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Head Injuries, Boxing Linked To Parkinson’s Disease

People who have suffered head injuries are four times more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease (also known as “PD”) than those who have never had head trauma, according to Mayo Clinic researchers. This finding might have far-ranging implications for sports such as boxing and football.

Head Injuries, Boxing Linked To Parkinson's Disease

The Mayo Clinic research team focused on boxing as they sifted for clues. They knew that boxers who have repeated head injuries often get Parkinson’s-like symptoms. The most famous connection is professional boxing legend Muhammad Ali, who now suffers from advanced Parkinson’s disease.

“Parkinson’s is devastating,” says Kay Mixson Jenkins, author of the new children’s book Who Is Pee Dee? “The good news is that because of research like this, people might be able better protect themselves from the devastating, chronic disease.”

Ms. Jenkins was diagnosed with PD when she was just thirty-four. She decided to write her book to help her children understand the disease. The story follows a young boy named Colt as he tries to deal with his mother’s chronic illness.

Parkinson’s disease affects up to 1.5 million people in the US. The illness typically develops in later life and often impairs motor skills, speech and other functions.

While the causes of PD are still unidentified, many researchers believe that head traumas can raise the chances of getting the disease and suggest avoiding such injuries by:

• Wearing a helmet when biking, riding a motorcycle, or playing sports like football, ice hockey, skiing or snowboarding.
• Wearing a seatbelt while in a car.
• Buckling your child into a safety seat.
• Preventing falls.

“Boxing and football remain dangerous sports that can have serious effects on the health of their players,” says Ms. Jenkins. “The government must enact safety regulations for these sports in order to protect athletes from injuries and traumas.”

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Regular Exposure To Agricultural Pesticides Might Increase The Risk Of Parkinson’s Disease

Regular exposure to agricultural pesticides might increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD), according to a study published in Archives of Neurology. More exposure to pesticides means a higher chance of the neurological illness, research reports.

“While the causes of PD are still not clear,” says Kay Mixson Jenkins, author of the new children’s book Who Is Pee Dee?, “hardcore chemicals used for treating crops can’t be that good for people in any event.”

Ms. Jenkins was diagnosed with Parkinson’s when she was just thirty-four. She decided to write her book to help her children understand this devastating disease. The story follows a young boy named Colt as he tries to deal with his mother’s chronic illness.

Based on National Parkinson Foundation estimations, almost 1.5 million Americans currently have PD. It’s the second-largest neurological disorder (after Alzheimer’s) in the United States.

The illness typically develops later in life and often impairs motor skills, speech and other functions.

Many scientists and researchers believe that environmental factors can be linked to the illness:

• Aberdeen University Medical School found that people exposed to high levels of pesticides were forty-one percent more likely to develop the condition compared to people who had never been exposed; those exposed to low levels were thirteen percent more likely.

• Environmental Health News reports that the rates of Parkinson’s disease appear higher among farmers and rural residents.

• A Danish cohort study found an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease in agricultural workers.

• Emory University reported growing evidence suggesting that exposure to pesticides increases the risk of Parkinson’s disease.

• Researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that people with Parkinson’s disease have significantly higher blood levels of a particular pesticide than healthy people.

“I hope studies and facts like these will help bring the government’s attention to the environmental problems our society faces today,” says Ms. Jenkins. “If we can simply protect our environment and be greener, who knows? Maybe the number of Parkinson’s cases will go down.”

In addition to writing Who Is Pee Dee?, Ms. Jenkins is a leader in a nationwide effort to raise awareness about PD. As the founder of Parkinson’s in the Park, an affiliated chapter of the National Parkinson Foundation, Ms. Jenkins has created an outreach program that encourages families and friends to participate in the treatment of PD patients.

Kay Mixson Jenkins is also the Georgia state co-coordinator for the Parkinson’s Action Network, leads the Effingham County Parkinson’s support group and was selected as a Parkinson’s patient advocate for UCB, Inc.

Who Is Pee Dee? Explaining Parkinson’s Disease to a Child by Kay Mixson Jenkins is available on Amazon.com.

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Researchers Say Exercises Can Reduce Parkinson’s Effects

Scientists from the Harvard School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh and University of Southern California discovered that exercise can slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease (known as “PD”).

The studies suggest that regular physical activity can help to reduce damage to neurons in the brain that causes Parkinson’s disease.

Researchers Say Exercises Can Reduce Parkinson's Effects

“Parkinson’s disease is an illness that affects muscle movement,” says Kay Mixson Jenkins, author of the new children’s book Who Is Pee Dee? “Anything that can help to maintain normal muscle tone and flexibility is extremely important.”

Ms. Jenkins was diagnosed with PD when she was just thirty-four. She decided to write her book to help her children understand the disease. The story follows a young boy named Colt as he tries to deal with his mother’s chronic illness.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects nearly 1.5 million Americans; approximately 50,000 are diagnosed with the disease every year.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Exercise has important benefits for everyone regardless of age or physical condition… When your condition threatens to immobilize you, exercise keeps you moving… To retain your mobility and function, use it or lose it.”

Exercises cannot stop Parkinson’s disease progression, but based on the study, regular physical activity can help PD patients to:

• minimize further cell damage.
• decrease loss of cognitive skills.
• increase muscle control and build muscle strength.
• improve balance and coordination.
• reduce depression.

“Unfortunately, there is no cure yet for Parkinson’s disease,” says Ms. Jenkins. “I believe that exercise can help to delay the progression of Parkinson’s and improve emotional well-being, which is very important for PD patients.”

Kay Mixson Jenkins is the Georgia state co-coordinator for the Parkinson’s Action Network, leads the Effingham County Parkinson’s support group and was selected as a Parkinson’s patient advocate for UCB, Inc.

Who Is Pee Dee? Explaining Parkinson’s Disease to a Child by Kay Mixson Jenkins is available on Amazon.com.

For more information, contact the author directly via kmj@ParkinsonsInThePark.org.

Via EPR Network
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