibuprofen and resign yourself to living with the discomfort. It's simple arthritis, you tell yourself, or perhaps the result of overdoing it at the gym.

Because one of the key components of this diet includes eating lots of fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables, following the Mediterranean diet may keep your digestive system running smoothly. Following a Mediterranean diet has been shown to benefit heart health as well as reduce the incidence of cancer, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's diseases. Because one of the key components of this diet includes eating lots of whole grains, legumes (beans), fruits, and vegetables-which are all fiber-rich-following the Mediterranean diet may also keep your digestive system running smoothly.

The Web offers many options for staying connected and keeping loved one updated on your or your family member's health issues. These methods are fast, easy, and efficient, and you'll know your support network is right there with you as a part of your journey. When Jennifer Wilson Cooper learned she had ovarian cancer, she launched a blog as a way to share her story with others and to make it easy for friends and family to keep up with her progress. Little did she know she'd quickly-and dramatically-expand her circle of friends (you can follow Cooper's journey on her blog, Four Seeds, which is featured in Quality Health's free cancer newsletter and on the QualityHealth.

Forty to 50 percent of Parkinson’s patients also suffer from depression. Not only does it cause poorer quality of life for patients, depression is associated with faster progression of physical symptoms and greater cognitive decline. Depression is common in people who have Parkinson's disease, a slow, progressive, and chronic neurodegenerative brain disease. Actor Michael J. Fox put a public face on this disease and many of us have seen him exhibit some of the trademark Parkinson's symptoms, such as shaking, tremors, slow movements, and stiffness or rigidity in the arms, legs, or trunk.

How can a simple task like swallowing become a difficult mission? You might think this should be easy for your muscles to do, but it takes more just strength. Swallowing may seem like a simple task, but, it takes about 50 pairs of muscles and nerves to bite, chew, and swallow. When you swallow, your tongue pushes food to the back of your throat where muscle contractions quickly move the food through the esophagus (the tube connecting your throat and stomach).

Your sense of smell allows you to enjoy the fragrance of fresh flowers and determine when dinner is ready. But did you know it can also be a huge predictor of Parkinson's? Many people are aware of the classic symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, muscle rigidity, slowed movement, and compromised posture and balance. But did you also know that a reduced or altered sense of smell is often one of the first signs...

Learn about how stem cell research can benefit various fields of medicine. In March of 2009, after years of hotly debated political, religious, and scientific debates, President Barack Obama lifted the long standing ban on the federal funding of stem cell research. Although the political and religious arguments make for a provocative discussion, the scientific and medical benefits of stem cell research cannot be disputed.

Parkinson's disease touches more than just the person with the disease; family members and close friends must alter their lifestyles, too. Use this guide to help prepare for the changes ahead. Accepting that you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease is a process. Learn more about the steps most people go through, and what adjustments to expect at home and at work. Dealing With the Diagnosis It's normal to feel overwhelmed and anxious after learning that you've been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease doesn't have to keep patients from living full and active lives. Follow these seven tips to help manage your symptoms. Parkinson's patients spend more than $5 billion on treatment each year. Drug treatments have improved so much that doctors are now less likely to recommend surgery to people with Parkinson's. These tips can help you manage your symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle, but it's important to consult with your doctor, too.

Parkinson's disease affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans. Here, a guide for patients and their loved ones. If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, you probably have many questions. While the disease affects each person differently, this overview will help you better understand the symptoms and treatments. Symptoms and Risk Factors Parkinson's is a disease that stops nerves from working properly in the part of the brain that controls muscle movement.

Mike Johnston, 49, an electrical contractor in Bristol, Tennessee, had his life turned upside down by Parkinson's disease. Learn about his courageous journey. Shortly after Mike Johnston learned he had Parkinson's disease, he felt as if his world were crashing down around him. But gradually--with faith, love, and the right treatment--he has learned not only to live with the disease, but also to flourish. I was on top of the world: I had a super daughter, a new house, and pets.