Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition, which means it affects the brain and nervous system. It mainly impacts movement. Over time, people with Parkinson’s may develop shaking (tremors), stiffness in their muscles, slow movements, trouble walking, and problems with balance and coordination. The disease happens when certain brain cells called neurons become damaged or weakened. These cells help control movement, so when they stop working properly, symptoms begin to appear.
In the United States, nearly one million people are living with Parkinson’s disease. Each year, about 60,000 new cases are diagnosed. Researchers predict that by 2030, the number could rise to 1.2 million. The rate of Parkinson’s has increased over the past two decades, and death rates related to the disease have also gone up. Understanding why this is happening—and how to prevent it—is more important than ever .
Why Is Parkinson’s Disease Increasing?
The research highlights several key reasons why Parkinson’s disease is becoming more common in the United States.
One major factor is age. Parkinson’s is most often diagnosed in people aged 60 and older. The study also found that men are diagnosed about 1.5 times more often than women.
Genetics also plays a role. Genetics refers to the traits and conditions passed down through families. Certain genetic mutations, which are changes in DNA, can increase a person’s risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. However, not all cases are caused by genetics.
Environmental factors are another reason for the rise. If you are exposed to harmful chemicals or toxins you may have a higher risk. Head injuries have also been linked to Parkinson’s in some cases. Many experts believe that Parkinson’s often develops because of a mix of genetic and environmental factors working together.
The research also points out that early signs of Parkinson’s are often ignored. Healthcare professionals reported that fatigue, or extreme tiredness, is one of the most common early symptoms. Other early warning signs include loss of sense of smell, changes in movement, fixed facial expressions, sleep problems, and difficulty with coordination and balance. When these early symptoms are not recognized, diagnosis and treatment may be delayed. What this means for you is to not ignore early warning signs and bring any worrying symptoms to the attention of your health care provider.
Early Detection Matters
Parkinson’s disease should be treated as early as possible. Most healthcare professionals surveyed agreed that treatment in the early stage can help slow down the progression of the disease.
Progression means how fast a disease worsens over time. Parkinson’s is known to get worse gradually. Early diagnosis allows doctors to begin treatment sooner, which may help manage symptoms and slow changes in the brain.
The research also found that fatigue is a key symptom that should not be ignored, especially in adults over 40. Mood changes such as depression and cognitive decline, which means problems with thinking and memory, may also appear early.
Prevention Through Nutrition
The study highlights certain nutrients that may help protect the brain and reduce the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
Omega-3 fatty acids were strongly supported as being an important factor by healthcare professionals in the study. Omega-3 is a type of healthy fat found in foods like fish. It may help protect brain cells and reduce inflammation, which is swelling in the body that can damage tissues.
Vitamin D3 was also recommended. Vitamin D supports many body systems, including the brain. The research suggests it may help protect against progression of Parkinson’s disease. Vitamin D levels can be supported by getting plenty of sunshine and/or taking a Vitamin D supplement.
Green tea is considered another helpful option. Some healthcare professionals believe it may offer protective benefits because of its natural compounds.
However, the researchers recommend that supplements such as omega-3 and vitamin D3 should be taken under a doctor’s supervision.
The Role of Exercise in Slowing Parkinson’s
Exercise plays a powerful role in prevention and symptom control.
Healthcare professionals in the study recommended strength training, which is exercise that builds muscle strength. Stronger muscles can improve balance and stability.
Aerobic activity, such as walking or cycling, was also recommended. Aerobic exercise helps improve heart health and blood flow, which supports brain function.
Balance training and functional activities were highlighted as helpful in reducing falls and maintaining independence. Functional activities are exercises that help with everyday movements like standing up, walking, and reaching.
Brain exercise was also strongly supported. Brain exercises include activities that challenge thinking and memory. Support groups and yoga were suggested as additional helpful tools.
The study found that exercise and diet together can:
- Help control symptoms
- Slow disease progression
- Improve brain function
- Reduce medication interactions
Medications After Diagnosis of PD
The research identified several medications used to treat Parkinson’s symptoms. The most strongly recommended were Catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors which are given with levodopa. These medications help improve motor symptoms, which are movement-related symptoms like tremors and stiffness.
Other medications mentioned include MAO-B inhibitors, anticholinergic medications, adenosine A2A receptor antagonists, and amantadine. These medicines help manage symptoms but do not cure the disease.
The Bottom Line
Parkinson’s disease is increasing in the United States, largely due to an aging population, genetic risk factors, environmental exposure, and delayed recognition of early symptoms. The research shows that early diagnosis, proper nutrition, regular exercise, and appropriate medications can help slow the progression of the disease.
Most importantly, early warning signs such as fatigue, loss of smell, sleep changes, and balance problems should not be ignored. Seeking medical care early may make a meaningful difference.
Source
Boina R. Assessing the Increasing Rate of Parkinson’s Disease in the US and its Prevention Techniques. Int J Biotechnol Res Dev. 2022;3(1):1–18. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Roja-Boina/publication/363319922_ASSESSING_THE_INCREASING_RATE_OF_PARKINSONS_DISEASE_IN_THE_US_AND_ITS_PREVENTION_TECHNIQUES/links/6317abe21ddd4470213e5980/ASSESSING-THE-INCREASING-RATE-OF-PARKINSON-S-DISEASE-IN-THE-US-AND-ITS-PREVENTION-TECHNIQUES.pdf
