BRUSHING UP ON PD

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How prevalent is Parkinson’s disease (PD)?

#2

most common neurodegenerative disorder in the U.S.

~1 MILLION

people in the U.S. have PD

90,000

new diagnoses per year

What symptoms are common in PD?*

Motor symptoms

  • Involuntary trembling/tremor or shaking of limbs
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Slowness starting and continuing movements
  • Postural changes
  • Writing in smaller handwriting
  • Soft or low voice
  • “Freezing” of gait or inability to move feet forward

Those with early-onset PD are especially prone to motor symptoms, and tend to develop them more rapidly after treatment is started.

Illustration of PD population

Up to 20% of people with PD experience symptoms before age 50.

Nonmotor symptoms

  • Emotional symptoms, including depression and anxiety
  • Physical symptoms such as vision problems and digestive disorders
  • “Parkinson’s pain,” including neuropathy
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Cognitive changes, including Parkinson’s dementia
  • Psychiatric issues, such as hallucinations or delusions

*Symptoms and experiences can vary from person to person. It is important that a physician confirm a PD diagnosis.

PD is a progressive disease

As PD progresses, the brain makes less dopamine, causing issues with coordination of movement and balance. The standard treatment is a levodopa-based medication, which replaces dopamine and often works well for several years.

OFF time
Illustration of OFF time

OFF time occurs when levodopa is no longer providing PD symptom benefit and motor and nonmotor PD symptoms reappear. At 5 years (post diagnosis), over 50% of patients experience OFF time.

Dyskinesia
Illustration of OFF dyskinesia

Dyskinesia refers to uncontrolled involuntary movements that occur when more or higher doses of levodopa are needed throughout the day. More than 30% of patients will experience dyskinesia after 2 years on levodopa, and close to 90% will experience dyskinesia at some point in their PD treatment journey.

Maximizing GOOD ON time is important as PD progresses

GOOD ON time occurs when a person with PD is not experiencing motor/nonmotor symptoms and is not bothered by dyskinesia. Find out more about OFF time and dyskinesia, and how addressing both is the answer to more GOOD ON time.

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