Rebecca King Crews, wife of former NFL linebacker Terry Crews, revealed on the “Today” show that she has been living with Parkinson’s disease for over a decade. She first noticed symptoms in 2012, including numbness in her left foot and hand tremors, but was initially misdiagnosed with anxiety. After multiple consultations, she was officially diagnosed in 2015. King Crews, who is also a breast cancer survivor, has since undergone a new FDA-approved treatment called bilateral-focused ultrasound, which targets brain areas affected by Parkinson’s symptoms. The Parkinson’s Foundation indicates that around 4% of Parkinson’s cases are diagnosed before age 50, with an estimated 1.1 million Americans currently living with the disease.
Why It Matters
Parkinson’s disease primarily affects older adults, with symptoms generally developing slowly over time, including tremors and balance issues. Early-onset Parkinson’s, affecting those under 50, represents a small percentage of cases and is often misdiagnosed. The recent approval of non-invasive treatments such as bilateral-focused ultrasound marks a significant advancement in managing Parkinson’s symptoms. The increase in diagnosed cases underscores the importance of awareness and accurate diagnosis, as symptoms can vary widely and may include non-motor signs, leading to delayed treatment.
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