Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease care at Reid Health

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement, balance, and coordination. At Reid Health, our expert neurology and rehabilitation teams provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help patients manage symptoms, maintain independence, and improve quality of life.

We’re proud to be deeply involved in the Parkinson’s community, from treatment and therapy to local programs that raise awareness and support patients in their journey. 

What’s Parkinson’s disease?  

Parkinson’s disease occurs when nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine, a chemical that controls movement, begin to break down. The loss of dopamine leads to stiffness, tremors, and difficulty with coordination or balance. Parkinson’s is a chronic and progressive condition, meaning symptoms typically develop gradually over time. 

Common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

Symptoms can vary, but common signs of Parkinson’s disease include:

• Tremors or shaking, especially in the hands or arms
• Muscle stiffness or rigidity
• Slowed movements (bradykinesia)
• Trouble with balance or walking
• Changes in speech or handwriting
• Facial masking (reduced facial expression)
• Fatigue, sleep issues, or depression

If you or a loved one notice these changes, early evaluation by a neurologist can help manage symptoms more effectively. 

How Parkinson’s disease is diagnosed

Diagnosis is based on a combination of medical history, neurological exams, and symptom evaluation. There is currently no single test for Parkinson’s, but your neurologist might use:

• Physical and neurological exams to assess motor function
• Imaging tests (like MRI or DaTscan) to rule out other conditions
• Response to medication, which can confirm dopamine-related movement issues

Early diagnosis allows your care team to develop a personalized plan that could include medications, therapy, and lifestyle support.