Pecos Enterprise in Pecos, Texas

Dear Dr Lamb on Parkinsons disease and patient fears

A reader asks about early Parkinsons disease in a 65 year old mother and its impact on aging fears. The doctor explains that Parkinsons stems from brain function, presents with tremor rigidity and mask face, and is not solely age related. Most cases progress slowly over 10 to 20 years, with symptoms relieved by supportive care, exercises, heat, massage, and sometimes L-Dopa in selected patients. Surgery may help when medical management fails. Mental impairment is not an inevitable consequence and normal function can continue for years.