What is Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurological disorders, affecting approximately 1% of individuals older than 60 years and causing progressive disability that can be slowed, but not halted, by treatment. It involves the malfunction and death of vital nerve cells in the brain, called neurons. Parkinson’s primarily affects neurons in an area of the brain called the substantia nigra. Some of these dying neurons produce dopamine, a chemical that sends messages to the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination.  Abnormalities have also been noted in the mid brain, brain stem and olfactory bulb in PD, affecting patient’s sense of smell and causing sleep disturbance.

Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms

Primary motor signs of the disease include tremor, bradykinesia or slowness of movement, rigidity or stiffness of the limbs and trunk, and postural instability or impaired balance and coordination.

Scientists are also exploring the idea that loss of cells in other areas of the brain and body contribute to Parkinson’s. For example, researchers have discovered that the hallmark sign of Parkinson’s disease — clumps of a protein alpha-synuclein, which are also called Lewy Bodies — are found not only in the mid-brain but also in the brain stem and the olfactory bulb.

Parkinson’s Treatment

Current primary treatment modality includes medications that are not always effective.  Deep brain stimulation has shown efficacy but is an invasive procedure with implantable devices.  Transcranial magentic stimulation (TMS) has shown efficacy in improving the motor symptoms of PD and PD associated depression.

TMS for Parkinson’s Disease

There are various studies that have demonstrated safety and efficacy of TMS to treat Parkinson’s disease.  The studies show improvement in depression associated with PD and improvement in tremor, bradykinesia (slow movements) and balance after TMS treatment.

Placebo-controlled study of rTMS for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

Meta-analysis of studies suggests that high-frequency rTMS over motor cortex in PD improves motor Unified PD Rating Scale (Siebner et al 2000, Bornke et al 2003, Lefaucheur et al 2004 and Khedr et al 2003, 2006; Lomarev et al 2006)

March 2006 – Movement Disorders.  Placebo-controlled study of rTMS for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

10 Early Warning Signs of Parkinson’s Disease

1. Tremor or Shaking
2. Small Handwriting
3. Loss of Smell
4. Trouble Sleeping
5. Trouble Moving or Walking
6. Constipation
7. A Soft or Low Voice
8. Masked Face
9. Dizziness or Fainting
10. Stooping or Hunching Over

More information at Parkinson’s.org