Brett Favre Reveals Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis

More than a decade after retiring from football, legendary quarterback Brett Favre has announced he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Favre revealed this news during a congressional hearing on Tuesday.

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, there are nearly 90,000 new cases of Parkinson’s diagnosed each year in the United States.

Here’s what we know about Parkinson’s disease:

* **What is Parkinson’s?** Parkinson’s is a neurological disorder that impacts movement control. It usually begins with tremors and progresses to include slow movement, a shuffling gait, stiff limbs, balance problems, and slurred speech.
* **Prevalence:** An estimated 1 million Americans and 10 million people worldwide live with Parkinson’s. The disease typically emerges after age 60, but can sometimes develop earlier.
* **Causes:** The exact cause of Parkinson’s is unknown. It develops when cells responsible for producing dopamine, a brain chemical messenger crucial for movement, begin to deteriorate and die.
* **Risk Factors:** Experts believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors contribute to Parkinson’s. Genetics account for 10-15% of cases, with dozens of gene mutations linked to the disease. Other suspected risk factors include head injuries, exposure to pesticides and herbicides, and even geographic location. Favre, who played in the NFL for two decades, speculated on a radio show in 2022 that he may have experienced “thousands” of concussions during his career.
* **Treatment:** There is no cure for Parkinson’s, but treatments are available. These include medications to influence dopamine levels and a surgically implanted device to block tremors. Physical and occupational therapy can also be beneficial.
* **Progression:** Symptoms worsen over time, often at a slow pace. The severity and progression of symptoms vary greatly between individuals. In advanced stages, people may become unable to walk or care for themselves. Depression, memory issues, and thinking problems can also arise.
* **Complications:** While Parkinson’s itself is not fatal, complications related to the disease can be life-threatening. Muscle weakness can impair the ability to cough and swallow, leading to lung problems.

Even though there is no cure, research continues to advance, offering hope for improved treatments and a better understanding of this debilitating disease.