Parkinson’s Disease - Signs, Symptoms and Rehabilitation Options

Parkinson’s disease, originally known as the “shaking palsy," affects as many as 60,000 Americans each year, with an estimated 10 million suffering from this condition worldwide. Parkinson’s is a progressive disorder affecting the older adult population. There has been a genetic mutation identified that can affect those under 50 years, as well as familial links to the disease.

Parkinson’s disease has four “cardinal signs”- resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia (or a slowing of movement), and postural instability. Falls and infections are the leading causes of death due to Parkinson’s disease.

Join Roxanne Pell, PT, MS, a physical therapist specializing in geriatrics and fall prevention at University Hospitals Rehabilitation Services, as she will review the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s, as well as current treatment options. The primary emphasis will be on how physical, occupational and speech therapies can help to lessen the symptoms and delay the progression of the disease. We will discuss how to preserve and improve flexibility, strength, and balance/gait difficulties, helping to lessen fall potential. After treatment and non-treatment community programs that can help will also be covered.

More Information

• Learn more about UH Rehabilitation services.
• Contact us to find a UH Rehabilitation specialist.