Fox was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's disease in 1991.
Only 10% of patients develop the disease before the age of 40.
Stage I
- The symptoms occur on one side, usually in an extremity. During Stage I, the disease is primarily an inconvenience. The median duration of illness at Stage I is about 3 years.
Stage II
- The disease spreads and becomes generalized. The site of onset remains most severely affected. The median duration of illness at Stage II is about 6 years.
"In addition to tremor, rigidity and impaired mobility on the opposite side, during Stage II the posture may become mildly flexed with adduction of the limbs. Facial masking, monotonous and hypophonic speech, mild disturbance of gait, generalized slowness, decreased associated and spontaneous movement and easy fatigability usually begin to make an appearance. However, these signs are mild, and balance is still intact.''
Stage III
- In this stage, "disequilibrium with impairment of balance and of postural and righting reflexes'' occurs. The median duration of illness at Stage III is 7 years, but with wide variation.
Stage IV
- The patient begins to require help with everyday tasks such as walking, dressing, bathing and feeding. "The disease is fully developed, generalized and advanced.'' While other symptoms become worse, tremor may be less severe. The median duration of illness at Stage IV is 9 years with wide variation.
Stage V
- "The patient is severely disabled and confined to a wheelchair or bed unless aided.'' The median duration of illness at Stage V is 14 years.
The Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
Shame on Rush Limbaugh.![]()
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