Number of Parkinson's patients to double in Manitoba by 2031

The number of Manitobans suffering from Parkinson's disease is expected to double in the next 16 years, says theParkinson Society Manitoba.

The number of patients suffering from the degenerative neurological disease will hit 12,000 people in the province and 163,700 across the country by 2031. The disease ischaracterized by a loss of dopamine in the brain;there is no known cause or cure.

The Parkinson Society used information from a national neurological study and extrapolated the data using other information from Winnipeg's MovementDisorder Clinic.

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"Depression and anxiety are far more debilitating than motor symptoms themselves. Many people who experience Parkinson's are young," saidTanis Newsham, a socialworker at the Movement Disorder Clinic.

Parkinson's diseasecosts society more than$120 million annually in medical bills and lost wages, according to the national neurological study. The study says the maincauses for the increase in Parkinson's patients is extended life expectancy and a better ability to diagnose the disease.

"Doubling is an alarming statistic for Manitobans given that current demand for Parkinson's programs and health-care services is already being stretched. 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," saidHowardKoks, Chief Executive Officer of Parkinson Society Manitoba.

'Sadness and loss of interest'

Steve Van Vlaenderen, 66,was diagnosed with the disease four and a half years ago.

"The purpose of my life disappeared in one single verdict and the words, 'there is no cure for Parkinson's disease.'The hardest thing was coping with the continuous feelings of sadness and loss of interest,"VanVlaenderen said.

The Parkinson Society has begun testing the effectiveness of a pilot project to help manage depression in Parkinson's patients.

"Well I think the secret is we have to bring awareness to it and we're starting that now with one pilot project in the area of anxiety and depression because there'll be a lot more people dealing with it," Koks said.

"There are people that have Parkinson's now that just won't reach out to us. One of the things we really want them to know is they don't have to do this alone. Reach out to the society, get involved even if it's just at the level at education materials because the best thing they can do is equip themselves."

Changing your thoughts

Linda Demeuleparticipated inthe Parkinson Society Manitoba's pilot project that used cognitive behavioural therapy to change thoughts and behaviours of Parkinson's patients.

Managingdaily chores is a lot more difficult, the simple things aren't as simple, which causes a buildingfrustration for Demeule,

"But today I feel more confident and empowered. Tools that you have available to you to increase, enhance your daily life really, to change it," Demeule said.

"There are different practical things like breathing exercises, muscle relaxation techniques that help deal with every day challenges," she added. "It's sort of looking at the glass half fullinstead of half empty. It changes your thoughts."

Winnipeg's Parkinson SuperWalk 2015 will take place Sept. 12 at the University of Manitoba. It will serve as a fundraiser to raise money for Parkinson's research. Similar fundraiserswill be held in Morden, Brandon and Gimli.

Find more information atthe Parkinson Society of Manitoba website.