Boston Scientific
Düsseldorf (ots)
April 11th is World Parkinson’s Day. Between seven and ten million people are affected worldwide. In Germany alone, 400,000 people live with Parkinson’s. Nevertheless, there are numerous misconceptions about living with the disease:
1. Parkinson’s “only” affects the musculoskeletal system
The most well-known symptoms are movement disorders and tremors. In addition, however, there are a number of non-motor symptoms, such as sleep disorders or impairment of cognitive abilities.
2. People with Parkinson’s can no longer work
Parkinson’s is a progressive disease, but the pace of development is usually slow. Therefore, many sufferers can continue to work with the right treatment.
3. If you have Parkinson’s, you can no longer do sports
In fact, an active lifestyle and exercise can preserve motor function. A study[1] from 2023 shows that aerobic exercise resulted in improved functional connectivity and cognitive control over brain regions. Sport also counteracted general brain atrophy.
4. People with Parkinson’s can no longer drive
Due to the progression of the disease, some people with Parkinson’s must eventually give up driving. However, with adaptive equipment, treatment, and regular testing, many sufferers can continue to drive in most countries.
5. Drugs are the only effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease
There is still no cure, but various established treatments can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. In addition to medication, these include exercise therapies or minimally invasive procedures in the brain, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS). Electrodes are implanted in the brain, which are controlled by a small medical device. This so-called stimulator is permanently implanted in the chest and sends impulses to the brain where specific areas are stimulated to minimize symptoms.
Further information about Parkinson’s and treatment methods as well as a search mask for DBS centers at:
[1] Ernst, Moritz and Folkerts, Ann-Kristin and Gollan, Romina and Lieker, Emma and Caro-Valenzuela, Julia and Adams, Anne and Cryns, Nora and Monsef, Ina and Dresen, Antje and Roheger, Mandy and Eggers, Carsten and Skoetz, Nicole and Kalbe, Elke. Physical exercise for people with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2023
Press contact:
Rainer Puster
Media Relations, Europe
+491754347057
[email protected]
Original content from: Boston Scientific, transmitted by news aktuell