April 11 is observed as World Parkinson’s Day and this year’s theme is together we can make more people sit up and listen. Parkinson’s Disease is one of the common degenerative neurological disorders affecting 400 people out of every 1,00,000 in India and is expected to double in the next decade.

It is a progressive nervous disorder that slowly affects bodily movements and would eventually cause stiffness in the joints.

The initial symptoms include little or no expression on the face, slurred speech, restricted movement in the arms as you walk. The other significant signs and symptoms are tremors in hands, fingers, rigid muscles, lack of balance and in posture, involuntary movements, inability to write etc.  

However, there are many myths and beliefs associated with Parkinson’s Disease. Read on, to know more about the facts related to this condition.

Myth:

Parkinson’s Disease Only Causes Restricted Movements.

Fact:

Though tremors, rigidity are one of the main symptoms, it also leads to depression, sleep disorders, difficulty in swallowing, urinary incontinence, constipation, increased sweating etc.

Myth:

Parkinson’s Disease Starts With Tremors

Fact:

Tremors are quite common but not all Parkinson’s patients experience it. In fact, Parkinson’s can cause a wide range of symptoms and it depends on the severity of the condition. Tremors can also be caused due to stroke, multiple sclerosis or a brain injury.

Myth:

Parkinson’s Causes Involuntary Movements

Fact:

The sudden, uncontrolled movements, jerks are called dyskinesia. It is a side effect of certain medications prescribed for slowing down the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Myth:

Parkinson’s Is Genetic.

Fact:

The root cause of Parkinson’s disease is not known. However, doctors believe that it can be due to both genetic and external factors. In fact, it is seen in people with no family history of Parkinson’s.

Myth:

Parkinson’s Is Curable.

Fact:

Unfortunately, there is no medication till now that can cure Parkinson’s completely. Few medications help in slowing down its progression. In few cases, doctors recommend deep brain stimulation by placing electrodes, to regulate abnormal impulses in the brain.