APRIL IS PARKINSON’S AWARENESS MONTH

This year’s theme is “Start a Conversation,” a national call to action that urges people to talk about Parkinson’s with their loved ones, friends, care team and neighbors. Parkinson’s is more than just a tremor. It's not just about "old folks" either. Millions of people are living with Parkinson’s right now, but the rest of the world doesn’t understand what Parkinson’s is. To shed some light, here are the answers to some FAQs and a symptom chart:

What makes individuals wait so long to be diagnosed and treated?

Most often the answer is that mild symptoms are missed by the patient. Family and friends may notice an individual is walking differently, having tremors, and their speech and posture has changed. But this happens slowly and over time. Early diagnosis is critical because there is much that can be done early on to slow the progression of PD.

How do you get someone to admit they need help?

Family members and friends need to talk to the individual and understand what they are feeling. Usually the patient is in denial and afraid to lose their independence, but avoiding seeing a doctor or neurologist just makes matters worse. Changes will need to be made to the daily routine and the household, better to make a plan and take control. Individuals will do better if they are proactive about their treatment.

Does getting diagnosed earlier really make a difference?

The earlier you start medication and physical therapy, the better because it does slow down the disease progression in the brain.

What helps besides medication?

Research has shown exercise to be extremely beneficial to those with PD, whether walking, dancing, biking, boxing, etc. Individuals should exercise every day, if they are not used to physical activity start slowly say 15 minutes at a time, once in morning and then 3 or 4 times throughout the day. Physical therapy and speech therapy are helpful.

Why is every Parkinson’s case different?

Some patients have milder symptoms, some have non-motor symptoms, some have rigidity, and then some have a tremor predominant form of PD. Treatment must be customized for each individuals circumstances. In some the disease progresses slowly and in others it is more aggressive, with more symptoms that are harder to control.

Is there anything new coming up?

Looking forward, new medications hitting the market will be to treat advanced PD, (motor complications, involuntary movements) not early onset. New meds will last longer.

What are the warning signs of PD?