Parkinson's disease is a disorder that leads to chronic impairment of motor operation as a result of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells.
Though the cause of Parkinson’s disease is yet to be known, researchers have suggested that both genetic and environmental factors are responsible.
With so many questions surrounding the disease and some providing confusing answers on what Parkinson is all about and its effect on our daily lives, let’s tackle some myth and/or misconceptions surrounding it.
1. Parkinson’s isn’t just a movement disorder
Since Parkinson was discovered in 1817, the disease has always been thought to only affect mobility, balance, and posture.
Recently, we have discovered how Parkinson disease can affect a person in some ways like non-motor signs including memory loss, drooling, depression, anxiety, bladder control, swallowing, cognition and vitiated functioning.
2. Parkinson’s isn’t a killer disease
Parkinson doesn’t kill you but can die as a result of the numerous complications that can arrive because of it.
Sudden falls, infections, sepsis and aspiration of food are all complications that can arise from the disease which ultimately could cause death.
3. Parkinson’s isn’t an old person’s disease
Although Parkinson disease is seen mostly in senior people, it has also been established that Parkinson can be developed before the later years in one’s life. An example of this is a case of legendary Boxer Muhammad Ali who was diagnosed with the disease at forty-two years of age in 1984.
4. Parkinson’s isn’t gender based
Even though more men have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease than women, Parkinson’s isn’t gender specific.
Some of the primary differences between the sexes of Parkinson disease are hormone levels, lifestyle choices, coping skills and work life (men possibly can be more exposed to chemicals such as pesticides in their active life).
Each day Parkinson’s can produced a wide variety of effects on the life of someone with the disease and each new day comes with a new challenge and how to overcome it.
The people who are around you will determine how well you will manage it. Though there is no cure Parkinson’s, many prove you can live with and shouldn’t hinder you from living your life well.
