A California man diagnosed with Parkinson’s in his 40s said he initially wrote off his earliest symptoms.
Vikas Chinnan, of San Carlos, near San Francisco, said his early warning signs were stiff muscles and bizarre “vivid” dreams that made him feel like he was still awake.
The father of two initially dismissed the symptoms as a result of a viral infection he contracted in seventh grade that damaged his spine. But then he started having tremors in his right arm, forgetfulness, and started losing interest in activities he used to enjoy.
Doctors diagnosed him with Parkinson’s disease at a young age – which accounts for five percent of the 90,000 diagnoses of the disease made each year.
Diagnosing the disease before more serious symptoms – such as severe tremors and disability – means that a person can start treatment early, such as: B. physical activity to slow the progression of the disease.
Vikas Chinnan, from San Carlos, California, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the young age of 45. He revealed his early warning signs. He is above with mrs. Preeti in the picture
Mr. Chinnan is now on medication for the disease and has also taken up boxing to keep his movements going. He is pictured above with his wife Preeti and sons Bailey and Sammy
Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological disease in the world, affecting nearly one million Americans with the disease.
By the mid-1980s, approximately 60,000 people were diagnosed with the disease each year. But it is estimated that the number has now risen to 90,000 – an increase of 50 per cent in 40 years.
Earlier this month, Democratic Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, 54, announced that she has the disease and said it “sucks,” but she has no plans to retire at this point.
There are even rumors that Russian President Vladimir Putin (70) has Parkinson’s.
One of the most famous cases is that of the actor Michael J. Fox, who continued to act despite his diagnosis in 1991.
However, he had to reduce his roles as he had trouble remembering lines.
The disease is usually diagnosed around the age of 60, but about five percent of cases occur before a person turns 50.
What is Parkinson’s disease and what are the symptoms?
Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological disease in the world and there is currently no cure.
Men get sick twice as often as women.
There is also a genetic component. Those with a family history of the disease are at greater risk.
The disease is caused by the gradual death of brain cells that release dopamine, which is essential for muscle coordination and movement.
It is related to genetic factors such as a family history of the disease, as well as possible lifestyle factors such as exposure to pesticides and herbicides.
Scientists theorize that men are at greater risk because they have lower levels of the female sex hormone estrogen, which can protect against Parkinson’s by affecting how dopamine is used and made in the body.
They also suggest that the work makes them more likely to be exposed to herbicides and pesticides, which can cause Parkinson’s disease by damaging neurons in the brain that release dopamine.
It is not clear why men are at greater risk, but previous research has shown that it may be related to lower levels of the female sex hormone estrogen.
They may also be more exposed to environmental toxins such as pesticides and industrial chemicals.
It is caused by the accumulation of malformed proteins in brain cells, which can clump together and lead to cell death.
There is no cure for the disease, but doctors say with medication and targeted exercise, many patients can lead normal or near-normal lives.
Parkinson’s itself is not directly fatal, but it can lead to complications that can lead to death, such as movement disorders and increased depression and anxiety.
Mr Chinnan told TODAY: “I have been looking for an answer for so long and have really hit a wall with my physical therapy and the medications I have tried.
“I was just exhausted.”
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are associated with lower levels of dopamine in the body, the neurotransmitter essential for communication between various nerves and muscles.
When it is disrupted, characteristic symptoms such as muscle stiffness and tremors appear.
Scientists suspect that this is also related to why a person suffers from vivid dreams and forgetfulness, with the lack of dopamine-disrupting brain regions that control sleep and communication between brain cells.
When the stiff muscles first appeared, Mr. Chinnan started physical therapy to relieve his muscles.
He also tried muscle relaxants and Botox, which can block chemical signals from nerves that cause muscles to tighten.
Awareness of Parkinson’s symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and access to treatments that improve patients’ quality of life
Mr. Chinnan is above on an expedition with mrs. Preeti
But when he also suffered from apathy and cognitive impairment, leading to a diagnosis of depression, doctors said they were investigating whether he had Parkinson’s.
“That caused my doctors to say, ‘Let’s at least investigate Parkinson’s as a possibility,’ although they were skeptical given my age,” he said.
He underwent a series of tests to check his cognition before being diagnosed in 2022.
At this point, he also began taking naps for two to three hours a day, where he had “vivid” dreams that he believed were real.
His memory also began to fail, causing him to forget important life events such as the death of a friend’s father.
His family supported him after he revealed the devastating diagnosis. It also turned out that one of his cousins also had the disease.
‘I attacked it head on. I was open about it with my family,” he said.
“I had already gone to a therapist for the cognitive and emotional things I was dealing with.”
Doctors started meds and he also took Rock Steady Boxing – a form of non-contact sparring that can help control Parkinson’s symptoms.
He said that he still sometimes deals with depression and apathy.
His personality has also changed, he no longer enjoys activities he used to love.
“I find myself in situations where I no longer enjoy the things I used to enjoy,” he said.
“It was really nerve-racking. It annoys my wife because she didn’t know that side of me.
The diagnosis also prompted him to quit his job and advocate for people living with the condition.
He is now a board member for the Parkinson’s Foundation in Miami, Florida, where he advocates for more resources for people living with the disease.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
