What is Parkinson’s disease? What to know about Brett Favre’s diagnosis
Brett Favre announced during testimony in front of the Congressional House Ways and Means Committee that he's been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback appeared before the committee as part of an investigation into a massive welfare case in Mississippi about his involvement with Prevacus, a company making a concussion drug.
“Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug I thought would help others,” Favre said. “I’m sure you’ll understand, while it’s too late for me because I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, this is also a cause dear to my heart.”
'A cause dear to my heart': Brett Favre reveals Parkinson's diagnosis during congressional hearing
Here's what to know about Parkinson's disease:
What is Parkinson's disease?
Per the World Health Organization (WHO), Parkinson's disease is a brain condition that causes problems with movement, mental health, sleep, pain and other health issues. The WHO does not know the cause of Parkinson's but family history does increase risk and the organization also notes exposure to pesticides, air pollution, and solvents may also increase risk.
Younger people can be affected by Parkinson's but it's typically seen in older adults. It's also more common in men than women.
Parkinson's disease symptoms, treatment
The most visible symptoms of Parkinson's disease are motor symptoms including tremors, trouble walking, involuntary movement, rigidity, and imbalance, per the WHO. Other symptoms include dementia, sleep disorders, mental health disorders, and cognitive impairment.
There is no cure for Parkinson's disease. Instead, therapies can be used to reduce the symptoms and impact on daily life. The WHO lists levodopa/carbidopa – a medicine that increases the amount of dopamine in the brain – as the most popular medication for Parkinson's disease. Deep brain stimulation can also help reduce tremors and need for medicines, according to the WHO.
Rehabilitation can also improve quality of life. Strength training, hydrotherapy, and gait and balance training are the top options listed by the WHO.
The Parkinson's Foundation leads the "PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinson's Disease" global study to help people understand their risk for the disease. It's free to enroll and the Parkinson's Foundation aims to accelerate research and clinical trials with this study.
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Notable people diagnosed with Parkinson's
Favre is the latest of many celebrities who have a confirmed Parkinson's diagnosis. Arguably the most visible celebrity is Michael J. Fox, who announced his Parkinson's diagnosis in 1998 and created the Michael J. Fox Foundation to invest in research for a cure.
According to the Parkinson's Foundation, other notable people who were or have been diagnosed with Parkinson's include:
- Alan Alda (diagnosed in 2015)
- Muhammad Ali (1984)
- Neil Diamond (2018)
- Rev. Jesse Jackson (2015)
- Richard Lewis (2021)
- Ozzy Osbourne (2019)
- Pope John Paul II (1991)
- Linda Ronstadt (2012)