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"Valley doctors who work with Parkinson's Disease now have new guidelines for diagnosing it.
In Len Rome's Local Health, we'll see how important they are in controlling this brain disorder.
The symptoms of Parkinson's can really make life difficult.
Let's show you how valley neurologists will use this guide to find it and treat it.
Specialist Jill Alvetro can treat some of the symptoms today at Park Vista in Youngstown.
She uses a special therapy called Vita Slim to help patients regain the use of their muscles.
Ann Shultz is an active and energetic grandmother, dealing with Parkinson's for six years.
"Just shaking in my right hand, but associated with that was that my writing became very illegible."
The American Academy of Neurology says it's time to improve the lives and care of these patients.
Dr. William Weiner, co-author of New Guidelines says, "The new guidelines are significant because there is considerable confusion abut how to make the diagnosis, what happens to people, how you should treat people. There's a tremendous amount of new information that's available and it's very important to systematically look at this to help physicians take care of their patients."
The guidelines will help neurologists track the progress of Parkinson's and tailor treatments, including medicines, surgery, exercise and physical therapy.
The next step is to find a cure but until then, we can certainly improve the quality of life.
With your Local Health, I'm Len Rome."