Parkinsonova bolest je progresivna bolest koja zahvaća bazalne ganglije i uzrokuje njihovo propadanje. Iako sama po sebi nije smrtonosna, znatno smanjuje životni vijek i pogoršava kvalitetu življenja. Oboljeli se suočavaju s nepredvidivim simptomima koji smanjuju fizičko i psihičko funkcioniranje. Prisutni su motorni i nemotorni simptomi koji podrazumijevaju urinarne probleme, seksualnu disfunkciju, temperaturnu disregulaciju, poremećaj spavanja i mnoge druge. Oboljeli poprimaju karakterističan izgled koji s vremenom sve više onemogućuje kretanje. S obzirom da uzrok same bolesti nije poznat, nemoguće je potpuno djelovati u vidu prevencije, no provedena su mnoga istraživanja koja su pokazala činitelje koji utječu na pogoršanje simptoma bolesti te je na iste moguće djelovati. Samo liječenje sastoji se od regulacije prehrane i pravilne dijete koja će omogućiti oboljelima smanjenje simptoma. Prehrana uključuje unos hrane bogat proteinima, ugljikohidratima i vlaknima, a isključuje hranu bogatu zasićenim mastima. Fizioterapijski plan i program uglavnom se sastoji u vježbama jačanja mimične muskulature, škole hoda te razne korektivne vježbe, osobito u uznapredovalom stadiju bolesti. Osim navedenog, liječenje Parkinsonove bolesti podrazumijeva farmakološko i kirurško liječenje u slučajevima kada nefarmakološko i konzervativno liječenje ne pokazuje značajan rezultat.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive disease which affects vital brain cells and causes their degradation. Although it is not mortal by its nature, it significantly shortens life expectancy and worsens the quality of life. The sick persons face with the unforeseeable symptoms that decrease physical and psychological functions. The motor and non-motor symptoms are present encompassing urinating problems, sexual dysfunction, a disorder of body temperature, a sleep disorder and many others. Those suffering from PD have a characteristic appearance which increasingly disables movement over the time. Since the cause of the disease is unknown, its full prevention is not possible, however, numerous researches have been carried out to indicate the factors which worsen the symptoms of the disease, and thus it is possible to deal with them. The treatment encompasses the regulation of nutrition and an appropriate diet which will enable the sick persons to reduce the symptoms. The nutrition should include the food rich in proteins, carbohydrates and fibres, and leaves out the food rich in saturated fats. A physiotherapy plan and programme mainly encompass the rehabilitation exercises aimed at strengthening the face muscles, the practice of walking, and various corrective exercises, especially in the disease advancement phase. Besides the above mentioned options, the treatment of Parkinson’s disease includes medication and surgery in the cases when non-medication and conservative treatment have no significant achievements.