Posted by Nancy
Ryerson, April 01, 2016
If you or a loved one live with
Parkinson’s, you're well aware of the varied symptoms that can be part of
the disease. For those without first-hand experience, however, misconceptions
about life with Parkinson’s can be common and don't reflect the reality of the
disease.
This Parkinson’s Awareness Month,
share these misconceptions about Parkinson's disease (PD) with your friends and
family. If they’re interested in getting involved, joining our community is a great place to
start.
Misconception:
Only elderly people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Reality: While the
average age of diagnosis is 60, many are diagnosed younger, and some receive a
diagnosis before age 40. Though people with young-onset Parkinson’s disease
(YOPD) experience the same symptoms, life can look different. People with
young-onset Parkinson’s disease may have young children or a busy job, for example.
Guest blogger Natasha McCarthey shared what she learned about YOPD after her
diagnosis at age 37.
Misconception:
Everyone with Parkinson’s experiences the disease the same way.
Reality: Each
person with PD experiences the disease in a different way. For some people,
tremor is the first symptom they experience, while others never see tremor or
don’t for many years. People with Parkinson’s also do not have a particular
“look.” While facial masking and slowness of gait are common symptoms that many
associate with PD, not everyone living with the disease experiences them.
Misconception: Symptoms
are the same from day to day.
Reality:
Parkinson’s symptoms can vary daily and even hourly. Levodopa, the "gold
standard" medicine for Parkinson's, can wear off before it’s time for
another dose. Sleep patterns, fatigue and mood can also be unpredictable with
the disease.
Misconception:
Tremor is the only symptom of Parkinson's.
Reality: Tremor is
the best-known Parkinson’s symptom, but the disease can include a range of
other motor and non-motor symptoms. Slowness of movement, rigidity and postural
instability are other “cardinal” Parkinson’s symptoms. The disease
can also include sleep problems, mood disorders, constipation and other
challenges.
Misconception:
All Parkinson’s symptoms are visible.
Reality: Many
Parkinson’s symptoms aren’t obvious to the naked eye. Fatigue, apathy and
depression are all common PD symptoms that for some are the most challenging
part of the disease. For some, and on some days, Parkinson's can be an "invisible" disease.
Reality: Levodopa
is the “gold standard” of PD treatments and helps improve mobility for most
people with Parkinson’s. There are several motor symptoms, such as gait and
balance issues, that Levodopa doesn’t treat. Dyskinesia, involuntary movements that can
look like smooth tics, is a side effect of levodopa.
Misconception:
There’s nothing you can do after a Parkinson's diagnosis.
Reality: While
there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, research suggests that there are
several ways to improve symptoms. Exercise may help improve balance issues and
motor coordination, and may also have an impact on mood, fatigue and other
non-motor Parkinson’s symptoms. Finding the right doctor can also make a big
impact on your experience with PD. A movement disorder specialist, a neurologist
with additional training in Parkinson’s, can help you create the right
treatment plan for you and connect you with allied care providers. Physical
therapists, nutritionists and other professionals can also help you live better
with Parkinson’s. Many also find participating in Parkinson's research
empowering. Create a profile on Fox
Trial Finder to locate nearby trials that interest you.
Source: michaeljfox.org
