What is Parkinson's disease? Parkinson's disease is a problem with certain nerve cells in the brain that control movement. The disease affects the way you move. It can include tremors, slow movement, stiffness, and problems with balance. Parkinson's disease gets worse over time. But usually this happens slowly, over...

Parkinson-plus syndromes are a group of neurological conditions that are similar to Parkinson's disease but have unique features. These syndromes can be hard to diagnose because the symptoms are like those of other conditions. The most common types of Parkinson-plus syndromes are progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)...

Discusses causes and symptoms like sadness and feelings of helplessness. Covers related illnesses like bipolar disorder and SAD. Looks at treatment with medicines, counseling, and lifestyle choices. Discusses suicidal thoughts and when to call a doctor.

Information on type 2 diabetes. Describes how insulin is made and used by the body. Describes symptoms and how type 2 is treated. Provides info on blood sugar (glucose) levels. Discusses obesity's role in type 2 diabetes. Discusses exercise and diet.

Single photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a test that uses a special type of camera and a tracer (a radioactive substance in liquid form) to look at organs or bones in the body. During the test, the tracer is put into a vein (intravenous, or I.V.) in your arm. Sometimes it's taken by mouth or inhaled through...

Guides you through the decision to use hormone therapy (HT) for menopause symptoms. Explains what menopause is and what to expect. Lists risks and benefits of HT and other treatments to try. Includes interactive tool to help you decide.

Guides you through decision to take medicines for Alzheimer's disease. Covers medicine choices and their side effects. Lists reasons for and against taking medicines. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

All medicines can cause side effects. Many people don't have side effects. And minor side effects sometimes go away after a while. But sometimes side effects can be a problem or can be serious. If you're having problems with side effects, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may be able to lower your dose or change to a...

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)—Overview Positron emission tomography (PET) is a test that uses a special type of camera and a tracer (radioactive substance) to look at organs in the body. The tracer usually is a special form of a substance (such as glucose) that collects in cells that are using a lot of energy, such...

Helping someone with personal care involves many daily tasks. If it's been a while since you did day-to-day caregiving—or you've never done it—you might not know all the things you need to do and how to do them. Learn more This information gives an overview of the daily or weekly care a person needs. Bathing...

The following suggestions may help you develop a plan to help a family member who has an ongoing problem with memory, problem solving, judgment, or the ability to handle daily tasks. These suggestions are basic and do not include all the information you will need to care for your family member. Your doctor may have...

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that can affect your ability to think clearly, manage your emotions, and interact with others. It affects each person differently. Most people who have schizophrenia: Hear and sometimes see things that aren'

As you age, you may have concerns about how to manage health problems. Most people would like to stay in their homes with help from someone they know, like a family member or friend. But this isn't always possible. For many reasons, people may not have a family member or friend who can provide care. This is where...

Ginkgo extract, from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree, has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. It's available in many forms. These include ginkgo tea, dietary supplements, and liquid or powder extracts.

The body's "biological clock," or 24-hour cycle (circadian rhythms), controls functions such as sleeping and waking. Your body clock can be affected by light or darkness. They can make the body think that it's time to sleep or wake up.

Discusses test (also called MRI scan) that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body. Covers why it is done, how to prepare, and how it is done.

Looks at assessments done to discover problems like depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, learning disabilities, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Covers what is done, including an interview, physical exam, lab tests, and written or verbal tests.

Guides you through decision to have hysterectomy and oophorectomy to treat endometriosis. Covers risks of treating and not treating. Covers how well hysterectomy and removal of ovaries works. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Helping or caring for a loved one with a long-term (chronic) condition, such as COPD or heart failure, can feel like a lot to take on. Sometimes it can be hard for people to accept help. Or they may choose not to accept help. So you may have to adjust the way you think, ask, listen, and respond. These tips might help...

Discusses autism, an autism spectrum disorder (once known as a pervasive developmental disorder). Looks at signs of autism, including problems talking or repetitive behaviors. Covers behavioral and physical exams used to diagnose autism. Covers treatment options.

A shower can increase a person's sense of comfort and well-being. And it's also a good time to check their skin for sores or rashes. How often a person bathes can depend on their condition and their wishes. If you can, try to let the person choose when they bathe. To take a shower, the person may need help to step over...

Music therapy is the use of music to gain physical and emotional healing and wellness. A trained and certified music therapist can provide music therapy. Therapy sessions can involve listening to music, music-making, or both. Music-making is a healthy way of expressing yourself.

Huntington disease is a rare inherited (genetic) condition that causes parts of the brain to break down and lose some normal functions (degeneration). It is also called Huntington chorea. Symptoms of the disease usually develop after age 40 and include rapid, jerky movements (twitches in the face and jerks of the arms)...

You may hear about other approaches to treat ASD, such as complementary or alternative practices. There is no evidence to show that these things have any benefit. And some of these treatments may be harmful or have risks associated with them. When you're thinking about any type of treatment, find out about the source of...