As many as one million people are living with Parkinson’s disease in the United States right now. Over 60,000 are diagnosed each year. That is more than the combined numbers of multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and ALS.  Beyond that there are many as yet undiagnosed patients, as many people have the disease for years before detection. Although Parkinson’s does affect predominately older individuals, about 4 percent are diagnosed before the age of 50. The most well known of these is Michael J. Fox, who has become the face of Parkinson’s for many people. He has turned his affliction into advocacy for the many who share his disease. We are not sure exactly why people get Parkinson’s although there are a number of reasons floating around out there. In Ray’s case, as in many of the other people in our area, we feel that exposure to pesticides and herbicides contributed to it.  Then there are the people like Mohammed Ali and also lately, many of our professional football players who probably have gotten it from frequent blows to the head. In a small number of people there appears to be a family trait that is being passed down. There is much study going on to try to isolate the causes and to try and find a cure for this terrible disease of the brain. It is important for us to support ongoing research, and there are many exciting new developments in the field of treatment of symptoms. In response to the many in our community who struggle with Parkinson’s disease, we have created a support group to try to help both the patient and their caregivers to understand better what has been done and to provide hope and support for all their family. If you or someone you know is afflicted by Parkinson’s I would urge you to visit one of our meetings and become acquainted with those who are walking the same path in life. We meet the fourth Tuesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. in the Albert Lea Senior Center.  Please feel free to call me at 874-3367 for more detailed information, and if you would like to donate to help with the cure, you may contact either the American Parkinson’s Disease Association at www.apda.org or the National Parkinson’s Disease of Minnesota at www.parkinsons.org.  Every  little bit helps.

 

Anne Troska, Facilitator

Southern Minnesota Parkinson’s Support Group

Alden