April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, so how much do you know about this progressive disease that affects 10 million people worldwide? Although there is no cure, and scientists don’t yet know the cause beyond that a combination of genetic and environmental factors are to blame, treatments can make a meaningful difference in the quality of life of those with Parkinson’s. Take our quiz on Parkinson’s disease and learn the facts for yourself.
1. While Parkinson’s itself is not fatal, the complications of the disease can be serious. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rated complications from Parkinson’s at what level of cause of death in the U.S.?
A. The fifth cause of death
B. The ninth cause of death
C. The 14th cause of death
D. The 18th cause of death
2. How many people are estimated to have Parkinson’s in the U.S.?
A. 1 million
B. 1.1 million
C. 11 million
D. 11.1 million
3. Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the dopamine-producing neurons in an area of the brain called the substantia nigra. Which of the following are common symptoms someone with Parkinson’s could experience?
A. Tremor
B. Slowness and lack of movement
C. Limb stiffness (rigidity)
D. Gait and balance problems
E. Trouble swallowing
F. All of the above
4. True or false? Those with Parkinson’s will only experience movement-related (“motor”) symptoms, but no symptoms unrelated to movement (“non-motor”).
5. Parkinson’s symptoms not related to movement, or “non-motor” symptoms, include which of the following?
A. Depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and/or lack of interest in life
B. Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting due to low blood pressure and/or hallucinations
C. Constipation
D. A variety of cognitive impairments, like trouble with focus, decision-making, or memory
E. Loss of sense of smell
F. All of the above
6. Which of the following are risk factors for developing Parkinson’s?
A. Being older than 60. Symptoms most often begin around age 60.
B. Being male. Parkinson’s occurs 1.5 times more often in men than women.
C. Have a close biological relative with the condition.
D. Have certain environmental exposures. Scientists believe contact with pesticides or long-term exposure to metals like manganese (often seen in welding) might raise risk.
E. All of the above
7. Which geographic location does NOT have a higher rate of Parkinson’s than other parts of the country?
A. Florida
B. Southern California
C. The Pacific Northwest
D. The Rust Belt
8. Which of the following is an early symptom of Parkinson’s disease, in addition to the common symptoms in questions 3 and 5 above?
A. A change in handwriting where your letter sizes are smaller and words are crowded together
B. Trouble moving or walking due to stiffness
C. A change in your voice, making it soft, hoarse, or low
D. Masked face, a serious or angry looking face
E. A stooping or hunching over posture
F. All of the above
9. Which of the following is NOT a method used to diagnose Parkinson’s?
A. A medical and neurological exam that looks at symptoms
B. The Parkinson’s Test
C. Tests like blood tests; brain imaging tests, like MRIs; and a DaTscan; all to rule out other health conditions and check for signs of Parkinson’s.
D. Genetic testing if Parkinson’s disease runs in your family.
10. Treatment helps manage symptoms to improve daily life, though treatment is personalized and may change over time. Which of the following are different treatment options?
A. Medications like Carbidopa–levodopa, dopamine agonists, and more
B. Therapies, like physical, occupational, and speech therapy
C. Surgery, like deep brain stimulation (DBS)
D. Supportive care, like eating healthy, getting physical exercise, and more
E. All of the above
11. Which of the following are symptoms that should prompt you to see a doctor?
A. New or deteriorating movement changes, especially on one side of your body, like tremors at rest, stiffness, or slower movements
B. Changes in balance or walking, shuffling steps, freezing, or falling frequently
C. Worsening non-movement symptoms, like constipation, sleep problems, depression, or loss of smell
D. Symptoms that affect your safety, like trouble swallowing, dizziness when standing, or falling
E. All of the above
Compiled by ERIKA ALDRICH / Information from Parkinson’s Foundation, MichaelJFox.org, and the Cleveland Clinic
ANSWERS
- C. The 14th cause of death
- B. 1.1 million
- F. All of the above
- False
- F. All of the above
- E. All of the above
- C. The Pacific Northwest
- F. All of the above
- B. The Parkinson’s Test
- E. All of the above
- All of the above