Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991 at the age of 29. Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative neurological disorder that affects the sufferer’s motor skills speech and other functions. The cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown but it is believed to be the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
The most noticeable symptom of Parkinson’s disease is a tremor or shaking in the hands. Other symptoms include rigidity or stiffness in the muscles; slowness of movement; and impaired balance and coordination. As the disease progresses the symptoms become more severe and can include dementia depression and difficulty swallowing.
There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms. These include medication physiotherapy and surgery.
Michael J. Fox has been very open about his battle with Parkinson’s disease and has used his platform to raise awareness and funds for research into the condition. In 1998 he founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research which is the largest private funder of Parkinson’s research in the world. To date the Foundation has awarded more than $800 million to fund breakthrough science that will one day lead to a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
What illness does Michael J.
Fox have?
Answer: Michael J.
Fox has Parkinson’s disease.
How did Michael J.
Fox receive his diagnosis?
Answer: Michael J.
Fox was diagnosed after noticing a twitch in his pinkie finger while shooting the film Doc Hollywood in 1991.
What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
Answer: Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can include muscle rigidity tremors changes in speech and writing and difficulty with balance and coordination.
How does Parkinson’s disease progress?
Answer: Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder meaning that symptoms typically worsen over time.
How is Parkinson’s disease treated?
Answer: There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease but there are treatments that can help to manage symptoms.
What is the most common treatment for Parkinson’s disease?
Answer: The most common treatment for Parkinson’s disease is levodopa a medication that helps to increase levels of the chemical dopamine in the brain.
What are the side effects of levodopa?
Answer: Side effects of levodopa can include nausea vomiting diarrhea and dizziness.
What are the other possible treatments for Parkinson’s disease?
Answer: Other possible treatments for Parkinson’s disease include deep brain stimulation and medication to manage symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
What is the life expectancy for someone with Parkinson’s disease?
Answer: The life expectancy for someone with Parkinson’s disease is about the same as the general population.
However the disease can cause complications that can shorten life expectancy.
What are the complications of Parkinson’s disease?
Answer: Complications of Parkinson’s disease can include falls pneumonia and difficulty swallowing.
Can Parkinson’s disease be prevented?
Answer: There is no known way to prevent Parkinson’s disease.
Is there a genetic component to Parkinson’s disease?
Answer: While there is no known genetic cause of Parkinson’s disease there is evidence that the disease may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
What environmental factors may contribute to Parkinson’s disease?
Answer: Environmental factors that may contribute to Parkinson’s disease include exposure to certain toxins such as pesticides.
What is the prognosis for someone with Parkinson’s disease?
Answer: The prognosis for someone with Parkinson’s disease depends on the individual but the disease typically progresses slowly and symptoms can be managed with treatment.
What research is being done to improve the treatment of Parkinson’s disease?
Answer: Research is being done to develop new and improved treatments for Parkinson’s disease including medications and surgical interventions.
