- Your doctor can predict your future with Parkinson’s. FICTION. Parkinson’s disease is highly variable case by case. Even the top PD experts can’t predict what the future holds for any one patient. You, more than any other person, doctors included, have the power to shape your future. At every stage of the disease from start to finish, you can improve your situation by staying active, getting a proper night’s sleep, and well-balanced nutrition. Keeping fit is particularly crucial for improving mobility, stamina, and your quality of life in general.
- Stress affects PD symptoms. FACT. In stressful situations, patients describe a worsening of symptoms including tremor, slowness, and difficulty walking. Actually, patients often note initial onset of symptoms after a particularly stressful event like the death of a family member or a major surgery. Doctor visits and hosting holidays are two common stressful Parkinson’s experiences.
- Parkinson’s is fast-progressing like Alzheimer’s or ALS. FICTION. Parkinson’s isn’t a death sentence; with proper management it’s actually an extremely livable disease. People with Parkinson’s who receive proper treatment have comparable life expectancy to the general population.There are many therapies available including drugs, behavioral therapies and, in some cases, medical procedures like brain stimulation, that improve a Parkinson’s prognosis.
- PD is to blame every time you feel unwell. FICTION. Parkinson’s does have a wide range of symptoms, but it’s not an all-encompassing diagnosis. Fever, headache, loss of vision, vertigo, loss of sensation, and chest pain are all symptoms unrelated to Parkinson’s that could be signs of some other illness or medical emergency.
- There is no cure for Parkinson’s. FACT. Sadly, a cure for PD doesn’t exist. However, Parkinson’s is treatable. A combination of drug treatments and physical and speech therapy can improve a Parkinson’s patient’s quality of life.
- Only “old people” are diagnosed with Parkinson’s. FICTION. It’s true that PD is usually diagnosed around age 60 but younger people can also be affected. 1 in 20 people diagnosed with Parkinson’s is under the age of 40. The actor Michael J. Fox was only 29 when he was diagnosed in 1991.
- Clinical trials are worth considering. FACT. Clinical trial participants can benefit from high standards of care from leading healthcare professionals, access to cutting edge treatments, and increased understanding of PD. Every effort is put in place to ensure the safety of clinical trials but participants still run the risk of experiencing undesirable side effects or ineffective experimental treatment. Participating in a clinical trial is at the very least worth considering. It could be a great opportunity to gain access to new treatments and contribute to a future where Parkinson’s is a thing of the past.
If you or a loved one is affected by Parkinson’s, consider participating in a Parkinson’s study. Call 1-844-283-3649 or visit here to learn more.
Sources: Parkinson’s Disease Foundation