Guests: Paul Nausieda, M.D., neurologist, Regional Parkinson Disease Center, Aurora Sinai Medical Center, Milwaukee
Jay Blankenship, M.S.W., Executive Director, Wisconsin Parkinson Association
Thomas Fritsch, Ph.D., Director, Parkinson Research Institute
Parkinson Disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects a part of the brain responsible for controlling and coordinating movement. There is no known cause. The primary symptoms are resting tremor, slowness of movement, stiffness and a loss of balance. Wisconsin has one of the highest prevalence rates in the country for Parkinson Disease. Diagnosing the disease is difficult as there is no test, and many people go undiagnosed and untreated - their lives becoming increasingly physically limiting. Treatments are available today to alleviate the symptoms and help patients regain most of their activities. That is why awareness of the subtleties of the disease and screenings are so critical.
Providing a correct diagnosis or referral, giving the best treatment available, supporting a family caregiver, encouraging a patient to participate in a support group or exercise program, or educating others to recognize the symptoms of Parkinson's are actions necessary to give everyone with Parkinson Disease the opportunity to lead a full and healthy life.
For more information, listen to the program below and contact the WPA at (800) 972-5455 or go to www.wiparkinson.org.
