This week on Maine Calling, Southern Maine Aging on Aging CEO, Megan Walton, joined Jennifer Rooks in a powerful discussion on the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that leads to declining movement, memory and other bodily functions. 

Recent studies have found that 90,000 individuals per year are newly diagnosed. The vast majority of people are diagnosed in their 60’s and 70’s, and are often diagnosed a year or two after symptoms begin, confusing their symptoms as the “typical signs of aging.”

“If we know one thing, it’s that people are living so much longer than we ever did before,” said Walton. “And so the prevalence of these conditions, whether it’s Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, dementia has gone up tremendously. When someone receives a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, it really is a family diagnosis, it impacts the entire family. I just wanted people to know that Southern Maine Agency on Aging is here, and we have so many sources of support for family caregivers. So just as people are trying to navigate their options and understand what’s available: think of their local Agency on Aging.”

While the numbers of diagnoses are increasing, the discussion includes proactive ways to live with the disease. Experts and those living with Parkinson’s on the call stress the importance of building a team – your social network – by joining support groups, managing anxiety by seeking mental health supports, and finding a good physical therapist and creating a strong relationship with your care team.

To learn more and to hear from Megan, listen to the whole episode here: Parkinson’s Disease | Maine Public

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