| April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month and according to the Parkinson’s Foundation the following are some facts about Parkinson’s Should Know:
1. Nearly 90,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with Parkinson’s each year.
2. Scientists believe a combination of environmental and genetic factors cause PD.
3. People with Parkinson’s experience both movement and non-movement related symptoms.
4. Symptoms can be managed through treatments like medications, lifestyle changes, exercise and in some cases, surgery.
5. Early-onset Parkinson’s disease occurs in people younger than 50 years of age.
Parkinson’s Awareness Month is dedicated to increasing awareness about Parkinson’s disease. It helps to educate the public about the symptoms, challenges, and research progress related to this condition. The month also focuses on supporting those living with Parkinson’s and their families, and encouraging community involvement.
The following are some additional facts and Symptoms about Parkinson’s:
• PD is the second most common brain disorder after Alzheimer’s disease.
• The cells that produce dopamine, a brain chemical important to movement and mood, slowly die off.
• The decrease in dopamine causes both motor and non-motor symptoms.
• PD slowly progresses as more cells stop functioning.
SYMPTOMS OF PD:
• Motor
o Tremor or rhythmic shaking of arms, legs, chin, or lip
o Slow, small, and stiff movement
o Shuffling gait
o Impaired balance and falls
o Soft or hoarse voice
• Non-motor
o Neuropsychiatric
 Depression
 Anxiety
 Apathy
 Late symptoms
• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Dementia
o Autonomic abnormalities
• Read the website document Autonomic Abnormalities for more information.
o Sleep disorders
 Insomnia
 Excessive sleep
 Sleep apnea
 Nightmares
 Acting out dreams including screaming, kicking, and punching
For additional resources and information about Parkinson’s Disease, check out the links below for the Parkinson’s Foundation and the Michael J. Fox Foundation |
