Documented as early as the 12th Century B.C. in Ancient Egypt, ParkinsonB次元官网网址檚 disease (PD) was first extensively medically described in 1817 by English surgeon James Parkinson.

More than two centuries later, this progressive neurological disorder of the brain now affects more than 17,500 people in British Columbia and about 100,000 people across Canada.

As April marks ParkinsonB次元官网网址檚 Awareness Month internationally, this time of the year presents a chance to educate the public about this incurable disease, which is projected to double globally by 2040.

ParkinsonB次元官网网址檚 disease and its symptoms

ParkinsonB次元官网网址檚 occurs when dopamine-producing cells in the brain deteriorate. Dopamine, an important neurotransmitter for nervous system functions, is responsible for regulating movements and emotions. The exact cause for the death of these cells remains unclear.

Individuals diagnosed with PD might exhibit common motor symptoms including tremors (shaking), slowness of movement, muscle stiffness, and impaired balance. Other less visible and non-motor symptoms frequently observed are fatigue, speaking difficulties, sleep disorders, and cognitive changes among other things. Some have also reported losing their sense of smell.

Despite the common symptoms associated with ParkinsonB次元官网网址檚 disease, each individualB次元官网网址檚 experience varies greatly, with unique symptoms and requirements.

Researchers believe that ParkinsonB次元官网网址檚 is likely caused by genetic and environmental factors. However, thereB次元官网网址檚 still no clear understanding of what triggers the onset of the neurodegenerative disorder.

Commonly associated with older age, this progressive brain disease typically sees an increased risk of diagnosis as people grow older, with the average age being around 60. However, onset can occur as early as 40.

The risk of developing PD is twice as high in men than women but is known to progress faster and be more lethal to female patients.

Living with ParkinsonB次元官网网址檚

Ross Lane, a retired industrial electrician living in Courtenay, was diagnosed last year with the neurodegenerative condition at 76 years old.

Feeling increasingly tired, Lane first met with a sleep doctor who diagnosed him with sleep apnea. After visiting a clinic in Nanaimo, he was given a machine to help him sleep, but after a few months, his condition didnB次元官网网址檛 seem to improve.

B次元官网网址淚 (went back to my doctor) and by that time I had clear symptoms,B次元官网网址� Lane said. B次元官网网址淲hen I would reach for something, my hand would move very slowly. When I was writing, (everything) would get very tiny. After seeing this, my doctor said B次元官网网址楾hat doesnB次元官网网址檛 sound like a sleep problem, it sounds like ParkinsonB次元官网网址檚.B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址�

Struggling with various motor and non-motor symptoms, Lane said that some are more apparent than others.

B次元官网网址淲hen I walk, I stagger around like IB次元官网网址檓 drunk, but I havenB次元官网网址檛 had a drink in years,B次元官网网址� Lane said.

When asked how it was to live with ParkinsonB次元官网网址檚 disease, the man explained it was as if somehow, his B次元官网网址渕uscles forgot how to do stuff (heB次元官网网址檚) been doing forever.B次元官网网址�

Despite living independently, Lane finds that lifeB次元官网网址檚 most basic tasks often pose serious challenges daily.

B次元官网网址淣ormally, you wouldnB次元官网网址檛 really even think about dressing up because you would just whip your pants on or whatever,B次元官网网址� said Lane. B次元官网网址淏ut when you have ParkinsonB次元官网网址檚, you have much less mobility so I really struggle. ThatB次元官网网址檚 one of the reasons I went back to coveralls.B次元官网网址�

Some things that many might consider trivial, like flipping pancakes or cleaning oneB次元官网网址檚 home, take considerably more time and energy for Lane to accomplish.

Regardless of these physical limitations, the retiree mentioned that one of the most debilitating parts of ParkinsonB次元官网网址檚 is the isolating nature of this disease. After surrendering his driverB次元官网网址檚 licence for fear of causing an accident, Lane now feels trapped within the confine of his apartment.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 kind of lonely because I donB次元官网网址檛 have anybody to talk to about it,B次元官网网址� said Lane. B次元官网网址淓ven though IB次元官网网址檓 in a support group, we only meet once a month. I canB次元官网网址檛 walk as far or as quickly as before.B次元官网网址�

This loneliness is made worse by a lack of prognosis.

B次元官网网址淭he medical profession will not give me a prognosis and canB次元官网网址檛 tell me how quickly my disease is going to progress or (when IB次元官网网址檓 going) to be dead,B次元官网网址� Lane said. B次元官网网址淚 feel a little abandoned.B次元官网网址�

Comox Valley resident Bev White shares a similar story to Lane.

In 2022, at age 75, she was diagnosed with PD after her partner, Paul Atterton, asked their doctor to take a closer look at WhiteB次元官网网址檚 gait.

In the following month, the woman was diagnosed with ParkinsonB次元官网网址檚 disease and Lewy body dementia - which is commonly associated with ParkinsonB次元官网网址檚 and AlzheimerB次元官网网址檚.

B次元官网网址淚 think there were early signs if you knew that you were looking for. I think a lot of people donB次元官网网址檛 know (about PDB次元官网网址檚 symptoms,)B次元官网网址� said White. B次元官网网址淚 was trying to learn how to play bridge because itB次元官网网址檚 supposed to be good for your brain, but for the life of me, I couldnB次元官网网址檛 (learn) anything beyond the very basics.B次元官网网址�

After sharing his life for the last three decades with White, Atterton has seen the state of his partner decline drastically over the past 12 months.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 been two years now and thereB次元官网网址檚 been a dramatic change, especially on the cognitive side,B次元官网网址� Atterton said. B次元官网网址�(Her symptoms have just) exaggerated over time. The length of the awake day is shortened. Her shuffling is getting more (evident). ThereB次元官网网址檚 a lot of muscle stiffness, shortness of steps, loss of speech and overall confusion.B次元官网网址�

Atterton describes every morning as a B次元官网网址渂usiness meeting,B次元官网网址� during which both review the dayB次元官网网址檚 schedule, ensuring they stay within a 24-hour time cycle to avoid further confusion on WhiteB次元官网网址檚 part.

Considering herself lucky to be sharing life with her loved one, White recognized the chance she had to have a supportive partner.

B次元官网网址�(Paul) is a rascal!B次元官网网址� White said laughing. B次元官网网址淏ut heB次元官网网址檚 been absolutely amazing and incredibly patient in the last couple of years as weB次元官网网址檝e gone through all this.

B次元官网网址淗e makes me breakfast, lunch and dinner, and washes the dishes. HeB次元官网网址檚 been very supportive and very patient. I canB次元官网网址檛 imagine where I would be without him.B次元官网网址�

Yet, underneath this unwavering support, the couple is increasingly feeling the ever-growing weight of this disease. Having to give up his own hobbies and social life, Atterton is now fully dedicated to White.

B次元官网网址淚 donB次元官网网址檛 say that selfishly or begrudgingly, but weB次元官网网址檙e not getting the support we need and IB次元官网网址檓 basically BevB次元官网网址檚 24/7 health care system,B次元官网网址� Atterton said. B次元官网网址淪he is not able to live by herself. If I wasnB次元官网网址檛 here, sheB次元官网网址檇 be in the hospital today. Bev canB次元官网网址檛 manage simple things like putting out her medication, knowing what time of day it is or even what house sheB次元官网网址檚 living in.B次元官网网址�

The hardest thing for Atterton is to witness the disappearance of his lover, day by day, and watch Bev slowly become a shadow of her former self.

B次元官网网址�(Everyday is just) like fixing a puzzle,B次元官网网址� Atterton said. B次元官网网址淚 had Bev as a 1,000-piece puzzle and now sheB次元官网网址檚 400 pieces of it. ItB次元官网网址檚 changing dramatically every day more so in the last two months than it was in the last year.B次元官网网址�

Despite what the disease brings, White, Atterton, and Lane want to spread awareness about this progressive brain disorder.

B次元官网网址淧eople seem to be afraid to even ask me whatB次元官网网址檚 going on, but IB次元官网网址檓 not embarrassed by (my condition,)B次元官网网址� Lane said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 just the disease that I happen to have and IB次元官网网址檓 happy to talk about it. I donB次元官网网址檛 know if people are not curious or theyB次元官网网址檙e scared to ask me questions, but I would say ask me about it if youB次元官网网址檙e interested!B次元官网网址�

For more information about ParkinsonB次元官网网址檚 disease and to learn more about services and resources available in B.C., visit .

NEWSLETTER: