Neuro Talk: Parkinson’s Disease Progression | Parkinson's Foundation

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Why does progression occur for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), and what are the signs and symptoms of each stage? Although the loss of dopamine neurons is universal for people with PD, each person experiences a unique combination of movement and non-movement symptoms and disease progression.
In this Neuro Talk, Chief Scientific Officer James Beck, PhD, discusses the different stages of Parkinson’s disease progression and strategies for living well at all stages.
Helpful resources:
- Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline: 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) | [e-mail] | www.parkinson.org/resources-s...
- Resources for those who are new to Parkinson’s disease: www.parkinson.org/living-with...
- Hospital Safety Guide: www.parkinson.org/resources-s...
- PD Health @ Home programs: www.parkinson.org/resources-s...
- Información en español: www.parkinson.org/espanol
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The Parkinson’s Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson’s community. Learn more on our website: www.parkinson.org/

[@MLStanleyK]

Here's my nicklesworth - I was diagnosed about 2 1/2 years ago although I was dealing with symptoms 2 or 3 years before. My PCP thought I just had Essential Tremor and I didn't want to believe otherwords. I didn't go to a Neurologist until my head issues got worse - dizziness, confusion, depression - to a point where I coudn't ignore them anymore, and of course, the day after my Dat Scan I was told I had PD.
So now I have been on Carbidopa/Leavadopa for 2 1/2 years and every day are ups & downs depending where I'm at with my meds - in between or in the middle. The 'on' times are decent and sometimes I feel like I used to, and the 'off' times are down times physically and mentally.
Now, the good news - I have been doing daily exercise for 25 years. Back when I was younger it was off the charts as far as the amount & time. Over the last 10 years it's been less but I still put in 1 to 1 1/2 hours every day. These days it's stretching, rowing machine and finally a stationary bike. I also go to a meeting every day which helps stay socially interactional. And I played in bands for 30 years and after backing out of performing about 5 years ago, I got back into playing/singing in my home, and so have also been doing that for between 1 & 2 hours a day, almost never missing it. BOTH the exercise - physical - and playing/singing - physical & mental - seems to have helped a lot. In my last visit to the neurologist he said, "Whatever you are doing, keep doing it because you are doing great!"
So, as someone with a bit of experience in this disease, my opinion is that pushing yourself in forms of exercise can be very helpful!! Stay active socially too!
That's it....thanks.