\n<\/p>\n
Parkinson’s disease is mostly seen in older adults, typically starting in their early to mid-60s. However, some people experience symptoms much earlier, even before age 50.<\/p>\n
Rebecca King Crews, wife of former NFL linebacker Terry Crews, recently shared her 10-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. She first noticed symptoms in 2012 and received her official diagnosis in 2015. Speaking on the “Today” show on Monday, she opened up about her experience and discussed how a new medical procedure has helped her manage her symptoms.<\/p>\n
Initially, King Crews felt a slight numbness in her left foot. Her trainer noted that her arm didn’t swing as she walked. One morning, she woke up to find her hand shaking, which reminded her of her grandmother who also had tremors. When she visited a doctor, her symptoms were dismissed as anxiety.<\/p>\n
As a breast cancer survivor, King Crews consulted several doctors before being correctly diagnosed with Parkinson’s. It\u2019s rare for someone under 50 to have Parkinson’s; only about 2% of cases are diagnosed before age 40. In fact, around 4% of all Parkinson’s cases occur before the age of 50, and the risk increases with age.<\/p>\n
Currently, about 1.1 million Americans live with Parkinson’s, a number that is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030. Symptoms usually develop gradually and may include tremors, muscle stiffness, slow movement, and balance issues. <\/p>\n
Dr. Zachary Jordan, a neurologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, pointed out that young-onset Parkinson’s patients often face unique challenges. They may experience muscle contractions, known as dystonia, and involuntary movements, but commonly report fewer dementia-related symptoms and retain cognitive abilities longer.<\/p>\n
Dr. Joel Salinas, a behavioral neurologist, explained that Parkinson’s often starts with subtle signs like changes in handwriting, a reduced sense of smell, sleep troubles, or a softer voice. Because these early symptoms can be varied, the disease is often misdiagnosed early on.<\/p>\n
While the exact cause of Parkinson’s is still unknown, some studies suggest that young-onset cases could be somewhat linked to genetics or environmental factors such as pesticides. <\/p>\n
There is currently no guaranteed way to prevent Parkinson’s, but regular exercise may help slow down its progression. Several treatments are available, including a new FDA-approved therapy that King Crews has tried, called bilateral-focused ultrasound. This non-invasive procedure directs ultrasound waves to specific brain areas related to Parkinson’s symptoms, offering hope to those struggling with the disease.<\/p>\n
Even though this treatment isn\u2019t a cure, it represents progress in managing Parkinson’s. The procedure is costly and may not always be covered by insurance, so experts encourage patients to discuss options with a specialist.<\/p>\n
With continuous research into new therapies for Parkinson’s, there is a growing sense of optimism. As Dr. Salinas advised, “Don’t suffer in silence \u2013 consult a specialist and stay informed, as advancements are happening rapidly.”<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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