Parkinson Foundation Western Pennsylvania

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the fastest-growing neurological disorder. It progresses over time, hindering a person's independence through increasing complications, and impacts the loved ones of people with Parkinson's as well.Since the average age at onset is 60, and the median age of our community is 65, many physicians believe we are on the cusp of an emerging pandemic. And as life expectancy increases, so does the number of people living with the disease which is expected to double in the next 15 years.It is a disease of the central nervous system that touches almost every aspect of daily living, including movement, mood, speech, eating and drinking, sleep, and cognitive changes. It progresses over time, challenging a person's independence through complications, and impacts the loved ones of people with Parkinson's as well.Currently, there is no objective test to diagnose PD. Typically, a neurologist takes a careful medical history and performs a thorough neurological examination, looking in particular for two or more of the cardinal motor symptoms to be present: resting tremor, rigidity (stiffness), bradykinesia (slowness of movement) and postural instability.Following are the 10 early warning signs of Parkinson's Disease:Tremor or ShakingSmall HandwritingLoss of smellTrouble SleepingTrouble Moving or WalkingConstipationA Soft or Low VoiceMasked FaceDizziness or FaintingStooped or Hunched OverFor over twenty years, Parkinson Foundation Western Pennsylvania (PFWPA) has been improving the quality of life of individuals with Parkinson's and their loved ones while creating a safe, nurturing, and welcoming community.We advocate for our members and educate our community about PD. We nurture relationships among those involved in the care of persons with PD. We connect people to the information, support services, programs, and activities that they need to enhance wellness, live an active, engaged life moving forward, and delay the progression of the disease.Throughout Western Pennsylvania, we offer over 50 Parkinsons-specific exercise classes and 20 support groups along with educational programming for people with PD, their care partners, and families. Many of the programs are now offered virtually.It is through the generosity of our community that we are able to provide quality programs and services.Editors Note: For more information about PD and the Foundation, please call 412.837.2542 or email info@pfwpa.org.