April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness month. Around 1 million Americans and 10 million people worldwide have Parkinson’s Disease (PD), with that number increasing each year.

Parkinson’s Disease happens when cells of the central nervous system stop working or die, and it gets worse with time. Some common symptoms include tremors (shaking) while at rest, slowness of movement, stiffness, balance problems, and difficulty walking. Other lesser-known symptoms can include depression, bladder control problems, sleeping problems, and slower thinking.

Scientists believe a combination of factors causes PD, but the primary risk factor for PD is age. There is no cure for PD, but medication can help treat the symptoms. Exercise (such as walking, biking, and boxing) and music therapy can also help to manage the symptoms of PD.

Sources:
A Journey Through Parkinson’s Disease, go.iastate.edu/0CP60Z
NIH.gov, go.iastate.edu/R5BEKT
American Parkinson Disease Association, go.iastate.edu/B419CL
Parkinson’s Foundation, go.iastate.edu/BKERQJ