What Are The Signs of Parkinson’s Disease?

It may come as a surprise, but Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common movement disorders in the world, affecting about 1 percent of people over the age of 60. Regardless of the age or gender of the patient, the symptoms gradually make life more and more difficult.

Parkinson’s disease is caused by the destruction of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a vital role not only in motor control, but also in reward-motivated behavior. At present, we’re not sure what causes the destruction of these cells. It is believed to be partly genetic and partly influenced by exposure to damaging chemicals.

The most common symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease are:

  • Uncontrollable shaking and tremors in extremities
  • Rigidity in the extremities
  • Slow movement
  • Sudden halts in movement
  • Difficulty in speech
  • Balance problems
  • Inability to maintain posture

Symptoms often start minor and increase over time.

Control Tremors Related To Parkinson’s Disease

Our oral appliance therapy stops or diminishes tremors due to Parkinson’s disease in many patients. Your jaw is a crucial part of your body’s overall balance and support system. Properly supporting the jaw helps anchor your body to provide more stability and make complex muscle tasks easier.

Each appliance is made according to the unique needs of the patient. After Dr. Berry places your new dental appliance, you may experience immediate partial or complete relief of your symptoms while other patients need to wear their appliance for a longer time to allow their jaw joints to relax and provide relief.

Our movement disorder appliances cannot cure you of Parkinson’s disease, but they can help you take control over your tremors and other Parkinson’s symptoms until a cure is discovered. They can be used in support of other treatments, such as drug treatment, or postpone reliance on drugs to control symptoms.

Please call (303) 691-0267 or email our office in Denver today to find out more information and schedule your first appointment!