LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - Worldwide, almost 12 million people are living with Parkinson’s disease, with 15,000 of them here in Kentucky.
Saturday, April 11, marked World Parkinson’s Day, and doctors are using the opportunity to teach about the signs of the disease and why awareness matters.
Parkinson’s affects movement and often develops gradually, with common symptoms including slowness of movement, muscle stiffness and the most well-known sign, a noticeable tremor.
Norton Healthcare says several factors can raise a person’s risk, including age, sex, genetics and certain environmental exposures, making early recognition especially important.
“It’s important to be aware of what the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s are, particularly if you might have risk factors or if you might have family members,” said Dr. Justin Phillips from the Norton Neuroscience Institute. “We know it’s not typically a genetic disease in the sense that if someone in your family had it, you’re likely to get it as well. But we do know that can increase your risk. And so, I think being aware of the disease, being aware of the symptoms of the disease, and then having a discussion with your doctor.”
There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, but early diagnosis, new technology and cutting-edge treatments are improving outcomes for patients.
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