“It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” Yogi Berra.

[Espo]

As you probably know, PD (Parkinson's Disease) is a chronic, progressive, idiopathic neurodegenerative disease for which there is no cure. Which is doctor-speak for “a disease that kills more brain cells every day, but they don’t know what causes it, or how to slow it, stop it, or cure it.” Well, that’s about a 90% true statement: in perhaps 10% of PD cases the cause can be directly traced to particular life-style and/or environmental and/or genetic factors, but that still leaves 90% of us in the “idiopathic” (unknown cause) category. Parkinsonians are like snowflakes – no two are exactly alike. The rate of progression of the disease varies by patient, and it is not possible to accurately predict the likely course in an individual case. Furthermore, the nature of the “progression” is that, in addition to the initial symptoms becoming worse, other symptoms emerge as time passes. In the best case scenario, a person may enjoy many years of productive living; in the worst case scenario, a person may suffer serious problems such as failing memory, unintelligible speech, disabling bradykinesia, cachexia, dementia, invalidism, and death. Such cases are not common (most Parkinsonians die with PD, not from PD), but if you are familiar with journalist Mort Kondracke, that was the fate of his wife “Milly,” which he detailed in a 2001 book, and which was dramatized in a 2005 CBS TV movie. For those who would like to know if they are on the same path as Millie was, I defer to the wisdom of Yogi Berra, who is supposed to have said, “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” Indeed!

Chuck Esposito, Leader, Blairsville area Parkinson's Disease Support Group.

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How I wish I could have read this when first told I had PD. I was very frustrated that I could not find a dr. who could give me a "road map" of my furture. Thanks.

[jazzfan53]

I really like the simile you used -" Parkinsonians are like snowflakes – no two are exactly alike. "

So true.

[Susie01 in reply to jazzfan53]

No two are alike, but they are all beautiful!

[etterus]

All of what you have said is profoundly correct. It must make it very difficult for researchers and MD's to be specific with management. I'll bet there will be differentiation and typing within the near future... just like diabetes.

[moonswife]

May be Moonman is a progressive idiot; chronically degenerate (neurologically), for whom, (tragically) there is no cure. He sure does come up with some hoops for me to jump through, but then, I guess

I should count my blessings.........they're not flaming hoops.

[Susie01]

Etterus,

I think you are right. I have already seen articles and research talking about "juvinile onset PD" in reference to those of us who were under 50 or so at the onset of the disease. Another place I read under age 60 at diagnosis or onset.

I worked as a diabetes educator for several years. There are interesting cases there where there was "juvinile or type I" diabetes diagnosed in people who were 60-70 yrs. of age, my grandmother was one of them. Again, every case is different.

[Moderator_1 in reply to Susie01]

A little off topic but I noticed your career as diabetes educator Susie and thought you (and others) may find this report of interest, in particular the reference to Exendin and the links.

parkinsonsmovement.com/2011...

[Susie01]

Thank you for sharing this article. Most of the members of my family have developed diabetes, both type I&2. That was one reason I wanted to do diabetes education. I also had gestational diabetes, which they thought would stick around after delivery, but it did not.

For folks who have a diagnosis of type II diabetes and PD, it may have the potential to help both, and for me, the appetite supression would be a very good thing! I have gained about 15 lbs. since my diagnosis. I know some people loose weight, I am not one of them!