In either case, this podcast episode is for you. In this episode Kelsey Phinney speaks with Dr. Aaron Haug, a neurologist specializing in Parkinson’s at Blue Sky Neurology in Colorado about:

The diagnostic process for Parkinson’s
The two most important parts of a Parkinson’s diagnosis
The difference between a Parkinson’s tremor and an essential tremor
The symptom differentiation between those diagnosed when they’re young (YOPD) and those diagnosed at older ages
How to reframe a Parkinson’s diagnoses and take control of your ability to live well with it
NOTES
The two most important parts of the diagnostic process in Parkinson’s are history and physical exam
The difference between a Parkinson’s tremor and an essential tremor is that a Parkinson’s tremor is a resting tremor. Meaning, even at rest, the hand will shake
Two-thirds of people with Parkinson’s have a resting tremor
Ten million people in the US have essential tremor
Rigidity in Parkinson’s is characterized by stiffness and inflexibility of the limbs, neck or trunk
The test that can help with assessing a Parkinson’s diagnosis is called a DaTscan
People who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s before age 50 (YOPD) tend to have more motor symptoms and not as many non-motor symptoms as those who receive the diagnosis later in life
Out of the one million people in the US who have Parkinson’s, 15% are believed to be the result of a genetic mutation
YOPD is more likely to be linked to a genetic cause than later onset Parkinson’s
The earlier you get a diagnosis, the earlier you can begin doing something about it such as working with a specialist who will prescribe medications that will help you and beginning an exercise program that can help you lessen your symptoms and improve your quality of life
It’s okay to grieve the loss of the expectations you had for your life, but it’s also very possible to live a long and full life