Did you know that Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world? Or that it affects more than 1 million people in the United States alone? If you didn’t, don’t worry – you’re not alone. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 facts about Parkinson’s disease that everyone should know. We will cover everything from its causes and symptoms to treatment options and prognosis. Keep reading to learn more!
Fact #01: Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease.
This means that it causes the death of cells in the brain that are responsible for controlling movement. The damage to these cells eventually leads to symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and difficulty walking. Parkinson’s disease is not fatal, but it does get worse over time.
Fact #02: Parkinson’s disease is caused by a lack of dopamine.
Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that helps control movement. When someone has Parkinson’s disease, they don’t have enough dopamine because their cells are dying off. This lack of dopamine is what causes the classic symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Fact #03: There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease.
At the moment, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. However, there are treatments available that can help control the symptoms. These treatments include medication, surgery, and therapy.
Fact #04: Parkinson’s disease can affect anyone, regardless of age.
Parkinson’s disease does not discriminate – it can affect anyone at any age. The average age of onset is 60 years old, but it can occur in people as young as 20 or as old as 80.
Fact #05: Parkinson’s disease has a number of possible symptoms.
The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease vary from person to person. However, some common symptoms include tremors, stiffness, difficulty walking, and changes in mood and behavior.
Fact #06: Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease.
This means that it gets worse over time. The symptoms start out mild and gradually get worse as the disease progresses. There is no way to stop the progression of Parkinson’s disease, but there are treatments available that can help control the symptoms.
Fact #07: Parkinson’s disease is not fatal.
Parkinson’s disease may be a progressive and debilitating illness, but it is not fatal. People with Parkinson’s can live long, healthy lives if they receive treatment for their condition.
Fact #08: Parkinson’s disease affects more than just the person who has it.
The people close to someone with Parkinson’s also experience many effects of the disease. These can include emotional stress, financial strain, and changes in family dynamics.
Fact #09: Parkinson’s disease is a global problem.
Parkinson’s disease is not just a problem in the United States – it is a global issue. In fact, Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world.
Fact #10: There are many ways to support someone with Parkinson’s disease.
If you know someone who has Parkinson’s disease, there are many ways you can support them. You can help them manage their symptoms, offer emotional support, and provide practical assistance with things like shopping and cooking.
7 Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Stem Cell Research for Parkinson’s Disease
Bradykinesia is one of the major symptoms of Parkinson’s which is a slowness of movement. Bradykinesia along with having tremors or rigidity is how a person is considered for a Parkinson’s diagnosis. Some excellent news regarding the treatment of bradykinesia has just been announced. On March 24, 2022 IMAC Holdings announced that the third and final group of participants in their Phase 1 clinical trial of using umbilical cord-derived allogenic mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of bradykinesia has begun. Very exciting news and we’re hopeful that the results will show some positive results in aiding people with this debilitating disease. Full press release can be read here.