What is Parkinson’s Disease? April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month

April is National Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month and a time to reflect upon the disease and some important things to remember.

Parkinson's Disease Awareness

Awareness of the disease can help you not only learn how to deal with it but what may possibly be expected in your future. You will learn about the symptoms, the procedures, the medications, the holistic treatments and so much more when it comes to figuring out the body with PD.

What is Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's disease is a progressive, chronic disease that affects the ability of movement. It causes nerve cells within the brain (neurons) to die off or malfunction; causing decreased or loss of control over movements and coordination as it progresses.

Parkinson's Facts:

• Approximately 1 million people in the U.S.are affected yearly
• The Average age of Parkinson's onset is 60 and increases with age
• Early onset PD can can affect a person aged 50 & younger (accounting for approximately 4% of those diagnosed)
• Cause is unknown; however it is thought that both genetics and environment play a vital role in this disease
• Parkinson's Disease is a progressive disease; however it can also be a slow moving disease taking 20 or more years to fully progress
• Men are more likely to be diagnosed than women (50% more men have Parkinson's than women)
• On average doctor's diagnose as many as 60,000 new PD cases each year
• Genetics may play a factor in the disease, with 15-25% of those diagnosed having a relative who is diagnosed also; however this does not mean that you must have someone else in the family diagnosed (or someone may have had it without diagnosis)
• There is NO SPECIFIC TEST to determine if you have Parkinson's Disease
• There is currently no cure for PD; only a way to manage/treat the symptoms

4 of the Most Prominent Motor Signs of Parkinson's Disease

1. Tremor usually begin in the head, hands, arms, legs & face
2. rigidity or stiffness of the body
3. slowness of movement (referred to as: bradykinesia)
4. instability of the posture, impaired balance and coordination

Living with Parkinson's Disease

You can have a full life with Parkinson's disease and Parkinson's Disease Awareness is how it begins.

1. Health Team - Find a physician/specialist who works with Parkinson's Disease (often neurologists will specialize in this field)
2. Reduce Stress - Stress only increases the symptoms of the disease (learn yoga, take walks, running, reading, etc.)
3. Trials - Keep in touch with the new clinical trials that you can participate in.
4. Caregiving - As time goes on a professional caregiver can be helpful and will help reduce the stress of everyday needs & chores
5. Socialize - Remain socially active with local Parkinson's groups, friends or family. Depression can be a side effect of the disease.
6. Diet & Exercise - Your body will always benefit from an excellent diet and exercise; let us help you obtain both.

This article is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Parkinson's Disease Awareness and Senior Living Experts can help you live life to the fullest.Cited Works:Florida Hospital - Parkinson's DiseaseMichael J. Fox FoundationParkinson's Disease Foundation

‍Photo by jp26jp / Pixabay