Just the facts, ma'am

If you are old enough to recognize the headline of this entry, you may have to face parkinson's at some point in what is left of your future. I ignore the facts and instead, I concentrate on the anti-facts, projecting that I will improve over time as treatments change. As Einstein said, "If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts". The current facts don't fit my theory but I can't decide which of the facts to change. They all seem so absolute.

Here are some facts about PD in Canada. Will you be one of the unfortunate over 65'ers?

About Parkinson’s disease in Canada

• More than 100,000 Canadians are estimated to have Parkinson’s disease.
• This number is underestimated as there is no national population-based study on PD.
• Due to the aging baby boomer population, this number is expected to rise dramatically. The population aged 65 and over is predicted to rise over 30 years from 11.6% to 23.6%.
• Those diagnosed with Parkinson’s under the age of 40 are referred to as “Young Onset.”
• The average age of diagnosis is 60 years.
• The majority of those diagnosed are over the age of 65.
• Parkinson’s disease is not a normal part of aging ; but the incidence increases with age.
• Direct costs for Parkinson’s disease (hospital and physician care and drugs) total $86.8 million.

More facts next entry.

In the meantime, ponder the words of Mark Twain, "Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please."