Parkinson's Disease: What You Need to Know

‘Nearly 1 million individuals live with

Parkinson’s Disease in the U.S’

Did you know that nearly 1 million individuals live with Parkinson’s Disease in the U.S? And by 2030, that number is expected to rise to 1.2 million, making Parkinson’s the second most common disease to affect the brain!

One of the key services I offer in my practice is a program known as Speak Out! This Parkinson's specific program is designed to help individuals with Parkinson's learn how to speak with intent through a series of speech, voice, and cognitive exercises to increase voice loudness and clarity.

In this post, you’ll learn what Parkinson’s Disease is, the symptoms commonly associated with the disease, and the steps to take after a diagnosis.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s is in the group of disorders known as “movement disorders.” It is a disorder caused by the breakdown of neurons that produce dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical messenger that sends signals from your brain to your body. So, when your cells do not produce dopamine, the brain has difficulty sending signals from the brain to the body and vice versa. This breakdown in signals makes it really hard for the body to move, causing actions like walking, talking, and swallowing to become very difficult.

According to Parkinson.org, the cause of the disease is still unknown, but many believe it is a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

While it is often seen in older adults, there is young onset Parkinson’s (YOPD), which is seen in about 10-20% of people who have Parkinson’s. Young-onset is seen in those who experience symptoms before age 50. You can learn more about YOPD here.

What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s?

You may be thinking of your grandpa, who has shaky hands, and while tremors are a common symptom, Parkinson’s looks different in every diagnosed individual!

Here are the most common symptoms:

- Tremors

- Stiffness throughout the body

- Soft or low voice

- Lack of facial expressions

- Small, shuffled steps while walking

- Overall slowness

- Changes in memory

Steps after diagnosis

After being diagnosed with Parkinson's at 29, Michael J. Fox said this about living with Parkinson's: "Live in the moment, enjoy the day, make the most of what you have."

Like all neurological disorders, a Parkinson’s diagnosis is scary! Parkinson's is a progressive disease, meaning it will get worse over time. But the Parkinson's journey looks different for everyone! BUT do not let that take away from the now!

Here’s what you can do if you or a loved one is diagnosed with Parkinson’s:

- Find a Parkinson’s specialist! Usually, a Neurologist or Movement Specialist can provide the best understanding and care for navigating the diagnosis and prescribing medications.

- Learn about Parkinson’s! The more you understand the diagnosis, the more prepared you can be as it progresses.

- Focus on maintaining your skills through therapy! Physical and occupational therapy can help maintain your walking, balance, and coordination skills through specific exercise programs and help make recommendations to make the home safer and more accessible. Speech therapists offer strategies to maintain voice quality and swallow function as the disease progresses.

- Nutrition: Eat a healthy and balanced diet, including lots of fruits and veggies!

- Build a Support Team! As the disease progresses, you will need friends and family you can lean on for physical and emotional needs. There are also tons of support groups available specifically for individuals with Parkinson's and their loved ones. Check out this link to find one online!

"Live in the moment, enjoy the day, make the most of what you have."

That was a quick rundown of what Parkinson’s Disease is, the symptoms and how to navigate a diagnosis. You now have a toolbox of information and resources to guide you or a loved one through this disease.

I encourage all of my readers facing a diagnosis of Parkinson's or who have a l

oved one with the diagnosis to seize every opportunity to live their lives to the fullest!

And if you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Parkinson's and you are having trouble maintaining your voice to talk to others or feel like your voice doesn't come out as you'd like, I am Speak Out! Certified! Let’s connect to see how I can support you through this.

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