Is there a Parkinson's a Pandemic?

Evidence is emerging that Parkinson’s disease is becoming a pandemic.

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative condition. Primarily affecting the motor regions of the central nervous system, symptoms tend to develop slowly but can also increase way to fast!

Over time, even simple movements become difficult and as the disease progresses, dementia is common and predictable.

Historically, Parkinson’s was rare. In 1855, for instance, just 22 people living in the United Kingdom died with Parkinson’s disease.

Today however, in the United States, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimate that about half a million people are living with the disease.

A Pandemic?

Globally, neurological disorders are the leading cause of disability. Of these, Parkinson’s disease is the fasted-growing. In 1990–2015, the number of people living with Parkinson’s doubled to more than 6.2 million. By 2040, experts predict the number will reach 12 million.

The term “pandemic” is normally associated with diseases that can spread from person to person. Of course, this does not apply to Parkinson’s. However, this is now becoming a global concern that is present and more prevalent in every region of the planet.

Additionally, pandemics tend to move geographically. In the case of Parkinson’s disease, it seems to be moving from West to East as demographics slowly change.

Some researchers also believe that although people cannot “catch” noncommunicable conditions such as diabetes through contact with pathogens, they may still be pandemics. They explain that these conditions are still communicable via new types of vectors — namely, social, political, and economic trends.

In the case of diabetes, for instance, we are transmitting risk factors across the world. Such factors include “ultraprocessed food and drink, alcohol, tobacco products, and wider social and environmental changes that limit physical activity.”

Increasing Risk

Because Parkinson’s primarily affects people as they grow older, the steady increase in humanity’s average age means an inevitable increase in the prevalence of Parkinson’s. This slow lift in our average age is not the only factor playing into the hands of a potential epidemic.

Some studies show that, even when analysis accounts for increasing age, Parkinson’s disease still seems to be becoming more and more prevalent.

This means that the average older adult today has an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

There are many factors that are at the root-cause of increasing the risk of Parkinson’s disease today.

Numerous byproducts of the Industrial Revolution, including specific pesticides, solvents, and heavy metals, have been linked to Parkinson disease.

For instance, China — a country that has witnessed rapid industrial growth — has had the swiftest increase in Parkinson’s disease. Even though "Scientists" still want to debate the role that pesticides play in Parkinson’s. We know that Roundup and Paraquat is directly linked to Parkinson's and is banned in 32 countries, but not in the United States.

Despite the fact the U.K. is 1 of 32 countries to have banned paraquat usage, they continue to manufacture it and sell it to countries including the U.S., Taiwan, and South Africa.

Parkinson's disease is increasing and may be a creation of our times,” write the authors. Unlike most diseases that decrease with improving socioeconomic level, Parkinson‘s disease continues to increase.

Can we Turn the Tide?

Stopping the production and use of certain chemicals that increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease is essential.

We have the ability to prevent potentially millions from ever experiencing the debilitating effects of Parkinson disease.

But researches just keep saying they need more money for "research," And, Scientists just keep saying they need more and better "medications," this just never ends. Michael J Fox has collected 2 BILLION DOLLARS for "research and medications" over the last 24 years and Parkinson's increases.

More testing and more medications has not turned the tide. This just isn't working.

Currently, the most effective medication is still the old carbidopa-levodopa, it's over 50 years old and has some pretty serious side effects within a handful of years, including both psychological and physical side effects.

Parkinson's disease complications:

1. Speaking:

As Parkinson’s disease affects the muscles, a person’s speech can become softer and more difficult to understand. Over time, changes in thinking ability can also make it harder for them to communicate. Social and other activities can become challenging.

Speech therapy can be important for helping people continue to communicate effectively. This can help improve or maintain a person’s quality of life.

2. Chewing and swallowing:

Chewing and swallowing difficulties can also occur, especially during the later stages of the condition. These can result from changes in the autonomic nervous system or the muscles in the throat, known as the pharyngeal muscles.

These changes increase the risk of food getting stuck in the throat and choking, which can be life threatening. If the person accidentally breathes food particles into the lungs, pneumonia can be the result.

A person may also produce too much saliva, or they may not be able to swallow the saliva easily. This can lead to drooling, which they may find embarrassing.

Doctors may want to prescribe medications may improve these symptoms.

3. Depression and anxiety:

Depression can occur with Parkinson’s disease, and it can make the symptoms worse.

Some researchers suggest that around 40-50% of people with Parkinson’s disease also experience depression. They add that this aspect of the condition can be harder for the individual and their loved ones to cope with than the physical symptoms.

Some other neuropsychiatric symptoms include:

mood disturbances
anxiety
sleep problems
psychosis
changes in behavior and thinking

However, the symptoms of depression are treatable, and recovery is possible.

Seeking medical help when the symptoms of depression start to appear can give the person a better quality of life, improved functionality, and a chance of slowing the symptoms.

4. Sexual dysfunction:

Various factors in Parkinson’s disease can affect libido. A person may find it hard to have an orgasm or an erection.

The drop in sexual interest and physical functioning can happen because of a fall in dopamine levels, according to the American Parkinson's Disease Association.

The impacts of this include:

a reduction in physical movement
reduced circulation, which affects the ability to have an erection
a lack of climax

Vaginal dryness can also be a problem.

Depression and anxiety can reduce a person’s energy levels and their interest in things they used to enjoy, such as sex. Fatigue may also be a factor. Depression and mood changes can also cause changes in behavior and attitude. A partner may feel that their loved one is “not the same” as before.

In rare cases, medications that increase dopamine levels in people with Parkinson’s disease may increase the person’s sex drive to an unusual level. Although this is rare, it can become a problem for some people.

Treatment is available for many of the symptoms that can disrupt sexual activity. For example:

Try seeking treatment for other symptoms and complications.
Lubrication can help with vaginal dryness.
Counseling may help resolve tensions within a relationship.

It is important for a partner to remember that their loved one is the same person and for both partners to communicate how they feel, if possible.

5. Sleep:

Sleep problems are common among people with Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease can affect how the body regulates sleep and wakefulness, but physical problems can also make sleeping difficult.

Some examples of sleep-related issues include.

sleep apnea
daytime sleepiness
nightmares and vivid dreams, which may lead to dream enactment
restless legs or jerking leg movements
difficulty turning over in bed
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
difficulty getting back to sleep after waking up

Possible reasons for these issues include:

the effect of certain medications
physical discomfort
changes to the internal body clock

A Doctor may recommend:

trying more medications
undergoing light therapy
trying positive airway pressure (for people with sleep apnea), though this is controversial due to possible safety issues
removing objects from around the bed to prevent injury

Some lifestyle tips for better or safer sleep include:

following a regular bedtime routine, if possible
exercising outdoors during the day, if possible
avoiding coffee, alcohol, and other stimulants
using the bedroom only for sleeping
sleeping in a cool, dark room

6. Urinary problems:

Around 30-40% of people with Parkinson’s disease experience urinary problems. They may leak urine, need to urinate more often, or find it difficult to pass urine.

Changes in the autonomic nervous system are one reason why this happens.

To reduce the need to go to the bathroom at night, it might be useful to:

Stop drinking fluids 3 hours before bedtime.
Visit the bathroom just before going to bed.
Doctor will want to prescribe medications to help "manage" your new urination problem.

A person may also wish to put a commode near the bed to minimize movement.

7. Constipation:

Some statistics suggest that up to two-thirds of people with Parkinson’s disease experience constipation.

Some reasons for this may include:

muscle weakness
a possible reduction in fluid intake
side effects of certain medications
the impact of Parkinson’s disease on the autonomic nervous system, which includes the digestive system

In turn, constipation can increase anxiety and discomfort and further reduce the person’s quality of life.

Some possible solutions to this problem might include:

taking medications, such as laxatives
trying dietetic interventions, including probiotics and prebiotics
increasing fiber and fluid intakes
undergoing physical therapy.
A person should speak with a doctor before taking any medications for constipation, as some drugs and alternative remedies can interfere with other medications.

8. Dementia:

Changes to proteins in the brain, such as Lewy bodies, can lead to dementia in Parkinson’s.

The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 50-80% of people with Parkinson’s disease eventually develop dementia. This can start in as little as a couple of years.

Some common symptoms include:

difficulty remembering things, focusing, and making judgments
unclear & slurred speech
hallucinations and delusions
depression, irritability, and anxiety
sleep difficulties and daytime sleepiness

Doctors will want to prescribe even more Medications for this, but the symptoms usually become more severe over time.

9. Pain:

Pain is a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. Figures in one report suggest that over 60% of people with the condition experience pain. Of a list of bothersome symptoms, pain comes third after tremor and stiffness.

According to the same report, 40–90% of the physical pain associated with Parkinson’s disease is musculoskeletal, and people mostly describe the sensation as burning, cramping, or aching.

Some ways of reducing the pain include:

taking over-the-counter or prescription medications
trying massage, music therapy, tai chi, or other complementary therapies
undergoing spinal cord stimulation

Individuals can work with a healthcare team to find suitable ways of reducing pain.

10. Blood pressure:

The autonomic nervous system controls blood flow and blood pressure. Parkinson’s disease affects this system, leading to changes in blood pressure throughout the day.

One very common problem is orthostatic hypotension, which refers to a drop in blood pressure that causes a person to feel dizzy or faint when they stand up. This can lead to falls.

Some people also experience high blood pressure, such as at night or when lying down. These fluctuations can lead to heart problems.

Doctors will want to prescribe more medications to stabilize blood pressure and prevent dramatic changes. Wearing compression stockings may also help.

11. Sense of smell:

Over 95% of people with Parkinson’s disease experience some loss in their sense of smell due to the impact of the condition on their nervous system.

This is an early symptom of the condition, and it can occur years before other symptoms appear. Loss of taste and smell is commonly a predictor of Parkinson’s disease.

Summary:

Parkinson’s disease can lead to a wide range of symptoms, but there are also many possible complications.

The medications that doctors prescribe to treat Parkinson’s disease can also lead to certain adverse effects, some of which overlap with the symptoms and complications of the condition itself.

Staying in touch with a healthcare team can help manage the symptoms, complications, and changes associated with Parkinson’s disease as they arise.

Most patients that we Consult with on our Consultation Calls have been searching for a step-by-step process. A "Tell me what I need to do to help myself," from their Neurologist and that is exactly what we have created for you. It's called the Parkinson's Solution Program Complete. It's this program that we get our amazing results with.

Now is the time to take back Control of your life, your health and your Parkinson's. We can do this together!

Are we Facing a Parkinson's Pandemic?