Myths and Truths About Parkinson's.

Parkinson's Disease is a degenerative condition of parts of the central nervous system that causes various manifestations, such as tremor in the arms and hands and slowness of movement. Because it is a degenerative disease and still incurable, many myths and truths are associated with its symptoms and conditions. Follow on the DFV Neuro blog what is myth and what is true about Parkinson's Disease.

The only symptom of Parkinson's is tremor

MYTH - Tremor is the most striking and evident symptom in people with Parkinson's Disease. However, there are other common symptoms in relation to the disease: muscle stiffness, difficulty walking, body imbalance and slowness to perform movements. Other symptoms appear as the disease progresses.

The diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is fast

MYTH - Parkinson's disease is a degenerative and progressive disease, the signs and symptoms can take time to manifest and evolve. It is necessary to make a very thorough clinical evaluation to understand the symptoms and changes of each patient to identify the disease.

The sooner treatment starts, the better for the patient.

TRUTH – Early treatment after diagnosis can minimize the impact of symptoms and, consequently, improve the patient's quality of life and autonomy.

A person with Parkinson's should stop working

MYTH – Parkinson's disease manifests itself in different ways in each patient, as well as the responses to treatment. Depending on each case, the patient can maintain their work routine and other activities that also help to improve their quality of life.

Only seniors have Parkinson's disease

MYTH - Most patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease are over 60 years old, but some international studies point out that about 15% of diagnosed people may have their first motor symptoms before age 40.

Parkinson's is hereditary

MYTH – There are several studies that point out that genetic factors can cause the disease, but these cases are rare and affect a very small number of families. According to experts, the probability of a child of a parent with Parkinson's disease developing the disease is practically the same chance of the rest of the population.

The Parkinson's patient needs a healthy diet

TRUTH – As with any other disease, a balanced diet is able to reduce the impacts of symptoms. A balanced diet with the right nutrients and vitamins is able to alleviate the symptoms associated with the disease, such as weight loss due to lack of appetite, constipation and weak bones.

Parkinsonism and Parkinson's are the same thing

MYTH – The so-called “parkinsonism” encompasses a wide group of diseases that manifest symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, slowness of movement and instability in posture. Some of the diseases that can be presented by parkinsonism are viral encephalitis, head injuries, Wilson's disease and, due to its frequency, the prolonged use of some medications.

People with Parkinson's disease are more likely to develop dementia

TRUTH – Dementia affects about 25% of patients with Parkinson's disease, but it usually manifests in the later stages of the disease and in older individuals. Symptoms affect the patient's quality of life and autonomy.