MANAGING PARKINSON'S DISEASE AT EVERY STAGE

What Is Parkinson's Disease?

Affects the nervous system and muscles

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder.¹ It can vary by age at first diagnosis, which signs and symptoms appear first, and in the rate of progression.² Parkinson's disease affects the nervous system of the human body. This limits a person's ability to control some of his or her muscles. It's caused by a slow, gradual loss of certain cells in the brain. These cells make a chemical called dopamine. This chemical is needed for muscles to work normally.

In many people, Parkinson's disease causes movement and muscle problems. This may be a slight, uncontrolled shaking of the arms and legs, called tremor. At times, muscles may feel somewhat stiff and rigid. The person may have difficulty moving his or her arms and legs, or may have shaky hands. Or, he or she will only be able to move them slowly. Eventually, walking may become a process of taking small steps and slow movement, which is called a shuffling gait.

More common in older people

Parkinson's disease is believed to be due at least in part to age-related factors. This is because the number of people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease increases as people advance in age.³ The most common age at the time of diagnosis is about 60 years.³ Parkinson's disease is not, however, seen exclusively in older people; as many as ten percent of people with Parkinson's disease show symptoms before age 40.² People who develop this disease from age 21 through 40 are said to have "Young Onset Parkinson's Disease (YOPD)."⁴ In addition, Parkinson's disease affects both men and women at roughly the same rate,⁵ and is seen around the world in all ethnic groups.⁵

According to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, Parkinson's disease is estimated to affect as many as 1 million Americans.⁶ About 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with the disease every year.⁷ Boxing champion Muhammad Ali, TV and movie star Michael J. Fox, and former Attorney General Janet Reno are all living with Parkinson's disease.⁸

Scientists do not know what causes Parkinson's disease, but genetics may be a contributing factor. Environmental toxins may also play a role.⁹

Medical treatments may help

Right now there is no cure for Parkinson's disease. However, there have been major advances in Parkinson's disease treatment in recent years. Newer medical treatments help to control the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. One of these medical treatments is MIRAPEX. It's a dopamine agonist (pronounced DOPE-a-meen AG-oh-nist). MIRAPEX makes the body "think" it's getting enough dopamine.¹⁰

MIRAPEX has been shown to be effective in treating patients with early disease without the use of levodopa.¹¹ It has also been shown to work in combination with levodopa in patients with advanced disease.^12,13

This section provides information about diagnosis, symptoms, the early stages and advanced stages of Parkinson's disease, and Young Onset Parkinson's Disease.

KEY POINTS
Parkinson's disease limits muscle control It's caused by the loss of cells that make dopamine It causes muscle movement problems (tremor, rigidity, and slow movement) It's more common in people aged 60 and older Medical treatments may help control symptoms

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