Parkinson’s Disease Facts Your Doctor Is Not Telling You
Up to 60,000 people are being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease every year in the U.S., according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. If the rate continues in the coming years, at least nearly one million Americans are expected to have the condition by 2020.
To date, there are more than 10 million people living with Parkinson's across the world. The disease affects neurons in the brain and causes problems with movement and control.
Symptoms commonly take years to develop and affect the body. However, patients experiencethe effects of Parkinson's disease differently.
This article explores important facts about the disease to help you understand its development, treatment and progression. Check out the interesting facts below.
No Two People Experience Similar Symptoms
The diversity of the disease makes the progression of symptoms different from one person to another. People may feel tremor, slowness of movements, limb rigidity, gait or balance problems.
Small Handwriting Is A Sign of Parkinson’s
Early signs of the disease is sudden changes in handwriting. A person may start writing letters smaller than before and making words crowded.
No Cure Is Available & Its Cause Remains Unknown
The scientific community has yet to determine the real cause of Parkinson’s disease. It has been a mystery for scientists since the disease shows small genetic links and occurs occasionally in people.
No cure is also available but medications are available to delay the development of the disease.
Non-Movement Symptoms
The people developing Parkinson’s disease experience not just movement symptoms but also non-movement changes, which can be more disabling. Non-movement symptoms include mood disorders, cognitive changes, hallucinations, delusions, fatigue, sexual problems and sleep disorders.
Parkinson’s Patients Can Still Live Good Quality Life
Lifestyle modifications, including exercise, can help manage the effects of the disease. Patients can still enjoy life by identifying activities they are comfortable doing and avoiding those that may lead to stress.
Parkinson’s affects the body slowly and commonly takes years to develop. Diagnosis does not mean you already have major movement problems, you can still go shopping and play with your kids or grandchildren.
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