Parkinson's Disease Overview

Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder of the nervous system that worsens over time. The nervous system is a network of nerve cells that controls many parts of the body, including movement.

Symptoms start slowly. The first symptom may be a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand or sometimes a foot or the jaw. Tremor is common in Parkinson's disease. But the disorder also may cause stiffness, slowing of movement and trouble with balance that raises the risk of falls.

In the early stages of Parkinson's disease, your face may show little or no expression. Your arms may not swing when you walk. Your speech may become soft or slurred. Symptoms get worse over time.

Although Parkinson's disease can't be cured, medicines may help symptoms get better. Sometimes a healthcare professional may suggest surgery to help control parts of the brain. This surgery may help lessen symptoms.

Symptoms

Parkinson's disease symptoms can be different for everyone. Early symptoms may be mild, and you may not even notice them. Symptoms often begin on one side of the body, then affect both sides. Symptoms are usually worse on one side than the other. Some Parkinson's disease symptoms are similar to those of other disorders.

• Tremor: This rhythmic shaking usually begins in the hands or fingers. Sometimes tremor begins in the foot or jaw. You may rub your thumb and forefinger back and forth. This is known as a pill-rolling tremor.
• Slowed movement, also called bradykinesia: Parkinson's disease may slow your movement, making simple tasks more difficult.
• Rigid muscles: You may have stiff muscles in any part of your body. Your muscles may feel tense and painful, and your arm movements may be short and jerky.
• Poor posture and balance: Your posture may become stooped. You may fall or have balance problems.
• Loss of automatic movements: You may be less able to make certain movements that you typically do without thinking, including blinking, smiling, or swinging your arms when you walk.
• Speech changes: You may speak softly or quickly, slur, or hesitate before talking. Your speech may be flat or monotone, without typical speech patterns.
• Writing changes: You may have trouble writing, and your writing may appear cramped and small.
• Nonmotor symptoms: These may include depression, anxiety, constipation, and sleep problems.

The Latest Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria For AUTOLOGOUS Cell Therapy For Parkinson's disease in PFICell's Trials

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease: A confirmed diagnosis based on clinical criteria, such as bradykinesia, rigidity, and resting tremor.
• Age Range: Typically, between 30 and 75 years, though this may vary depending on specific protocols.
• Disease Duration: Generally, patients should be within a certain duration from diagnosis (e.g., within 10 years).
• Severity of Symptoms: Moderate to severe motor symptoms, often measured using scales such as the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS).
• Stable Condition: No significant changes in medication or disease progression in a specified period prior to treatment (e.g., 3-6 months).
• Informed Consent: Ability to provide informed consent following comprehensive education about the procedure and its risks.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe Comorbidities: Significant medical conditions such as cardiovascular diseases or severe psychiatric disorders that could complicate treatment.
• Other Neurological Disorders: Presence of other neurodegenerative or neurological diseases that might obscure the effects of therapy.
• Cognitive Impairment: Severe cognitive impairment or dementia, which may affect decision-making or adherence to post-treatment protocols.
• Active Infections: Any known active infections that could pose a risk during treatment or recovery.
• Pregnancy or Lactation: Female patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding are typically excluded from participation.
• Current Use of Certain Medications: Ongoing treatment with certain medications that may interfere with the procedure or outcomes, such as high-dose corticosteroids.
• History of Malignancy: A personal history of cancer, particularly hematological disorders or cancers that could affect treatment safety.