April is National Parkinson’s Awareness month, and April 11 is Parkinson’s Awareness Day. It is estimated that more than 10 million people worldwide live with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Ninety-thousand Americans are diagnosed with PD each year; this is up from the previous data of 60,000.

Although PD is a complicated disease, a skilled neurologist and/or movement disorder specialist (MDS) can use clinical assessment and may use testing to make a diagnosis. The testing is most often a means of ruling out other diseases, such is the case with a DaTscan, a scan that looks at the dopamine producing cells.

The exact cause of PD is still unknown, but evidence suggests there are genetic and environmental components involved. This means that the disease may not become active unless an individual who has the genetic predisposition for the disease is exposed to a toxin (i.e. pesticides). Other lifestyle issues may play a role in expression/repression of symptoms such as TBI (traumatic brain injury), exercise, and diet. Much research continues in these and other areas, such as sleep.

The hallmark symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:

• Rigidity (stiff muscles)
• Resting tremor
• Postural instability, and bradykinesia (slow movements)

Other common features present in PD:

• Depression
• Quiet voice
• Constipation
• Vision changes
• Sleep disturbances

Although PD is a progressive neurological degenerative disease, it typically progresses slowly and people live with the disease for many years. Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) are other diseases that are in the Parkinson’s family and are often referred to as “Parkinson-like” or “atypical Parkinson’s.” These diseases present with similar features, but often progress more rapidly. Whether one has the symptoms of typical or atypical Parkinson’s, it is critical that one works closely with an MDS, neurologist, or a primary physician who has training in Parkinson’s.

Optimal medication management is imperative for individuals with PD and can help decrease the symptoms of the disease. With the right medications, therapy, and exercise, individuals often regain some control and confidence in their daily living skills and improve their quality of life. Exercise can slow the progression of the disease and is a key component of Meadowlark Parkinson’s Program offerings.

Meadowlark Parkinson’s Program strives to help those affected by the disease in our region to live well with PD. We provide free education, exercise, and outreach opportunities to people in every stage of the disease and their care partners. Our services are currently benefiting people from age 27 to 98 as they navigate the journey of living with Parkinson’s or another movement disorder. If you or someone you know is affected by PD, please reach out to us so we can support them with education, resources, and community.

If you have questions about Meadowlark Parkinson’s Program please contact Michelle Haub, Special Programs Leader, or Katie Sigman, Special Programs Coordinator, at (785) 323-3899 or email parkinsoncoreteam@meadowlark.org.