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Parkinson's Disease: What You Need to Know

Parkinson's Disease

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What is Parkinson's Disease?


Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that leads to shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination. Parkinson's symptoms usually begin gradually and get worse over time.  As the disease progresses, people may have difficulty walking and talking. They may also have mental and behavioral changes, sleep problems, depression, memory difficulties, and fatigue. Both men and women can have Parkinson’s disease. However, the disease affects about 50 percent more men than women. Continue reading from National Institute on Aging

Essential Tremor vs Parkinson's Disease: What's the Difference?


Tremor is one of the characteristic symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), but it is also characteristic of essential tremor (ET), a neurological disorder that produces involuntary and rhythmic shaking. ET is approximately eight times more common than PD, and there are several other differences between the two conditions.
PD is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 60, although approximately 5-10 percent of people with PD are diagnosed younger than the age of 50. ET most often occurs during middle age, but it can occur at any age, even in childhood.

In PD, the tremor is mostly seen at rest, when the body part is not being used and may be referred to as “resting tremor.” In ET, the tremor occurs mostly during action or movement, such as when writing, eating, or holding a posture. Continue reading from ParkinsonsDisease.net

Organizations and Support 

American Parkinson Disease Association (Connecticut Chapter)
Events, education, support groups, exercise groups and classes, virtual programs.

Parkinson and Movement Disorder Alliance (Connecticut Support Groups)
Online and in-person programs and support groups, communication tools, caregiver support community, facilitiies and clinicians lists.

Eldercare Locator (Administration on Aging)
Search by city and state for services and resources.

Parkinson's Foundation New England
Research, clinical trials, online events and education, support groups for patients and caregivers.

From Our Collection

Link to the Health & Wellness Resource Guide Series Homepage