The outlook for Parkinson's disease
How does the condition progress and what is the outlook (prognosis)?
The symptoms of PD tend to become gradually worse over time. However, the speed of progression varies greatly from person to person. When symptoms first begin, you may not need treatment when symptoms are relatively mild.
Most people with PD can expect to have some time of relatively mild symptoms, and then when the symptoms become worse, several years of good or reasonable control of the symptoms with medication. But everyone is different, and it is difficult to predict for an individual how quickly the disease will progress. Some people may only be slightly disabled 20 years after PD first begins, whereas others may be very disabled after 10 years.
Research into PD is active. For example, one main aim of research is to find drugs that prevent the damage to the affected cells, rather than just treating the symptoms which is the main value of treatment at present. For example, research has suggested that some vitamins (such as co-enzyme Q10) and other chemicals may have some effect on slowing down the damage to the brain cells involved in PD. Further research on these chemicals continues.
Further help and information
Parkinson's Disease Society 215 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, SW1V 1EJ Helpline: 0808 800 0303 Website: www.parkinsons.org.uk Provides help and information on all aspects of PD. There are local branches throughout the UK.
© EMIS and PIP 2005 Updated: October 2006 PRODIGY Validated
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peter middleton, over 2 years
Hello If you are to write articles on prognosis of PD, could you please be more comprehensive and widen your scope. The route researchers have taken in recent decades has been along the dopamine path. That path will soon be closed in my opinion. It has performed its task of restricting PD, but no inroads as to curing this pox. The side effects from agonists can also be more devastating than the disease itself. Leaving aside moral issues, Stem cell research has shown immense possibilities of late, especially concerning hybrid embryo's. Alterative medicines like Mucuna Pruriteins (the mucuna plant contains natural levadopa) need more investigation. Lets spread our wings more and not wait for the inevitable. I am a PD sufferer. peter
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