By Larry Lucas
Someone very wise once said, “Getting old is a privilege, but it sure is an inconvenience.” And for many, these inconveniences are largely due to poor or failing health – from difficulty driving a car because of poor vision, to aches and pains from arthritis.
Don’t get me wrong. We are fortunate to live in an era where Americans are living longer, generally healthier lives than the generation that came before. But as life expectancy increases, older Americans face new challenges to their health, productivity and independence.
Studies show that older patients are particularly susceptible to many neurologic diseases including Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a disorder that damages dopamine-producing cells, causing symptoms like trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw and face; rigidity or stiffness in the legs; slow movement and impaired balance and coordination. Many people think that these symptoms could be the normal effects of aging, but if you notice symptoms become pronounced or worsen over time, you should see a doctor.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, approximately one million Americans have Parkinson’s disease, including three out of every 100 people over the age of 60. At this time, no treatment has been shown to slow or stop the progression of Parkinson’s, but there are a number of effective medicines that help to ease the symptoms. An increasing number of new treatment options are on the horizon; according to a new survey, America’s pharmaceutical research companies are currently developing 241 medicines to treat neurological diseases – including Parkinson’s.
Most symptoms of Parkinson’s disease – muffled speech, shuffling walk, tremors – are caused by a lack of dopamine. The medicines most commonly used will attempt to either replace or mimic dopamine, which improves the tremor, rigidity and slowness associated with Parkinson’s disease. For example, a potential new medicine for Parkinson’s is a novel cell therapy that utilizes normal human cells attached to microcarriers to enhance brain levels of the dopamine deficient in Parkinson’s patients.
As with most conditions, there are many lifestyle choices that make a significant impact on living a full, healthy life when faced with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. The National Parkinson Foundation (NPF) suggests establishing an exercise program, learning the most efficient methods to perform routine activities of daily living, and improving your diet. Learning to pace yourself, prioritize goals, and make use of therapies can make a real difference in how you enjoy life and maintain your independence.
Famous figures like Muhammad Ali and Michael J. Fox are great examples of living active lives with Parkinson’s disease. In his book, Lucky Man, Michael J. Fox offers this perspective on living with the condition, “Nobody would ever choose to have this visited upon them. Still, this unexpected crisis forced a fundamental life decision: adopt a siege mentality – or embark upon a journey. Whatever it was…that finally allowed me to go down the second road…was unquestionably a gift.”
Because Parkinson’s disease is both chronic, meaning it persists over a long period of time, and progressive, meaning its symptoms worsen over time, your course of treatment may evolve. To help keep track of your healthcare, NPF recommends keeping a personal health file at home – including dates of any major diagnoses, pertinent test reports, immunization records, dates of serious illnesses or surgeries, allergies to medication, and a list of current medications, including non-prescription drugs and supplements.
Living with Parkinson’s disease demands adaptation, not despair. In the forward of his daughter’s new book, Muhammad Ali writes, “What is important is to never lose faith and to never stop living each day to the fullest extent possible.” Whether or not you are living with Parkinson’s disease, these are certainly words everyone can find inspiring.
Larry Lucas is the deputy vice president for Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).
Don’t get me wrong. We are fortunate to live in an era where Americans are living longer, generally healthier lives than the generation that came before. But as life expectancy increases, older Americans face new challenges to their health, productivity and independence.
Studies show that older patients are particularly susceptible to many neurologic diseases including Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a disorder that damages dopamine-producing cells, causing symptoms like trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw and face; rigidity or stiffness in the legs; slow movement and impaired balance and coordination. Many people think that these symptoms could be the normal effects of aging, but if you notice symptoms become pronounced or worsen over time, you should see a doctor.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, approximately one million Americans have Parkinson’s disease, including three out of every 100 people over the age of 60. At this time, no treatment has been shown to slow or stop the progression of Parkinson’s, but there are a number of effective medicines that help to ease the symptoms. An increasing number of new treatment options are on the horizon; according to a new survey, America’s pharmaceutical research companies are currently developing 241 medicines to treat neurological diseases – including Parkinson’s.
Most symptoms of Parkinson’s disease – muffled speech, shuffling walk, tremors – are caused by a lack of dopamine. The medicines most commonly used will attempt to either replace or mimic dopamine, which improves the tremor, rigidity and slowness associated with Parkinson’s disease. For example, a potential new medicine for Parkinson’s is a novel cell therapy that utilizes normal human cells attached to microcarriers to enhance brain levels of the dopamine deficient in Parkinson’s patients.
As with most conditions, there are many lifestyle choices that make a significant impact on living a full, healthy life when faced with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. The National Parkinson Foundation (NPF) suggests establishing an exercise program, learning the most efficient methods to perform routine activities of daily living, and improving your diet. Learning to pace yourself, prioritize goals, and make use of therapies can make a real difference in how you enjoy life and maintain your independence.
Famous figures like Muhammad Ali and Michael J. Fox are great examples of living active lives with Parkinson’s disease. In his book, Lucky Man, Michael J. Fox offers this perspective on living with the condition, “Nobody would ever choose to have this visited upon them. Still, this unexpected crisis forced a fundamental life decision: adopt a siege mentality – or embark upon a journey. Whatever it was…that finally allowed me to go down the second road…was unquestionably a gift.”
Because Parkinson’s disease is both chronic, meaning it persists over a long period of time, and progressive, meaning its symptoms worsen over time, your course of treatment may evolve. To help keep track of your healthcare, NPF recommends keeping a personal health file at home – including dates of any major diagnoses, pertinent test reports, immunization records, dates of serious illnesses or surgeries, allergies to medication, and a list of current medications, including non-prescription drugs and supplements.
Living with Parkinson’s disease demands adaptation, not despair. In the forward of his daughter’s new book, Muhammad Ali writes, “What is important is to never lose faith and to never stop living each day to the fullest extent possible.” Whether or not you are living with Parkinson’s disease, these are certainly words everyone can find inspiring.
Larry Lucas is the deputy vice president for Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).
