Though this may change with time, our hope is that new therapies and treatments will soon be discovered to extend and continue to improve the quality of life for patients with Parkinson's disease far into the future.
It is also important that family members and patients are realistic in their treatment expectations (Kindracke, 2001). Parkinson's is a progressive disease that some find crippling and debilitating as life goes on. Many patients grow to resent their bodies for "betraying them" as time goes on (Kindracke, 2001). Again however, the best steps a patient and family member can take to conquer this disease are to live life to the fullest each and every day they are able to.
Conclusions
It is never easy for a patient to be diagnosed with a progressive disease. Parkinson's for many may result in a crippling and life threatening condition. Fortunately patients with a progressive illness, even one as seemingly insidious as Parkinson's may expect to lead a reasonable quality of life in many circumstances. Seeking out treatment early on will help minimize the impacts of the disease...
When it comes to Parkinson's, as with any other chronic disease, regardless of the negative effects there is always hope. As long as researchers continue to explore new avenues for treatment patients will always have the hope that there will one day be a cure for this mysterious disease. As my father will tell you, hope is everything.
References
Gao, H.M, Hong, J. & Liu, B. (2003). "Parkinson's Disease and exposure to infectious agents and pesticides and the occurrence of brain injuries: role of neuroinflammation." Environmental Health Perspectives, 111(8): 1065
Henkel, J. (1998 - July). "Parkinson's disease: New treatments slow onslaught of symptoms." FDA Consumer, 32(4): 13.
Kondracke, M. (2001). Saving Milly: Love, politics and Parkinson's disease. New York:
Public Affairs.
PDS. (2005). "What is Parkinson's" Parkinson's Disease Society. 24, Sept 2005:
http://www.parkinsons.org.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=91826
Parkinson's
