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Parkinsons Disease
Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the central nervous
system that affects between one and one-and-a-half million
Americans. About 50,000 new cases are reported annually, according
to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Both men and women are affected. The frequency of Parkinson's
is considerably higher in people over 50, although there is
an increase in patients of a younger age.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder
that results from the degeneration of neurons in a region
of the brain that controls movement. It is characterized by
slowness of movement and tremors, often affecting one side
of the body more than the other.
Parkinsons Disease symptoms include:
- Rigidity
(increased stiffness in the muscles).This often leads to
pain, especially
in the arms and shoulders.
- Tremor.
Besides affecting the arms and legs, it sometimes involves
the head, neck, and face.
- Slowness
of movement.
- Poor
balance. Particularly during abrupt movement. This may lead
to repeated falls.
- Slowness
of movement.
- Walking problems. Short, shuffling steps; difficulty turning; and inability to take the next step.
Secondary symptoms may include dizziness, sleep disturbances,
stooped posture, depression, impotence, and problems with
speech, breathing, and swallowing.
Permax and Parkinsons Disease
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