Parkinsons Disease and Aging

Course overview

Parkinson's disease is a chronic disorder of the brain and the nervous system that is progressive and irreversible. A person's age is by far the biggest risk factor for Parkinson's disease and after age 60 the chances of developing the disease increase dramatically. Neurologic changes that are characteristic of Parkinson's disease include slow, progressive damage to parts of the brain and the nervous system that control movement. Currently, the cause of Parkinson's disease is not known and the disease cannot be detected in the early stages of its development. While treatment can slow the progression of Parkinson's disease, there is no cure. Eventually, the patient who has Parkinson's disease will develop permanent complications and disabilities, and ambulation and self-care will not be possible. Various degrees of assistance by healthcare workers are needed, such as help with activities of daily living and physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.