With the spotlight shining on men’s health throughout Movember, it’s an important time to explore the unique ways Parkinson’s disease impacts men and the role this plays in improving care and advancing research.
Data shows that men are more likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s than women. But what do we know about how men specifically experience symptoms and disease progression? Recent findings published in Movement Disorders shed light on this critical question. By examining differences in how Parkinson’s affects men and women, researchers hope to unlock more individualized approaches to treatment and clinical trials.
A study led by Dr. Hirotaka Iwaki at the National Institutes of Health analyzed data from over 25,700 participants, including data from two groundbreaking studies supported by The Michael J. Fox Foundation: the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) and Fox Insight. These studies provided invaluable insights into the nuances of the disease.
The analysis revealed several key differences:
- Men with Parkinson’s tend to progress faster in areas like daily activity challenges (e.g. dressing and eating) than women.
- Cognitive symptoms are more prevalent in men, while women face a higher risk of developing dyskinesia, likely linked to differences in medication dosing.
These findings underscore the importance of tailoring Parkinson’s care to individual needs. For example, trials for cognitive therapies may benefit from focusing on male participants, while tools to monitor dyskinesia could be refined to support women earlier in their disease journey.
Importantly, this research highlights the critical role of diverse participation in Parkinson’s studies. By involving individuals from all genders and backgrounds, scientists can continue to unravel the complexities of the disease and develop more effective treatments for everyone affected.
As we reflect on Movember, let’s commit to raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease in men and supporting research that brings us closer to a cure.
