As celebrities like Michael J. Fox, Ozzy Osborne and Janet Reno share their experiences living with Parkinson's disease, the public becomes increasingly familiar with the debilitating condition. Yet many people first learned of Parkison's through Muhammad Ali, the boxing great diagnosed with the disease in the 1980s. If you suspect you or a loved one has Parkinson's disease, a physician can evaluate symptoms and perform a neurological exam to rule out other causes for Parkinson's-like symptoms, including medication side effects and head trauma.
History
While many Parkinson's patients first experience symptoms at around age 60, Muhammad Ali's diagnosis came at 42. Family history or undetected viruses are commonly suspected culprits for the disease, but some researchers speculate that Ali's frequent head injuries from boxing matches might have resulted in cell or nerve damage in his brain, triggering the disease. People with Parkinson's have been found to have cell and nerve damage, which is related to the low norepinephrine and dopamine levels believed to either cause or worsen the disease. Ali began experiencing symptoms of the progressive condition while in his late 30s, in 1981. As of 2008, he was not able to speak, at least at public events.
Disease
A nervous system disorder, Parkinson's disease typically begins with mild symptoms that often become severe. Early signs of the disease include minor twitches or hand tremors. Eventually, speaking, standing erect and even walking can become impossible. Some late-stage patients experience dementia.
Symptoms
The most common signs of Parkinson's disease are trembling of arms, hands, face and legs, as well as stiffness in arms, legs and the torso, according to Medline Plus. Other symptoms frequently seen with Parkison's include poor balance, reduced coordination, impaired speech and an inability to move swiftly. Insomnia, depression and chewing or swallowing problems also can accompany the disease, as can incontinence, constipation and sexual dysfunction. Symptoms tend to get progressively worse over time.
Treatment
No cure for Parkinson's disease currently exists. Options for improving Parkinson's symptoms include physical therapy or surgery to implant a brain-stimulating device, according to MayoClinic.com. Drug therapies include medications to replace or mimic dopamine levels and to control tremors. Parkison's patients should eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, as well as omega-3 fatty acid foods, omega-3 supplements and co-enzyme Q10 supplements. Fiber-rich foods are especially helpful for combating the constipation that plagues some people who have the disease. Yoga, tai chi and massage also might be helpful, notes MayoClinic.com.
