What is Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's is a disease that affects the part of the brain that controls movement. The earliest symptoms of Parkinson's disease are usually mild and get worse over time. As the disease progresses, everyday movements like walking or getting up from a chair become more difficult.

• It is estimated that at least 1.5 million people in the U.S. have Parkinson's disease.
  
  
• Both men and women can get Parkinson's disease.
  
  
• Parkinson's usually starts when a person is in his or her fifties or sixties, but younger people can also have Parkinson's disease.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms are:

• Shaking or tremor of an arm, leg, hand or foot
• Moving slowly
• Stiff muscles
• Trouble with balance

Other signs of Parkinson's are:

• Problems walking
• Changes in handwriting
• Not being able to stand up straight
• Depression
• Sleep problems
• Voice becomes softer

Other things you should know:

• Parkinson's disease symptoms usually begin on one side of the body, involving either an arm or a leg.
  
  
• People cannot get Parkinson's disease from another person.
  
  
• Parkinson's disease affects each person differently. Some people may have more problems with one symptom than another.

What can be done to help people with Parkinson's Disease?

As of now, there is no cure for Parkinson's Disease because doctors do not know exactly what causes it. However, there are treatments that make it easier to live with Parkinson's disease.
We know that medicines and other treatments can help with the symptoms of the disease, such as problems with walking, moving, speaking and depression. Yoga, exercise, massage and support groups can also be helpful.

What do I do if I think I have Parkinson's Disease?

If you think you or someone you know may have Parkinson's disease, it is very important that you speak to a physician and other health care workers who are trained to help people with Parkinson's disease.

The Deep Brain Stimulator is one of the most promising treatments for managing Parkinson's disease symptoms.

The Florida Hospital Neuroscience Institute is one of a limited number of facilities in the region to offer deep brain stimulation (DBS) to help treat the tremor associated with Parkinson's disease. Tremor is one of the most debilitating symptoms of Parkinson's, interfering with basic daily activities such as eating and drinking.

For more information on deep brain stimulation for treatment of Parkinson's disease tremor, please click here.

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Parkinson Outreach Center Locations and Services

The Florida Hospital Parkinson Outreach Center is the only National Parkinson Foundation designated Outreach Center in Central Florida. We provide free services to Central Florida Parkinsonians, their families, and care partners. Contact the Parkinson Outreach Coordinator to get more information on:

• Physician and clinical service referrals
• Support groups
• Educational lectures
• Exercise classes (strength training exercises and tai chi instruction)
• Music therapy
• Community support referrals
• Educational materials
• Community and clinical education events

Elizabeth Berkel, the Parkinson Outreach Coordinator can be contacted by the following methods:
Phone: 407/303-5295 Fax : 407/303-5244
Email: FH.Parkinson@flhosp.org or click here to submit a message.
Mail: 2501 N. Orange Avenue, Suite 111, Orlando, FL 32804

The Parkinson Outreach Center offers community education presentations. Contact the Outreach Coordinator to schedule an educational event for your church or civic group.

Support groups meetings and exercise classes are held at two locations. Look below for times and locations that are most convenient to you.

Orlando Location
Florida Hospital Orlando (map)
Parkinson Outreach Center
Florida Hospital Seventh-day Adventist Church
2800 North Orange Ave., Room 205
Orlando, FL 32804

Lectures- Every 2nd Thursday, 10:00 am
Music Therapy- Every 4th Thursday, 10:00 am
Strength Exercise Classes - Every 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 11:30 am
For additional information, please call or email us.
Free parking is available at the church.

Altamonte Location
Florida Hospital Altamonte (map)
Family Resource Building
651 Altamonte Drive
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
(located next to Dunkin Donuts)

Lectures- Every 3rd Tuesday, 10:00 am
Music Therapy- Every 4th Tuesday, 10:00 am
Tai Chi Classes - Every 3rd & 4th Tuesdays, 11:30 am
CREATION Health Club- every 2nd Tuesday, 10:00 am

East Orlando Location
Renaissance Senior Center
Urbino Room
3800 S. Econlockhatchee Trail
Orlando, FL 32829

Support Group Discussion- Every 1st Wednesday, 10:00 am.
For information on Parkinson's Support Groups, Contact Us.