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Parkinson’s Awareness Month #KeyToPD

By Cassie Johnson

W

hen you hear Parkinson’s Disease, you may instantly think of celebrities like Michael J. Fox or the great Muhammad Ali. Parkinson’s Disease affects nearly 1 million people in America. According to parkinson.org, Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) affects only 2-10% of that million. YOPD means a Parkinson’s diagnosis in patients younger than 50 years old. April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and it’s a big piece of my heart. My husband of 17 years, David, has Young Onset Parkinson’s.

David’s Story

In 2014, David started experiencing alarming medical symptoms.

Extreme fatigue, a hand that began to shake, and his body became rigid and stiff. Month after month, I watched him rapidly decline. At a doctor’s office in Barnes Jewish Hospital on August 17, 2015, he was

officially diagnosed with Young Onset PD. He was 35 years old and had no family history of the disease. To read our full story, feel free to visit my blog at prayerfullyliving.blogspot.com, under the post All in God’s Plan.

What is Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a degenerative neurological disease that occurs when brain cells that make dopamine stop working or die.

Dopamine is a chemical neurotransmitter made by the brain that coordinates and allows movement. Low or no dopamine results in PD symptoms.

More Than a Shaky Hand

PD has more symptoms than you may be familiar with. The most recognized is a hand tremor, but rigid movements, extreme stiffness in the arms and legs, poor balance, anxiety, depression, and severe insomnia are all included. An expressionless poker face is common as PD affects every muscle, including those in your face. Throat and facial muscles contribute to chewing, swallowing, and speech – all of which are affected by PD. A big misconception is that PD is only found in senior citizens. YOPD is rarer, but most symptoms are similar. Memory loss and falling due to balance issues are seen in more elderly patients. Another myth is that once diagnosed, PD patients are automatically disabled and unable to work or drive. False! Many patients, my husband included, work, drive, participate in hobbies and live their lives to the fullest. It doesn’t mean every day is easy, but it means we make the best of every day.

The Right Doctor

Finding a movement disorder specialist as soon as possible is crucial. A movement disorder specialist is a neurologist with additional training in any disease that involves movement such as PD and Multiple Sclerosis. With their experience and knowledge of ongoing research, they can tailor a care plan specifically for each patient. For help finding a movement disorder specialist, visit mds.movementdisorders.org.

Treatments

Medications are prescribed to help control symptoms. There simply aren’t enough pages in the magazine to name all PD medications.

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APRIL - MAY 2021

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