April is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month in the U.S., a time to spread awareness and understanding of this chronic condition. Every year in the U.S., 60,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Not including the cases that go undiagnosed, approximately one million people are living with Parkinson’s in the U.S. This is more than multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and Lou Gehrig’s disease combined.

The importance of National Parkinson’s Awareness Month

National Parkinson’s Awareness Month helps people to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of this disease. Knowing more about Parkinson’s can help to work towards more research discoveries and treatments.

Men are more likely to have Parkinson’s disease than women. Some of the symptoms include:

• Tremors or tics
• Balance issues
• Rigidity (stiffness in the body or limbs)
• Freezing (hesitation when stepping forward)
• Micrographia (writing that gets smaller in size)
• Mask-like expression (due to a reduction in involuntary facial movement)
• Problems with motor control

Other symptoms can also include sexual dysfunction, difficulty swallowing, drooling, and speech problems. Some non-motor symptoms that can be an early sign of Parkinson’s disease can include:

• Sleep disorders
• Constipation
• Bladder issues
• Mood disorder such as depression, fear, and anxiety
• Memory loss, confusion, slowed cognition
• Drop in blood pressure when standing
• Fatigue

The causes of Parkinson’s disease are still unknown, but researchers believe it is a combination of genetics and environmental factors.

Genetic factors of Parkinson’s

Even though there seems to be a link, only between 15 and 25% of people with Parkinson’s have a relative with the disease. Those with first degree relatives with Parkinson’s (e.g., a sibling or a parent) have a slightly elevated risk of developing the disease. There may be mutations in certain genes that increase the chances of developing Parkinson’s disease, but these connections are indirect and vague at best.

Environmental causes of Parkinson’s

Environmental toxins may be a greater risk factor for developing Parkinson’s disease than any other factor. Rural living, well water, manganese, and pesticides have been associated with an elevated risk of Parkinson’s. Scientists are quick to emphasize that although certain neurotoxins may be a risk factor, no single exposure to a particular chemical has been directly pinpointed as a cause of Parkinson’s.

Treating Parkinson’s disease is more about managing symptoms and slowing the progression than it is about “curing” this disease.

Over-the-counter treatments for Parkinson’s

Over-the-counter treatments have been expanding in recent years to include nutritional supplements. There is evidence that Parkinson’s disease causes oxidative nerve damage. To that end, many doctors are recommending anti-oxidants to fight this damage.

Research related to over-the-counter treatments for Parkinson’s includes:

• Conflicting studies on coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) have shown that it may help improve mitochondrial health (2002), with another study stopping mid-way through the trials because results from CoQ10 were similar to placebo (2010).
• Many Parkinson’s patients take high doses of vitamin E despite only anecdotal evidence of its efficacy in treating Parkinson’s. Researchers are continuing to explore the potential benefit of blueberries, papayas, and other vitamin E-rich foods, but evidence is still inconclusive.
• The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is studying creatine as a potential protector against nerve cell damage in the brain and the muscles.

Many over-the-counter medications could potentially be effective but are still in trials or being scientifically evaluated. These supplements can cause drug interactions and should not be taken without talking with a doctor first.

Prescription medications

Prescription medications must be specifically tailored to each individual case of Parkinson’s disease. There is no one way to approach each set of symptoms because they may be present (or not) in varying degrees.

Some of the most common types of prescription medications include:

• Carbidopa/levodopa therapy: Treats early stage motor symptoms
• Dopamine agonists: Can be used for when patients take a break from carbidopa/levodopa therapy
• Anticholinergics: Works to restore balance and is not a generally not a first-line medication
• MAO-B inhibitors: These are usually taken in conjunction with other medications or during off periods from carbidopa/levodopa therapy
• COMT inhibitors: This class of medication is not for relieving symptoms but for enhancing the effects of the other medications

• Other medications: This category includes medications that treat dementia, low blood pressure, tremors, and rigidity

Each of the above can have significant side effects and drug interactions, especially with antidepressants. It is important to evaluate the acceptable level of side effects when designing a treatment plan using any of the above prescriptions.

Surgical treatments for Parkinson’s

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is the standard of care for surgical treatment of Parkinson’s disease with approximately 30,000 people worldwide undergoing this procedure. Compared to the number of people affected by Parkinson’s disease, this seems a small number, but when it works it can have a dramatic effect, with results lasting up to five years.

Electrodes are placed at specific points in the brain, and the patient is given a controller to turn them off or on. Electrical stimulation runs through the brain to help control disabling tremors and side effects from medication.

Patients who opt for the surgery run the risk of stroke, infection, and bleeding.

Participating in National Parkinson’s Awareness Month

There is no quick and easy answer to treating Parkinson’s disease, but one thing is true: the more people understand the disease and the ravages it can cause, the more they will want to get involved. You can participate in National Parkinson’s Awareness Month in a number of different ways.

1. Work with your community

Partner with your local library to create a display, give a talk, or gather a support group for Parkinson’s patients and their families.

Many communities have health fairs beginning in the spring. Offer to set up a table with information on Parkinson’s, including symptoms, treatments, and support resources.

Local businesses and professionals can help spread the word by offering informational pamphlets or fliers.

2. Share what you know

Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, design a T-shirt or bumper sticker (use tulips, the symbol for Parkinson’s), or go online to tweet links and support for those struggling with Parkinson’s disease.

The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation offers a free toolkit for spreading awareness and education during National Parkinson’s Awareness Month. How will you get involved?

The post National Parkinson’s Awareness Month – What You Need To Know appeared first on Pain Doctor.