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WINNIPEG — The number of Manitobans diagnosed with Parkinson’s is expected to double by 2031, further stretching already thin services for those suffering from the degenerative neurological disease, Parkinson Society Manitoba officials say.
As people live longer, the incidence of the disease that has most famously struck actor Michael J. Fox will rise rapidly, the society said, citing a recent Public Health Agency of Canada report. The number of Manitobans diagnose with Parkinson’s is predicted to pass 12,000 in the next 16 years.
“Doubling is an alarming statistic for Manitobans, given that current demand for Parkinson’s programs and health care services is already being stretched,” Howard Koks, CEO of Parkinson Society Manitoba, said in a news release. “A concerted effort to bring broader services to families living with Parkinson’s disease will have to be ramped up at unprecedented levels over the next several years.”
Information released ahead of the news conference also highlighted a pilot program in Manitoba designed to relieve depression and anxiety in Parkinson’s sufferers. The 10-week cognitive behavioural therapy program was designed to explore how thoughts affect mood and how mood can affect behaviour.
“I witnessed program participants make real change during the program,” said social worker Tanis Newsham.
The cause of Parkinson’s disease remains a mystery and there is no cure. Symptoms include tremors, slow movement, stiffness or rigidity of muscles, poor balance, difficulty walking and changes in voice volume and speech. It can also cause depression, loss of a sense of smell, sleep disturbances and cognitive changes. The average onset age is 60, but it can affect people as young as 30, as in the case of Fox.
“Younger people are being diagnosed more effectively,” said Koks. “In the past people might have not pieced together that people who are younger would have Parkinsons.”
Parkinson Society Manitoba will raise funds to help those suffering from the disease at the annual SuperWalk Sept. 12 at the University of Manitoba’s Max Bell Centre in Winnipeg. Walks will also take place in Brandon on Sept. 12, Morden on Sept. 19 and Gimli on Sept. 20.
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