The Atlanta Center for Medical Research is currently seeking healthy adult volunteers to participate in a clinical study on Parkinson’s disease.
According to the National Parkinson’s Foundation, Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that progresses slowly and can take years to develop. When a person has Parkinson’s disease, their brain slowly stops producing dopamine, which helps regulate their movements, body and emotions. Constipation, cramping and bloating are all common among people with Parkinson’s. These issues can be caused both by the disease itself and by the medications used to treat it. Many people live for years with the disease but the associated complications can often be fatal.
If you have more than one of the following symptoms you should talk to your doctor about Parkinson’s disease:
- Tremors have high amplitude and lower, slower frequency
- In addition to tremors, slow movements, stiffness, and problems with walking or balance are involved
- Tremors mostly seen at rest
- Usually starts on one side of the body and progresses to the other side; usually remains asymmetrical
- Rarely a family history
- Symptoms such as smaller handwriting, loss of smell, trouble sleeping, moving or walking, constipation, a soft or low voice, a masked face, dizziness or fainting, and stooping or hunching over.
There is no standard treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Current available treatments include medication, surgery and lifestyle modifications. Research is being conducted to determine the most effective treatments to reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s, as well as treatments that reduce side effects associated with Parkinson’s medication, like constipation. Learn more about what you should know if you’re living with Parkinson’s.