SAN DIEGO, April 3 (UPI) -- The American Academy of Neurology is releasing new guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson disease at its annual meeting in San Diego this week.
Often misdiagnosed, Parkinson is a progressive movement disorder caused by a decrease in the brain chemical dopamine which facilitates smooth and coordinated muscle movements.
Loss of Dopamine results in a whole range of motor problems from shaking and stiffness to balance problems and lack of facial expression.
According to Parkinson expert Dr. William Weiner of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, the new guidelines help doctors correctly diagnose Parkinson earlier, making the best use of time-tested therapies to improve motor function.
They also recommend that people with Parkinson disease be screened and treated for depression, psychosis, and dementia.
"Many people just assume that depression, hallucinations, and memory loss are inevitable side effects of Parkinson disease and don't even discuss them with their neurologist," Weiner said.
