Resumen
What is Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition that affects the brain and makes it harder for the body to control movement. Over time, symptoms can gradually worsen.
PD occurs when certain brain cells become damaged or stop working properly. As a result, people may experience:
- Difficulty with movement and balance
- Shaking in the hands or fingers (tremors)
- Muscle stiffness
As the condition progresses, everyday activities—such as walking, talking or completing daily tasks—may become more challenging.
How common is Parkinson’s disease?
In most people with Parkinson’s disease, the exact cause is unknown. Some cases are inherited and linked to specific genetic variations, but most experts believe PD develops due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The term exposome refers to the environmental and lifestyle exposures a person experiences over their lifetime.
Several factors are associated with a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease:
- Age: Symptoms most often begin in a person’s early to mid-60s. A small percentage of people develop early-onset Parkinson’s disease before age 50.
- Biological sex: Parkinson’s disease affects more men than women.
- Family history: Having close relatives with Parkinson’s disease increases risk, possibly due to shared genes or environments.
- Environmental exposure: Long-term exposure to certain pesticides or pollutants—such as through farming or landscaping—may increase risk.
- Other factors: Additional influences may include other health conditions, gut health, sleep and stress.
Questions about your therapy?
Call our 24-hour Customer Service Center at 877-315-6140
If you’re calling about a specific medication, you can also use the dedicated phone numbers below:
| Fármaco | Accredo Toll-Free |
|---|---|
| Apokyn® | 800-803-2523 |
| Duopa™ | 877-315-6140 |
| NOURIANZ® | 800-803-2523 |
| NUPLAZID® | 855-315-3590 |
| VYALEV™ | 877-315-6140 |
Síntomas
What are the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson’s disease affects people differently, including when symptoms begin and how quickly they progress. Symptoms often start on one side of the body but usually affect both sides over time.
Common symptoms include:
- Tremors (shaking) - Often begin in the hand, though the foot or jaw may be affected first. Tremors typically occur at rest and may decrease with purposeful movement or during sleep. Not everyone with Parkinson’s disease develops tremors.
- Rigidity (muscle stiffness) - Muscles may stay tight and stiff, causing discomfort and difficulty moving. This stiffness can feel like steady resistance or short, jerky movements when the muscle is moved.
- Bradykinesia (slowed movement) - Everyday actions such as dressing or washing may take longer than before. Facial expressions may become less noticeable, sometimes called “masked face.”
- Postural instability - Balance problems and posture changes may increase the risk of falls.
People with Parkinson’s disease may also develop changes in walking, including stooping forward, taking small shuffling steps or feeling as though their feet are “frozen” when trying to move.
Other possible symptoms may include:
- Mental and emotional health changes
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Speech changes
- Urinary or digestive issues
- Skin problems
- Sleep issues
- Cognitive changes, including dementia
- Dizziness when standing (orthostatic hypotension)
- Muscle cramps or involuntary movements (dystonia)
- Dolor
- Fatigue or low energy
- Sexual health concerns
How is Parkinson's Disease diagnosed?
There is no single test that can definitively diagnose Parkinson’s disease. Doctors typically rely on:
- A review of medical history and a neurological exam
- Blood or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions and evaluate biomarkers
- Imaging tests, such as MRI or SPECT scans, to exclude other disorders
Some specialized tests may help support a diagnosis, but they cannot distinguish Parkinson’s disease from similar neurological conditions. Genetic testing may be recommended in certain cases, especially when there is a family history. A genetic counselor can help explain test results.
Medicamentos
The following specialty medications may be available through Accredo for Parkinson’s disease treatment:
Medication availability may vary by patient and health plan.
Financiación de su atención
Financial assistance programs may be available to help with medication costs. Accredo specialists can help you explore options that may work for your specific situation.
Recursos económicos comunitarios
| Organización | Sitio web | Teléfono |
|---|---|---|
| The Assistance Fund™ (TAF) | https://tafcares.org/ | 855-845-3663 |
| Patient Access Network Foundation™ (PAN) | https://www.panfoundation.org/ | 866-316-7263 |
| HealthWell Foundation® | https://www.healthwellfoundation.org/ | 800-675-8416 |
Orientación financiera
Encuentre apoyo
These organizations offer education, research and advocacy for people living with Parkinson’s disease:
| Organización | Sitio web |
|---|---|
| The Michael J. Fox Foundation | https://www.michaeljfox.org/ |
| American Parkinson Disease Association | https://www.apdaparkinson.org/ |
| Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s | https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/ |
Conozca al equipo
Get support from your Accredo care team. Accredo’s specialty-trained clinicians are here to support you throughout your treatment journey, with 24/7 availability to answer questions and help coordinate your care. Call our Customer Service Center at 877-315-6140 anytime, day or night.
Por qué lo hacemos
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Referencias
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Parkinson’s Disease: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/parkinsons-disease