About Parkinson's disease
From diagnostic services to individual and family counseling, we are here to provide the care our patient and their families need.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition, which leads to depletion of the neurochemical and dopamine and affects movement. Over time, Parkinson’s can also affect thinking abilities and mood.
Parkinson’s disease symptoms
Parkinson’s disease symptoms include:
- Shaking in the hands or fingers
- Slowed motor movements
- Muscle stiffness
- Difficulty initiating movement
- Poor balance
- Stooped posture
- Slower walking or dragging feet when walking
- Changes in speech including lowered voice volume and hesitations when talking
- Reduced facial expressions
- Changes in memory, concentration or judgment
- Changes in attention, problem-solving, memory and visuospatial skills
- Sleep disturbances
- Depression or anxiety
Diagnosing Parkinson’s
There currently is no single diagnostic test for Parkinson’s disease.
To diagnose, our patient care team may use a few of the following tests:
- Neurological and physical exam
- Assessment of memory and thinking skills
- Brain scans
- Blood tests
Treatment for Parkinson’s
Currently there is no cure for Parkinson’s, but there are several medications to help manage symptoms. Levodopa, in combination with carbidopa, increase dopamine, which is diminished in Parkinson’s disease. Other types of medications, including dopamine agonists and COMT inhibitors, can also be used to help improve symptom management. Surgical treatments, such as deep brain stimulation, can reduce motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease. Physical and occupational therapy can be helpful for improving balance, increasing mobility and preventing falls. Speech therapy can also help treat difficulties with swallowing, lowered voice volume and language production. Lifestyle changes such as aerobic exercise can also improve symptom management.
Causes and risks of Parkinson’s
The exact causes of Parkinson’s are unknown.
Risk factors include:
- Family history: The risk of developing Parkinson’s disease increases with the more relatives in your family diagnosed with the disease.
- Age: People usually develop Parkinson’s disease around the age of 60 or older.
- Gender: Men have an increased risk of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s than women.
Support groups for Parkinson’s
Biggs Institute Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
A professionally led group for all persons diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
When: Every second Thursday 10:00-11:30am
Where: UT Health San Antonio Medical Arts & Research Center (MARC)
Resources for Parkinson’s
Biggs Institute
Dedicated to providing comprehensive dementia care for patients and their families, the Biggs Institute offers advanced treatment with clinical trials, genetic testing and supportive, educational and enrichment programs.
Learn more
Parkinson’s Foundation
Learn more about Parkinson’s and get connected to support.
Learn more
Make an appointment!
Call 210-450-9960 to make an appointment.
Existing patients can request an appointment online with MyChart.