Parkinson’s Fact Sheet prepared by Mike DeBartolo
Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurodegenerative disease in the world. Nearly one million Americans have Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by a loss of dopamine which compromises a person’s motor and cognitive skills. Common symptoms are a loss of balance and coordination, tremors and stiffness, and an adverse affect on sleep and cognition. Stress can intensify disease symptoms. Disease symptoms and their intensity can vary widely among those of us who have Parkinson’s.
The cause(s) of Parkinson’s are unknown. Only ten percent of those diagnosed with Parkinson’s have any of the seven known genetic markers for the disease. There is correlation with people having Parkinson’s and exposure to environmental toxins. Not coincidentally, Parkinson’s was first discovered in 19th Century England amid the widespread pollution caused by the industrial revolution. And today, the nation with the fastest growth rate of Parkinson’s is China, the world’s largest producer of pollution on earth.
There is no cure yet for Parkinson’s Disease. Exercise can slow the progression of the disease and its symptoms. Forms of exercise and activity that correlate with slowing disease progression include walking, running, boxing, cycling, ping pong, dancing, golf, and yoga. Eating healthy and a positive attitude also correlate with slowing disease and symptom progression.
There is no genetic test, e.g., a blood or saliva sample, yet discovered for diagnosing Parkinson’s. Rather, Parkinson’s is diagnosed by detecting symptoms and by whether a person responds favorably to medicines used to treat Parkinson’s. Neurologists who are movement disorder specialists in Parkinson’s are most qualified to diagnose and treat persons with Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s prevalence increases with age. Most people with Parkinson’s first develop the disease after age sixty.
There is hope in medical research towards a cure as well as medicine, therapies and exercise that can ease symptoms. The National Institute of Health, the Michael J Fox Foundation and the Parkinson’s Foundation are the largest funders of Parkinson’s research. In addition, The Michael J Fox Foundation and Parkinson’s Foundation foster community, friendship and knowledge through events and programs in person and on line.
Those of us with Parkinson’s can be grateful for faith in God, loving family, and caring friends. None of us choose Parkinson’s. We live with uncertainty, life shaking confusion and disruption. We can also live with hope, gratitude and love. Hope in recognizing we are not alone. Gratitude for who we love and who loves us. Parkinson’s is an opportunity to slow down and savor life’s joys, share empathy for others, and center our lives on what matters most.
Sources to learn more about Parkinson’s:
“Ending Parkinson’s Disease” book co-authored by four of the most prominent researchers in the field. Mike’s review and link here:
https://www.amazon.com/review/R1XB7S0W8DUBSK/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
The Michael J Fox Foundation: https://www.michaeljfox.org
The Parkinson’s Foundation: https://www.parkinson.org
Alan Alda narrated Michael J. Fox Foundation video about Parkinson’s;
Bill Bucklew’s Ted Talk link here: https://www.ted.com/talks/bill_bucklew_failure_is_the_option
Mike DeBartolo’s Lost and Found, Living with Parkinson’s story posted on the Parkinson’s Foundation site link here:
https://www.parkinson.org/get-involved/my-pd-story/Mike-DeBartolo
iHeart Media “Gratitude Diaries” podcast narrated by Janice Kaplan citing Mike DeBartolo outlook living with Parkinson’s:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gratitude-diaries/id1517684348?i=1000497281789