The Seven Things You May Not Know About Parkinson’s Disease

When you think of Parkinson's, most people think of Michael J. Fox, unless, of course, you or a loved one is suffering from the disease. Most people afflicted with Parkinson's are not as young as Fox was when he was first diagnosed. 

Other famous people have (or had) Parkinsons. Actor Alan Alda of MASH fame, singers Neil Diamond and Linda Ronstadt, and former NBA player Brian Grant are among the many people with the disease. 

What is Parkinson's?

Parkinson's disease is a long-term degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. Generally, it mainly affects the motor system. The most prominent early symptoms are shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement, and difficulty with walking. Symptoms usually come on slowly over time. 

Former President, the late George H. W. Bush, had something a little different. He had something called Vascular Parkinsonism. The symptoms are the same as traditional Parkinson's. 

This type of Parkinson's is caused by a series of small strokes. These strokes cause tremors, balance issues, and slow movements you usually see in Parkinson's patients.

The treatment is also different. Vascular Parkinsonism is treated the same way you would treat a stroke or heart attack. 

Depression and Memory Problems

Dementia becomes common in the advanced stages of the disease. As it progresses, many people will require long-term health care (help with routine activities of daily living) or even supervision if memory issues are involved. Depression and anxiety are also typical and decrease someone's quality of life.

About ten million people worldwide have the disease, with around one million living with Parkinson's disease in the United States. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. 

Seven Things About Parkinson's

There is still much to learn about Parkinson's disease on many levels, says Tanya Simuni, MD, director of the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

Parkinson's patients may not have total control of their disease, but they can control how they let the disease affect them. Activities such as boxing have great psychological and physical benefits. We are hoping to help these patients find new means of fulfillment in their lives while also addressing some of the physical components of their illness.

Dr. Tanya Simuni

Read Northwestern's seven things you may not know about Parkinson's by clicking here.

Parkinson's Often Leads to Long-Term Health Care

For people with Parkinson's disease and their families who think about the possible need for long-term health care, it is crucial to understand what help may be available.

Most long-term health care is not covered by health insurance or Medicare and supplements. Long-Term Care Insurance will pay for long-term care services, but you must have a policy in place before your health starts to decline. Once you have Parkinson's, it is too late to buy LTC Insurance because of a significant pre-existing condition. 

Family caregivers are often forced into that role, but they must try to juggle their careers and families with the job of being a caregiver. Most family caregivers are unprepared and untrained and don't provide adequate care. 

People use their own money to pay for professional care, but since the costs are high - and getting higher - money becomes an issue. Many people end up on Medicaid. Medicaid will pay for long-term health care, but only if you have little or no income and assets.

Prepare Your Future Retirement

Today more people include Long-Term Care Insurance as part of their overall retirement strategy. The guaranteed tax-free benefits from LTC Insurance provide you with access to your choice of quality care services, including in-home care, which most people prefer. 

During times of economic uncertainty, the guaranteed aspect of LTC Insurance becomes even more critical. Nobody can predict world events and economic downturns, or market crashes. Nor can anyone guess when they will need long-term care services. LTC Insurance provides those guarantees and safeguards your 401(k) and other savings - preserving your lifestyle and legacy.

People require long-term care services due to illness, accidents, or just the impact of aging. Declining health, mobility problems, accidents, and dementia can happen at any age. As you get older, the risk of needing help with daily living activities or supervision due to memory loss increases. 

It Can Happen 

Do you think Michael J. Fox thought he would get diagnosed with Parkinson's at such a young age?

Prepare your family and finances by taking proactive action now, before you retire, and add a Long-Term Care Insurance policy to your retirement plan. Not everyone should have LTC Insurance, and not everyone's health is good enough to get coverage. A qualified and experienced Long-Term Care Insurance specialist can answer these questions and help you find the best coverage at the lowest cost.

LTC NEWS has compiled numerous questions and answers to the most asked questions about long-term health care planning - Frequently Asked Questions | LTC News.

There are consequences to aging and declining health for you, your family, and your finances. Act before a crisis starts and give your loved one's peace of mind.