Parkinson’s disease affects one out of 100 Americans over the age of 60. When it comes to neurodegenerative diseases, it is second only to Alzheimer’s. Symptoms may be mild at first but tend to worsen over time. There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there are many medications available to treat the symptoms.
People with early stage Parkinson’s disease experience symptoms including anxiety, constipation, and drooling. Because movement problems are the main symptom of the disease, these non-motor symptoms often go undiagnosed and untreated, according to a study published in today’s issue of the journal Neurology. In addition, people with early Parkinson’s often don’t mention these symptoms to their doctors because they don’t ask about them.
Recently, researchers asked more than 150 newly diagnosed Parkinson’s patients whether they experienced any of the 30 non-motor symptoms, including anxiety, gastrointestinal problems, constipation, sleep problems and sexual problems, before being diagnosed with the disease. The findings indicated that the most common non-motor symptoms the early Parkinson’s patients experienced were drooling, constipation, urinary urgency, anxiety and a reduced sense of smell.
These results show that Parkinson’s affects many systems in the body, even in its earliest stages. Often these symptoms affect people’s quality of life just as much if not more than the movement problems that come with the disease. Both doctors and patients need to bring these symptoms up early and consider available treatments.
At The Fairfax and Fredericksburg Elder Law Firms of Evan H. Farr, P.C., we are dedicated to easing the financial and emotional burden on those suffering from Parkinson’s Disease and their loved ones. If you or a loved one are suffering from Parkinson’s disease, we can help you prepare for your future financial and long-term care needs. We help protect your hard-earned assets while maintaining your comfort, dignity, and quality of life by ensuring your eligibility for critical government benefits. Call 703-691-1888 today to make an appointment for a consultation.
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