Parkinson’s disease patient plays clarinet during brain surgery
A woman with Parkinson’s disease played the clarinet while receiving deep brain stimulation to manage her symptoms.
Alan Greenspan, the influential economist who served five terms as chairman of the Federal Reserve, died on Monday at the age of 100 from complications from Parkinson’s disease.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder of the nervous system that worsens over time.
Here’s what else you need to know about the diagnosis:
Parkinson’s disease symptoms
According to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, symptoms generally develop slowly over several years and vary from person to person, but may include:
- trembling
- rigidity
- slow movement
- balance problem
- Non-exercise problems, such as depression or sleep problems
What causes Parkinson’s disease?
The cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, but the Mayo Clinic says several factors appear to be involved, including exposure to toxins, genetics, being male (because men are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than women), and age (the average age of onset is about 70 years).
It is unclear when Greenspan was diagnosed with the disease, but he was part of a small but growing number of people in the United States who live to be 100 years old.
Can Parkinson’s disease be treated?
There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but treatments include medications, lifestyle changes, and surgery, explains the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation.
The Mayo Clinic added that medications are often very effective at controlling symptoms.
“If medications no longer work, some people may undergo surgery,” the clinic said, adding that the care team may also recommend aerobic exercise, physical therapy focused on balance and stretching, and speech therapy.
