Page 18 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – Friday, February 14, 2020 Obituaries How to Detect Parkinson’s Disease Dear Savvy Senior, What are the early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease? I was just diagnosed with it after noticing hand tremors for nearly a year, but looking back, I’m wondering if I missed any other early warning signs. Tremoring Tom Dear Tom, The Holy Grail in any progressive disease is to find it early enough to start eff ective treatment before irreversible damage has occurred. But recognizing the early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease is challenging because they’re usually subtle and can be easily overlooked, dismissed or even misdiagnosed. Parkinson’s disease, which affl icts around 1 million Americans, is a degenerative disorder that occurs when the brain’s dopamine-producing neurons die or become impaired. This happens in the part of the brain that controls movement, which can cause tremors (or shaking), stiff ness, and diffi culty with walking, balance, and coordination. The symptoms usually begin gradually and get worse over time, and the progression of symptoms is often diff erent from one person to another. Some people with Parkinson’s become severely disabled, while others may experience only minor motor disruptions. While the cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, scientists believe genetics and environmental factors (exposure to certain toxins) play a key role. Most people with Parkinson’s fi rst develop the disease around age 60 or older, and men are more likely to develop it than are women. Early Warning Signs Parkinson’s disease is diffi cult to diagnose because there’s no defi nitive test to confi rm it. Doctors, usually neurologists, will do an examination and evaluate a combination of warning signs, but symptoms can vary greatly by patient which often leads to confusion and misdiagnosis. That said, here are some of the key signs and symptoms everyone should know. Trouble sleeping: Thrashing around in bed or acting out dreams – kicking or punching – when asleep. This is a REM sleep behavior disorder and one of the strongest and earliest pre-diagnostic symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Loss of smell: Not being able to smell certain foods very well like bananas, dill pickles or licorice. This too is one of the earliest symptoms. Constipation: Problems with digestion and bowel movements are a big problem for people with Parkinson’s, and an early sign that can occur up to 20 years before this disease is diagnosed. Changes in handwriting: Writing may become harder to do, and your handwriting may appear much smaller than it has in the past. Tremors: Slight shaking or tremor in your fi nger, thumb, hand or chin. The tremor usually happens at rest, and when you move the extremity it may disappear. This is the most common and recognizable outward sign of Parkinson’s disease, but by the time tremors start, the brain has already lost more than half of its dopamineproducing cells. Slowed movement: Over time, Parkinson’s disease can slow movements, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming. Your steps may become shorter when you walk. It may be diffi cult to get out of a chair. You may drag your feet as you try to walk. Speech changes: Speaking softly, quickly, slurring or hesitating before talking. Your speech may be more of a monotone rather than with the usual infl ections. Loss of automatic movements: Decreased ability to perform unconscious movements, like blinking, smiling or swinging your arms when you walk. Impaired posture and balance: Stooping, leaning or slouching when you stand, and/or balance problems can all be a sign of Parkinson’s. Treatments Currently, there is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there are a variety of medications that can provide relief from the symptoms. In some later cases, surgery may be advised. Other treatments include lifestyle modifi cations, like getting more rest and exercise. For more information, visit the Parkinson’s Foundation at Parkinson.org. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Jeannette (Marchand) Lehmann A ge 85 of Revere, passed away on February 4, 2020. Beloved wife of 62 years to Andrew B. Lehmann. Daughter of Curtis and Marguerite Marchand. Devoted mother of Patricia Lehmann and preceded in death by her son Andrew D. Lehmann. Cherished sister of Carol Repucci and her husband Carl of Peabody, the late Peggy Fothergill, Barbara Quigley, and Curtis Marchand. Also, lovingly survived by 23 nieces and nephews. Joseph “Joey” J. Cuoco, Jr. A ge 52, of Wilmington and Revere, passed away unexpectedly on February 9, 2020. Joey is survived by his daughters Sofi a and Olivia Cuoco and EMISSION | FROM PAGE 3 Concerns about ERCs The DEP cited “Numerous commenters opposed the use of Emission Reduction Credits (ERCs) as a compliance mechanism for the facility to meet the 150 ppm limit.” These are some of the comments that expressed opposition to the ERCs: • “What good is it here if WSI gets ERCs from another facility miles away…” • “…should not be allowed to buy ERCs or pay-to-pollute; ERCs their mother Gina Cuoco all of Eagan, MN, his parents Joseph J. Cuoco Sr. of Revere and Geraldine “Geri” Szymanski & her husband Paul of Wilmington, he was the brother of Kimarie Falzano & her fi ancé Peter DePesa and Sheri Cuoco all of Wilmington, step-brother of Erik Szymanski & his wife Elizabeth, Keith Szymanski and Christopher Szymanski & his wife Nicole. Uncle of Tyler Huebner, Scott Falzano Jr., Kaila McGonagle, Jalie Cuoco, Christian, Cole, Chase and Hannah Szymanski and Great-Uncle of Ava Rae Keddie. Joey is survived by his fi ancé Heather Parker of Revere and her children Kayla and John Paul O’Toole. Joey is furare like monopoly money • Assigning arbitrary monetary value to credits is a ridiculous concept • “…should meet the standards that all other incinerators must meet in this day and age” • “…should not get a pass to meet today’s standards…” • “Why isn’t Wheelabrator required to retrofi t?” • WSI will “continue blanketing the community in dangerous levels of NOx …” • MassDEP should enforce the standard • Allowing ERCs prevents ther survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Family and friends will gather for a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, on Friday, February 14 at 12:00 noon. Arrangements are under the direction of the Nichols Funeral Home, Wilmington. In lieu of fl owers, donations in Joey’s memory may be made to RCA, 75 Lindall St., Danvers, MA 01923 or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Joey was employed as a plumber with the Plumber’s Union Local 12. He enjoyed music, snowboarding, he loved to laugh and looked forward to the time he spent with his family and friends. OBITUARIES | SEE PAGE 22 Wheelabrator from making upgrades • ERCs are a way to circumvent the spirit of the law that is designed specifi cally to protect us • Would like to see actual emission reductions at the stack rather than buying credits In its response, the DEP said it “appreciates WSI acknowledging that it plans to submit a demonstration of how ERCs will be used to achieve compliance with the 150 ppm NOx limit within thirty (30) days of the issuance of the ECP Modifi ed Approval.”
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