April is Parkinson’s Disease (PD) awareness month. It is estimated that at least one million people in the United States suffer from Parkinson’s disease, and roughly six million worldwide.
Parkinson’s affects everyone differently. While it may progress rapidly for some, many people live with mild to moderate symptoms for years. But in every case, the symptoms will continue to get worse over time.
Read on to learn the signs, symptoms, and treatments for Parkinson’s.
The four main symptoms of PD are:
Tremor—Tremors or shaking often begins in the hand, although sometimes it can start in the foot or the jaw. The tremor consists of a back-and-forth motion that may involve the thumb and forefinger. The shaking becomes most noticeable when the hand is at rest or when a person is under stress. The tremor usually disappears during sleep or improves with concentrated or intentional movement.
Rigidity—Rigidity is when muscles become stiff or a resistant to movement. Most people with PD will experience rigidity. The muscles stay tensed and contracted leaving the person feeling achy or stiff.
Slowing down of movement—This is called Bradykinesia. This can make performing even simple tasks incredibly difficult. Routine activities that were once executed quickly and easily, like bathing and dressing oneself, may take much longer.
Postural instability—Impaired balance and changes in posture can increase the risk of falls.
Loss of automatic movements – There can be a decreased ability to perform unconscious movements like blinking or smiling. There is often a decrease in facial expressions (also known as Parkinson’s mask).
Speech and writing changes – Speech may become slurred or soft or there may be more hesitation than before PD. It can also become monotone. Writing becomes much more difficult, and handwriting may appear smaller.
Genetics/heredity—Researchers have identified specific genetic changes that can cause Parkinson's disease. These are uncommon except in rare cases with many family members affected by Parkinson's disease. However, certain gene variations appear to increase the risk of Parkinson's disease. Having a close relative with Parkinson's disease increases your chances of getting it, but the risk is fairly small unless there are many people in your family with Parkinson's disease.
Environmental triggers—Exposure to some chemical toxins like herbicides and pesticides or environmental factors may increase the risk of Parkinson's disease.
Age—Young adults rarely experience PD. It typically begins in mid- or late life, and risk increases with age. People are most often diagnosed after the age of 60. If a young person does have Parkinson's disease, genetic counseling might be helpful in making family planning decisions.
Sex—Men are more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than women.
Although there is no known prevention for PD some small studies have shown that people who consume caffeine are less likely to develop the disease. But these studies aren’t enough evidence to suggest that caffeine is a preventative for PD.
While there is no cure for Parkinson’s Disease yet, there are many treatments that might slow its progression. There are several medications that are prescribed to manage symptoms and also surgical deep brain stimulation can help those who have especially advanced PD or who may not respond well to medications. If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, talk with your health care provider about what treatment options might work best for you and your lifestyle.
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