More than a million people are living with this disease in the United States and 60,000 will be diagnosed this year alone.
According to webmd.com, there are many symptoms that act as a red flag for Parkinson's. Some of these symptoms include: muscle rigidity (it may become harder to swing your arms and face muscle may become tight and hard to move), tremors (usually in the hands or legs), changes in gait (small steps become the norm and it is harder to pick up your feet when you walk) and changes in speech (drooling and choking begin to happen more frequently when trying to talk and swallow).
At present, there is no cure for Parkinson's Disease, but a variety of medications provide dramatic relief from the symptoms according to the National Institute or Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The most common medication is Levodopa, which dramatically helps many of the most disabling motor symptoms.
THE MANY MYTHS AND SECRETS:
One of the many secrets of PD is that it's much more than just a movement disorder. According to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation News and Review, the real symptoms are anxiety, depression, sweating, erectile dysfunction and bladder problems.
Myth: PD can flare up unexpectedly. The truth is that although symptoms may fluctuate throughout the day, the progression is very slow.
Secret: Compared to people who do not have PD, people with PD have been shown to have a higher risk of melanoma, which is the most serious form of skin cancer.
Myth: You can blame PD for everything. Although we want to, certain symptoms like fever, headache and loss of strength should not be attributed to PD.
Secret: Some PD medications can actually spark addictions like compulsive gambling, shopping and eating.
Myth: Only older people get Parkinson's. Actually about 5 to 10 percent of cases occur in people under 40.
Secret: Reports show that exercise can actually slow the progression of PD.
Myth: PD is fatal. Although complications can lead to death, most people live 20 to 30 years with the disease.
For More Information, Contact:
Parkinson's Disease Foundation
(800) 457-6676
www.pdf.org
