Parkinson’s Disease in 2025: Hope, Progress, and How Charis Neurology Can Help

For decades, a Parkinson’s Disease (PD) diagnosis felt like a scary dead end. But in 2025, the narrative is changing. We are moving from simply "managing decline" to an era of precision diagnosis and neuro-protection. For patients and families in Lake Mary and Central Florida, this progress isn't just happening in far-off research labs—it is shaping how we treat patients right here at Charis Neurology.

Dr. Sherif Makar

11/17/20252 min read

Nervous Tissue: Spinal Cord Motor Neuron

Beyond the Tremor: Understanding the "Invisible" Symptoms

Most people know the classic signs: a resting tremor, stiffness, or slowed movement. But research now confirms that PD often starts years before the shaking begins. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, non-motor symptoms can be early warning signs:

Loss of smell (anosmia)
Acting out dreams (REM sleep behavior disorder)
Chronic constipation
Anxiety or "brain fog"

Recognizing these early signs is vital. The sooner we identify the changes, the sooner we can implement lifestyle and medical strategies to protect brain health.

How Diagnosis Has Changed (Precision Medicine)

Gone are the days of "wait and see." At Charis Neurology, we use advanced diagnostic tools to confirm or rule out Parkinson’s with greater confidence.

Clinical Evaluation: Dr. Makar specializes in distinguishing true Parkinson’s from "mimics" like Essential Tremor or Drug-Induced Parkinsonism.
DaTscan Imaging: We often utilize dopamine transporter imaging (DaTscan) to visualize the dopamine system in the brain. This can objectively confirm dopamine loss when the clinical picture is unclear.
Structural MRI: Our onsite Wide-Bore MRI helps rule out strokes or tumors that could be causing symptoms.

New Treatment Horizons in 2025

While there is no cure yet, the toolkit for managing Parkinson's has expanded significantly.

New Medications: We now have treatments that smooth out "off" times (when medication wears off) and delivery methods (like inhalers or infusion pumps) that provide more consistent relief.
Focused Ultrasound & DBS: For patients with tremors that don't respond to meds, we collaborate with top neurosurgeons for referrals to Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) or Focused Ultrasound therapy.
Lifestyle as Medicine: Evidence is overwhelming that high-intensity exercise (like boxing or cycling) can slow motor deterioration.

Why Choose Charis Neurology for Parkinson’s Care?

Managing Parkinson's requires a marathon mentality, not a sprint. You need a team that stays with you. At our Seminole County clinic, we offer:

Medication Management: tailored to minimize side effects.
Nerves & Movement Expertise: Deep experience in gait, balance, and tremor management.
Onsite Infusion Suite: For advanced therapies if needed, in a comfortable environment.

The Bottom Line

If you have noticed a tremor in your hand, a change in your handwriting, or stiffness that won't go away, don't wait. In 2025, we have more tools than ever to help you live well.

Don't navigate this journey alone. If you are in Sanford, Lake Mary, or Orlando, schedule a consultation to get a clear baseline and a forward-looking plan.