A familiar sign of Parkinson’s disease is an uncontrollable shaking or movement, called a tremor.
Though more common among people over the age of 60, Parkinson’s disease can also develop in younger adults.
Parkinson’s disease causes several specific movement-related symptoms. These are called motor symptoms. Motor symptoms affect everyday tasks like buttoning clothing or writing. Motor symptoms can also affect the way you walk.
Motor symptoms
Motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:
Muscle stiffness
Slow or small movements (bradykinesia)
Tremor
Balance problems
Non-motor symptoms
Parkinson’s disease can also cause non-motor symptoms. These include:
Bowel and bladder function changes
Blood pressure changes
Mood or memory changes
Sleep changes
Diagnosing Parkinson’s disease
There is no test for Parkinson’s disease. To make a diagnosis, your doctor will look for:
Physical signs and symptoms
Progression of symptoms over time
Response to treatment
Your doctor may order brain scans or blood tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
Your Parkinson’s disease treatment will be designed to reduce symptoms and improve function.
Replacing dopamine with medication is one way to treat Parkinson’s disease.
Physical therapy is another essential part of your treatment plan. Exercises can improve your balance and walking.
Surgery for Parkinson’s disease
Some people with Parkinson’s disease benefit from surgery. At UW Health, we offer deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s disease.
During DBS, surgeons place an electrode in your brain. The electrode is connected to a device implanted in your chest. The device in your chest sends electrical stimulation to areas of your brain affected by movement disorders.
Parkinson’s disease research at UW Health
At UW Health, we work every day to improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.
Your care will be guided by a UW Health neurologist within our Movement Disorders Clinic. Our Movement Disorders Clinic also includes:
Neurosurgeons
Neuropsychologists
Pharmacists
Social workers
Health psychologists
Physical, occupational and speech therapists
If you have symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, you’ll be cared for at the UW Health Movement Disorders Clinic. Here, we offer many treatment options for Parkinson’s disease, including deep brain stimulation.
University Hospital Movement Disorders Clinic (Neurology)
600 Highland Ave /Madison, WI 
(608) 263-5442
University Hospital Movement Disorders Clinic (Neurosurgery)
- 600 Highland Ave /
Madison, WI - (608) 915-0900
Moving Forward seminar series
Due to COVID-19, we are unable to hold the Moving Forward series in person but are now offering a virtual opportunity. UW Health staff will be there to facilitate and answer questions in addition to the subject matter expert who will be presenting.
Location
The upcoming meeting for the Moving Forward Seminar Series will be online via Webex.
Meeting dates
Meetings will be held on the second Monday of every month, 6:30-8pm.
Parkinson’s disease caregiver support group (Stoughton)
For anyone affected by Parkinson’s disease. Meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. Stoughton Area Senior Center, 248 West Main St., Stoughton. For more information, call (608) 873-8585.
Parkinson’s disease caregiver support group (Waunakee)
For anyone affected by Parkinson’s disease. Meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 2 p.m. Waunakee Senior Center, 333 S. Madison St., Waunakee. For more information, call (608) 850-5877.
