Doctor Column

Ten ‘Q & A’s About Parkinson’s Disease October 25, 2022 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive, movement disorder of the brain that usually develops slowly over time that gives rise to unintentional or uncontrollable movements. It is classified as a movement (motor) disorder because it causes tremors, balance instability, slowness of movement and stiffening movements. But non-motor symptoms of PD such as depression, fatigue, anxiety, loss of taste and smell are serious concerns of people with PD. Intense Exercise for Parkinson’s Disease March 25, 2022 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Parkinson Disease (PD) is a disorder of muscle coordination, not muscle weakness. It accounts for approximately 80% of movement disorders and it is the second most common neurodegenerative brain disease trailing only Alzheimer’s. This condition happens when nerve cells (neurons) in part of the brain called the substantia nigra die and don’t produce enough dopamine. Parkinson Disease Treatment Options February 25, 2022 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an adult onset, progressive, nerve wasting, movement disorder of the brain causing a depletion of the hormone dopamine. PD attacks a part of the brain called the substantia nigra, which produces dopamine. This chemical messenger in the brain, dopamine, plays a key role in muscle tone and movement. Treatment is primarily focused on replenishing the brain with dopamine. Parkinson’s Disease Non-Motor Symptoms December 25, 2021 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Parkinson disease is commonly referred to as a movement disorder of the nervous system that progresses slowly over time. The gradual reduction of dopamine in brain cells causes patients to typically experience motor (movement) symptoms of PD which include tremor (shakiness), rigid muscles, balance problems, difficulty walking and slowness or absence of movement. Parkinson Disease 101 — Motor Symptoms December 15, 2021 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Parkinson disease (PD) is a disorder within the brain that develops slowly over the years. This progressive, degenerative neurological disease happens when certain nerve cells in part of the brain called the substantia nigra (black substance) die earlier than normal and do not produce sufficient amounts of dopamine.