Parkinson’s Disease Edition
What is Parkinson’s disease? Is it hereditary? Can Parkinson’s be prevented? Is Parkinson’s connected to Bipolar mental illness? Do low vitamin B12 levels impact Parkinson’s disease? What are the stages of Parkinson’s disease? Does Medicare cover treatment for Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disease that normally develops over time. Symptoms may include tremors, limb rigidity and balance issues.
Parkinson’s affects about one million people in the United States and ten million worldwide. The main finding in brains of people with PD is loss of dopaminergic neurons - Parkinson.org
A “Fighter” for the Parkinson’s Cause
Muhammad Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 1984, three years after his retirement from boxing. He would survive the disease for another 32 years, amounting to almost half of his life.
Muhammad Ali passed away from complications of Parkinson’s on June 3, 2016 at the age of 74. - Parkinson’s News Today
Is Parkinson’s Hereditary - Can it be Prevented?
Parkinson's is rarely hereditary (passed from generation to generation). If a person tests positive for a certain gene mutation associated with Parkinson's — such as a mutation in LRRK2 or
GBA genes — their risk may increase, but they may still never develop Parkinson's.
No one really knows what CAUSES Parkson’s disease, but regular aerobic
exercise MAY reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s.
Some other research has shown that people who drink caffeine — which is found in coffee, tea and cola — get Parkinson's disease less often than those who don't drink it. However, it is still not known whether caffeine actually protects against getting Parkinson's, or is related in some other way.
B12 deficiencies, which are more common in people with Parkinson’s than the age-matched general population, are associated with weakness, tiredness, numbness,
tingling and walking difficulties – symptoms that are found in Parkinson’s disease.
What is the Bipolar Connection to Parkinson’s Disease?
While there is no DIRECT connection between Bipolar Disorder and Parkinson’s there are factors to be considered.
Those with Bipolar Disorder are 3x more likely to develop Parkinson’s than the general population.
Certain medications used to treat bipolar disorder — such as lithium, antipsychotic medications, and antiepileptic medications — could be associated with drug-induced parkinsonism, which cannot be effectively distinguished from Parkinson’s disease in the clinic.
Does Medicare Cover Parkinson’s Treatment
Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care including surgery, onsite medications, therapeutic treatment and surgery.
If you have Medicare supplement plan G your per admission hospital deductible is paid for by your plan.
Medicare Part B includes outpatient diagnosis and treatment by a general practitioner or specialist. This includes (but is not limited to) screenings, diagnostic testing, DME, PT, speech therapy and psychological counseling.
While coverage is extensive, Medicare does not cover everything. Non-medical custodial care for ADL’s, long term care and 24 hour nursing is not covered. Also, walk-in tubs and stair lifts are out of pocket costs.
Parkinson’s disease is a condition that leads to declining cognitive and motor functioning over time. Medicare covers a wide range of treatments and medications that can be used to combat the symptoms of this condition and improve your quality of life.
Medicare Preventive Services
I have a relative that has battled with Bipolar Disorder for years. Recently it has progressed into Parkinson’s. Or perhaps just a coincidence.
Regardless, the Parkinson’s was diagnosed about a year ago. The progression and deterioration has been rapid.
It is very difficult to see him in his current state. He has been healthy most of his life until recently.
There are other Bipolar family members so I have more than a passing interest in this issue.
Not all Parkison’s patients are Bipolar, but the connection is something to note.
Please pass this along to friends and relatives who are impacted by either illness.
Take care,
Bob
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