The Nature of Parkinson’s Disease: Individuality of Symptoms and Types

July 6, 2009 by admin 

No simple answers are available for those who suffer Parkinson’s disease, as well as their families. This is a very complex condition which oftentimes affects more than one area of the body.

For instance, sufferers may have trouble standing up or walking around. Additionally, they might be prone to shake quite a bit. They may not be able to use the telephone in an emergency, and they may not be able to cook or clean.

Some of them are even incapable of using the restroom and they may have difficulty using their hands. They often require assistance of others in order to complete daily tasks. They might not be able to drive so they often need to be driven by a hired chauffer, family member, or friend.

Since this is such a difficult condition to deal with at times, suffers may feel helpless or are angry about their loss of independence. Additionally, sufferers might also become uneasy what the future could bring or they may worry about being a burden to their families.

They also may be very stubborn about giving up their independence. After all, everyone has at least a little of pride in them selves, as well as self-respect. No one wants to feel like they cannot do anything for them selves-for at least during the time they are still aware they cannot.

New methods of treating this condition are becoming more readily available. However, there still is no easy answer for sufferers and their families. There are so many factors of diagnosing and treating this disease that makes doing so very complex.

A very important reason why it is so hard to diagnose and treat this condition is because each specific case has its own set of complications. No two people experience the same symptoms nor do they respond the same way to treatment.

Furthermore, often this condition is mistaken for another, or vice-versa. That is because often the symptoms are very similar. It often is very hard to tell this condition apart from those who suffer Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer disease, or similar degenerative problems.

In addition to all of this, the rate of the disease is very unpredictable. Some people could advance dramatically in a few years while mild symptoms only will persist in others. This is quite a mystery to all that are affected.

That is why so much funding is being allocated to all aspects of study of this disease. New research is being conducted daily, and millions of dollars of grants are being grand for this purpose every single year. One of the largest contributors to this cause is currently the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

This organization funds numerous scientific studies ranging from clinical trials to stem cell research. Names of current projects and organizations funded by MJFF include the following: Online Motor and Cognitive Analysis System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Above all this, the greatest source of strength for PD victims and families is the realization that they are not alone. They find a way to carry on as they bond with people in face-to-face support group meetings. They also find a source of love and a listening ear as they join online groups.

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