Importance of Parkinson Disease Awareness Month: Rodolfo Savica, MD, PhD

"In Parkinson [disease], we’re dealing with a situation where the most effective drug has been around for 40 years.”

Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes nerve cells in the area of the brain that controls movement to weaken and/or die. More than 10 million people worldwide are currently living with PD and nearly 1 million will be living with the disease in the US this year, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Common symptoms of PD often begin gradually and progress over time and can include shaking or tremor, rigid muscles, difficulty walking, unsteady balance, poor posture, and slowing of body movements. Additionally, as the disease continues to progress, other symptoms such as slurred or soft speech, trouble chewing and/or swallowing, memory loss, constipation, trouble sleeping, and loss of bladder control.

In efforts of continuing discussion and momentum within the community, NeurologyLive turned to Rodolfo Savica, MD, PhD, consultant, department of neurology, Mayo Clinic. Savica, who also studies early-life predictors of neurodegeneration, discussed the positives these social initiatives can have on not only the PD community, but throughout the entire world.

REFERENCE

The facts about Parkinson’s disease. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-facts-about-parkinsons-disease. Published February 2020. Accessed April 2, 2021.