Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurologic disorder caused by a loss of nerve cells in the substantia nigra (a small area deep within the brain stem). While Parkinson's disease affects 1 to 1.5 million Americans, the cause of this degenerative, disabling disease is unknown. Patients usually experience the first symptoms of Parkinson's disease between the ages of 50 and 60, but increasingly, symptoms are recognized at a younger age.
There is no cure for Parkinson's disease. Therefore, the objective of Cedars-Sinai's Movement Disorders Program is to improve the quality of life for patients with movement disorders, including Parkinson's.
Patients with Parkinson's disease are initially treated with medications designed to stimulate the dopamine system or to mimic its controlling effect on other nerve cells. Management of medications to achieve optimal functioning can often be a complex process that requires expert neurologic consultation. Once conventional drug therapies are no longer effective, patients may benefit from surgical intervention.
The Movement Disorders Program at Cedars-Sinai is a vital resource for individuals with Parkinson's disease or other movement disorders. The program provides comprehensive services and information, including:
- Deep Brain Stimulation
- Information about surgical alternatives
- Medication assessment
- Treatment plan evaluation
- Information on support groups
- Information on coping with Parkinson's Disease
- American Parkinson Disease Association Information and Referral Center at Cedars-Sinai
Because of the unique nature of Parkinson's disease, the Movement Disorders Program provides a multidisciplinary approach to patient care that addresses both the physical and emotional problems that can accompany chronic illness. Educational materials, referrals to support groups and community resources are available as needed.
At the Movement Disorders Program, neurologists review each case and develop a comprehensive treatment plan customized to fit each patient's individual needs. Depending on the case, consultation is also provided to the patient by one or more experts, including:
- Neurologists
- Neuropsychologists
- Neuroradiologists
- Neurosurgeons
- Nurses
- Occupational Therapists
- Physical Therapists
- Social Workers
- Speech-Language Pathologists
Many national and international organizations provide valuable information about Parkinson's Disease on their websites, including:
- American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc.
- World Parkinson Disease Association
- Young Onset Parkinson's Disease
- WE MOVE
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- Parkinson's Action Network
