You don't die from Parkinson's

I'm linked to a lot of sources that feed me articles on the internet having anything and everything to do with Parkinson's.  This allows me to follow much of the latest research as its happening.  Along with the scientific articles though come mainstream media reports on people with Parkinson's and the people taking care of them.  You get the occasional heart warming story, but many times what's reported is wrong or, at least, I hope it is.  

Everything I understand about this disease boils down to this one truth I've held on to:  

You don't die from Parkinson's you die with Parkinson's. 

So why does this have me riled up today?  I'm tired of reading articles from people assuming the worst.  Radaronline wrote an article on how bad off Michael J Fox looked recently.  Their article commented on his need for help getting into a car, slurred speech, speculation on the probability of his need for a wheelchair in the near future along with developing dementia.  Anyone that did five minutes worth of research would realize how inflammatory this reporting is. Two other articles reporting the same sighting of Mr. Fox comment on how good he looks and don't wildly speculate on his medical future.

To make matters worse, their article continues by comparing him to Robin Williams and his tragic suicide.  Are they suggesting Mr. Fox is on the same path?  Again, if they would have taken a minute they would have realized Mr. Williams actually had Lewy-body dementia which is a much harsher disease.  Mr. Williams was clearly depressed and distraught and the comparison to Mr. Fox was not only unjust but harmful for people that are not well informed about these diseases.  But headlines sell papers so I guess it doesn't matter if it's true or not.  It's easy to look up, Parkinson's is a boutique disease. Everyone is on their own path. What symptoms I get can be vastly different in type, severity and speed of decline from the next person. 

Maybe I'm naive or maybe just misinformed.  You see, I'm the eternal optimist.  I rarely see the bad side in situations and always figure there is some way I'll pull through. This may not be the best way to view life but it has managed me well these 51 years and I think keeps me happier than the alternative.  I wouldn't say I have my head in the sand, quite the contrary, I'm wide eyed and ready for that next big breakthrough.
It got me wondering, though, why do so many people say a person 'succumbed to Parkinson's' or more plainly 'died from Parkinson's'?  So I started digging.
The center for disease control lists Parkinson's Disease as the 14th leading cause of death. But how could this be if you don't die from Parkinson's?  The answer, unfortunately, is semantics.  Parkinsons's affects so many different areas of the body you knew one of them would have to sneak up on you.  Top two you ask? 

• Pneumonia 
• Hitting your head in a fall.

Pneumonia with Parkinson's people is caused by improper swallowing or dysphagia.  Food particles end up in the lungs which can lead to the development of aspiration pneumonia.  Parkinson's induced balance problems are the leading cause of falls.
To get ahead of the curve, I set up an appointment with a speech pathologist.  They will look for the tell-tale signs of problems swallowing with Parkinson's and with therapy, delay or even eliminate the possibility of dysphagia.  As far as falls go, short of wearing a helmet, I'm going to have to do more research.  I do know the first thing that jumps out is getting rid of throw rugs. Also, exercise and vitamin D to strengthen those bones.

Next up:  My visit to the Speech pathologist

Good information on PD-related falls here and here
Excellent study on both speech and swallowing problems in PD here