Because it is important
As the second winter storm of the week makes seeing even across the street difficult, I am staying warm and dry in my Eastern Iowa home. I’ll deal with the snow tomorrow! Meanwhile, we are still getting mail and in it a couple days ago came another packet from Parkinson’s Foundation.
Along with the usual thank you messages for being a faithful contributor and requests for additional support, it included a simple cheat sheet called “10 Early Signs of Parkinson’s Disease.” I am including this list here even though it is clearly stated through the link.
- Tremor: Have you noticed a slight shaking or tremor in your finger, thumb, hand or chin? A tremor while at rest is a common sing of Parkinson’s disease.
- Small Handwriting: Has your handwriting gotten much smaller than it was in the past? A change in handwriting may be a sign of Parkinson’s called micrographia.
- Loss of Smell: If you seem to have more trouble smelling foods like bananas, dill pickles or licorice, you should consult your doctor.
- Trouble Sleeping: Do you thrash around in bed or act out dreams when you are deeply asleep? Sudden movements during sleep may be a sign of Parkinson’s disease.
- Trouble Moving or Walking: Do you feel stiff in your body, arms or legs? Have others noticed that your arms don’t swing when you walk? If your feet seem “stuck to the floor,” you should ask your doctor about Parkinson’s.
- Constipation: If your diet contains enough fiber and water and you are still constipated, it can be a sign of Parkinson’s disease.
- Soft or Low Voice: Have other people told you your voice is very soft or that you sound hoarse? If there has been a change in your voice, you should talk to your doctor about whether it could be Parkinson’s.
- Masked Face: Have you been told that you have a serious, depressed or mad look on your face, even when you are not in a bad mood? If so, you should bring this up with your doctor.
- Dizziness or Fainting: Feeling dizzy or fainting can be linked to Parkinson’s.
- Stooping or Hunching Over: If you notice that your seem to be leaning or slouching when you stand, it can be a sign of Parkinson’s disease.
Some of these signs are typical as we get older. I am nearly seventy years old and could point to one or two from time to time. But several, especially in combination, are clearly worth discussing with you doctor.
Last year researchers found a biomarker, a protein named alpha synuclein as part of the The Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI). The University of Rochester published an article called What You Need to Know about the New Parkinson’s Biomarker that does a good job of explaining the publication of the findings in The Lancet.
The importance of this discovery is that of early detection. It does not pinpoint a genetic root and therefore doesn’t point directly to a cure. But treating PD, even before symptoms manifest, is a step in the right direction.
Personally, I am interested in Parkinson’s Disease Dementia (PDD) and Lewy Bodies Disease, for one of these is surely responsible for Pam’s decline and demise. And all of these diseases, along with Alzheimer’s, relate to alpha synuclein protein.
So, what’s my point?
Besides simple education, I have two goals in revisiting the subject of PD, PDD, LBD, and AD. The first is to impress upon you who might acknowledge the symptoms to get help early. And though there is no cure, the hope is for better quality of life for as long as possible. If you have a family history of any of these diseases, check into testing for the biomarker. It can lead to earlier treatment and, again, better quality of life.
Secondly, there are several opportunities for helping in researching a cure for these diseases. Of course you can donate. Money always helps. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, the Parkinson’s Foundation, and The Alzheimer’s Association are all dedicated to curing the group of diseases associated with dementia.
There are also opportunities, such as the The Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), for contributing your personal information – and more – even if you don’t have or have a history of PD et.al. Take a look.
Pam and I knew so little about Parkinson’s-related diseases when we finally went to see a neurologist. The tremor in her right hand was the first physical sign. But looking back, we, her family, recognize that she was suffering from cognitive decline well before the tremor. Though recognizing the signs earlier may not have changed the trajectory or outcome of the disease, we may have been able to increase Pam’s (and therefore my) quality of life longer. Maybe Pam could have had a chance to enjoy some of her retirement – and we would have been able to enjoy her a little bit longer. So, if you notice any of the above changes, or have doubts about what you are experiencing, please don’t wait for someone you love to tell you there’s something wrong. Take care of yourself and therefore, the ones you love.
Stay warm and dry for the rest of the winter. Stay safe. Stay healthy.