Parkinson's Disease For Dummies, 2nd Edition
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Every condition, profession, sport, and what-have-you has its own vocabulary and its own acronyms. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is no different. The following list contains terms and abbreviations that are part of the Parkinson’s world:

  • akinesia: Inability to move spontaneously

  • ataxia: Impaired balance and coordination

  • bradykinesia: Slowed movement

  • carbidopa/levodopa: Medication to relieve PD symptoms

  • dopamine: Acts as one of the brain's messengers to signal movement and maintain balance and coordination

  • dyskinesia: Abnormal involuntary movements

  • PD: Parkinson’s disease

  • PWP: Person (or people) with Parkinson’s disease

  • T.R.A.P.: Acronym for four primary PD symptoms:

    • Tremor: Shaking of limb (usually hand) while at rest

    • Rigidity: Muscle stiffness and resistance to movement

    • Akinesia/bradykinesia: see above

    • Postural instability: See ataxia above

About This Article

This article is from the book:

About the book authors:

Michele Tagliati, MD is Vice Chair of Neurology and Director of Movement Disorders at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. He researches Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.

Jo Horne, MA is an experienced author whose credits include Care giving: Helping an Aging Loved One and A Survival Guide for Family Caregivers.

Michele Tagliati, MD is Vice Chair of Neurology and Director of Movement Disorders at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. He researches Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.

Jo Horne, MA is an experienced author whose credits include Care giving: Helping an Aging Loved One and A Survival Guide for Family Caregivers.

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