Parkinson's Disease Social Security Disability SSI - Applying for Disability

This is an informational page on Parkinson's disease. For information on the social security disability process, including advice, tips and how the disability evaluation system works at the intial claim, reconsideration, and disability hearing levels, you may follow the link at the top of this page that leads to Disability Secrets.com or, if you are considering representation, you may scroll to the bottom of this post and submit a case evaluation form.

Parkinson’s Disease is a chronic degenerative neurological disorder that adversely affects an individual’s motor functioning. Most individuals suffer from idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.

What is meant by idiopathic? Simply that the cause of the disease is not known. However, a small percentage of Parkinson’s cases can be attributed to genetics, toxins, drugs (especially treatment with anti psychotics), and head injury.

No matter what the cause of an individual’s Parkinson’s disease, the symptoms are basically the same. Symptoms of Parkinson’s might include the tremors, muscle rigidity, gait problems, fatigue, speech impairment, difficulty swallowing, slowing of higher brain functioning, slowing of physical movement or loss of movement all together. Additionally, many individuals who have Parkinson’s also suffer from significant depression problems.

Studies have indicated that up to eighty percent of all Parkinson’s patients also have problems with depression.

Although Parkinson’s is not considered to be fatal, the progressive nature of the disease usually causes a shorter life span. As the disease progresses, Parkinson’s patients are more susceptible to pneumonia, choking, and falls, which may lead to death.

Currently, there is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, although there are some medications and surgical procedures that are being used in an effort to reduce the symptoms.

In addition to drugs and surgical procedures, many physicians suggest that speech therapy, physical exercise, patient and family education, and good nutrition should be part of a multi faceted Parkinson’s treatment plan.




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Disability in the Various States:

Texas Disability
Ohio Disability
Florida Disability
North Carolina Disability

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