Parkinson's is a progressive, neurological disorder which can affect all activities including talking, walking, swallowing and writing. Up to 120,000 people in the UK have Parkinson's (one in 500 of the population) with approximately 10,000 people diagnosed each year. One million people in the US, and some four million worldwide, are estimated to have Parkinson's disease. Most people are diagnosed over the age of 60, but it can also affect younger people. The three main symptoms are shaking, muscle stiffness and slowness of movement; other symptoms are lack of facial expression, altered posture, tiredness, difficulties with balance, speech and writing, depression. This book takes a modern, detailed look at Parkinson's and its management, including drug treatment, surgical techniques, and therapies such as physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy. It also examines the role of gene therapy and stem therapy, and gives practical advice on self-care and how to improve quality of life.
