What is Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson’s disease occurs when brain cells that make dopamine, a chemical that coordinates movement, stop working or die. It is referred to as a “movement disorder” because most of its symptoms are physical in nature, causing tremors, slowness, stiffness, and balance problems. Parkinson’s is a lifelong progressive disease, which means that symptoms slowly worsen over time.
What causes Parkinson's Disease?
Researchers believe that Parkinson’s is caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. While certain environmental exposures, such as pesticides and head injury, are associated with an increased risk of Parkinson’s, most cases have no clear exposure that doctors can point to as a straightforward cause. The same goes for genetics. Certain genetic mutations are linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s, but in the vast majority of people, the disease is not related to a genetic mutation.
Aging is the greatest risk factor for Parkinson’s. The average age at diagnosis is 60, but an estimated four percent of people with Parkinson’s are diagnosed before age 50, and some people at 40 or younger.
How Prevalent is Parkinson's Disease?
With nearly one million people in the U.S. and ten million people worldwide living with Parkinson’s, it is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s. Men are 1.5 times more likely to have Parkinson’s disease than women. Well known people with Parkinson’s include:
Michael J. Fox (diagnosed in 1991) Fox is one of the most recognizable Parkinson’s advocates in the world. He has dedicated his life to furthering Parkinson’s research by establishing the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Fox became a household name as Marty McFly in Back to the Future and had a lengthy TV and film acting career, winning multiple Emmys and Golden Globes. He continues to make guest appearances on TV and at events.
Linda Ronstadt (diagnosed in 2012) Over her 44-year music career, Ronstadt received 11 Grammy’s and an Emmy. She retired in 2011 and announced that she had Parkinson’s in 2012, explaining that her voice had likely been affected for many years prior to her diagnosis. She was honored with the with the National Medal of Arts by President Obama in 2014.
Muhammad Ali (diagnosed in 1984) Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s just three years after retiring from boxing and worked to raise funds for Parkinson’s research through the 2000s, even carrying the Olympic flag in 2012. He helped establish the Muhammed Ali Parkinson’s Center in Phoenix Arizona. His fight against Parkinson’s ended in 2016, but his legacy lives on.
Alan Alda (diagnosed in 2015) The actor, director, screenwriter, and author confirmed the news of his diagnosis in 2018 saying, “I decided to let people know that I have Parkinson’s to encourage others to take action. My life is full. I act, I give talks, I do my podcast, which I love. If you get a diagnosis, keep moving!
Are there Medical Treatments for Parkinson's Disease?
Medications are available to lessen Parkinson’s movement (motor) and non-movement (non-motor) symptoms, making it possible for people to lead fulfilling and productive lives for many years. There also are surgical interventions, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) and focused ultrasound (FUS), which may be an option for certain symptoms. While there is no cure or therapy to stop or slow the progression of Parkinson’s, great strides are being made. Therapies to address movement symptoms and expand options for non-movement symptoms also are improving.
How long can I live with Parkinson's Disease?
Although a diagnosis of Parkinson’s is devastating, it is not — as some people may still believe — a death sentence. Parkinson’s symptoms do not directly cause death, but they do increase your risk for other factors that can lead to death. For instance, one of the symptoms of Parkinson’s is postural instability which leads to an increased risk of falls. Postural instability by itself will not cause death but falls can lead to serious injuries that can result in death. So, Parkinson’s symptoms can increase the risk for death but will not cause death in and of itself. This is an important distinction to make because we should look at Parkinson’s as a manageable risk factor – the same way we look at dieting. A poor diet will not kill you, but it will increase your risk for developing diseases that can. We should think of Parkinson’s in the same way. If we manage our symptoms through exercise, medication and other lifestyle choices, we decrease the likelihood of risk factors that lead to death. The average life span of a person with Parkinson’s is the same or near the same as someone without the disease.
Where can I learn more about Parkinson's Disease?
There are many organizations dedicated to Parkinson’s education, support, and research. Two of the most important include:
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