Monterey Parkinson’s Support Group ~ Welcome!

We’re glad you’re here! The Monterey Parkinson’s Support Group (MPSG) empowers individuals and families to meet the challenges of living with Parkinson’s Disease through sharing of information, education, personal support, and advocacy for a cure.

Within the pages of our website you will learn about MPSG, find resources to help you along your way, get the details about our monthly meeting, and of utmost importance, you will discover a community of individuals that have the lived experience of Parkinson’s Disease.

We are here for you.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects the motor system. It is named after Dr. James Parkinson, who first described the condition in 1817. Parkinson’s disease gradually impairs movement and coordination due to the loss of dopamine-producing cells in a specific region of the brain called the substantia nigra.

The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The loss of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting signals that control movement, leads to the characteristic symptoms of the disease.

The primary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:

  • Tremors: Involuntary shaking or trembling, usually starting in the hands or fingers.
  • Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement and difficulty initiating movements.
  • Rigidity: Stiffness or resistance in the muscles, causing reduced range of motion.
  • Postural instability: Impaired balance and coordination, leading to difficulties in maintaining an upright posture and an increased risk of falls.
  • Other motor symptoms: These may include freezing of gait (a sudden inability to move forward), reduced arm swing while walking, and a stooped posture.

In addition to motor symptoms, Parkinson’s disease can also cause non-motor symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, cognitive changes, and autonomic dysfunction affecting various body functions.

Although there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, treatments are available to help manage the symptoms. Medications, such as levodopa, dopamine agonists, and other drugs that affect dopamine levels, can provide relief and improve motor function. In some cases, deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery may be recommended to alleviate symptoms by implanting electrodes in specific brain areas.

It is important for individuals with Parkinson’s disease to work closely with healthcare professionals, including neurologists and physical therapists, to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. Ongoing research continues to explore new therapies and approaches to improve the quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

Monthly Meetings

The Monterey Parkinson’s Support Group meets at 3:00 pm on the second Tuesday of every month except December.

People with Parkinson’s or Parkinsonism and their care partners are welcome to join us. At our meetings we offer discussion and also guest speakers.

LOCATION
​The Meals On Wheels Community Center
700 Jewell Avenue
​Pacific Grove, CA 93950​

Disclaimer
Content on our site is provided for informational purposes. Our site includes links to sites maintained by others. MPSG is not responsible for content on those sites. Please remember that medical decisions should always be made in consultation with your physician or health care provider.