This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified health professional before engaging in any physical activity or making any changes to your diet, medications, or lifestyle.

Richard Lewis, the stand-up comedian and actor known for his role on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” died Tuesday night at his home in Los Angeles after suffering a heart attack. He was 76 years old.

Lewis’ publicist, Jeff Abraham, said: “His wife, Joyce Lapinski, would like to thank everyone for your love, friendship and support and requests privacy at this time.”

The Brooklyn-born comedian had been battling Parkinson’s disease since 2021.Lewis announced his retirement in April 2023 Through a video message to fans.

In the clip, the comedian says he has undergone four “sudden” surgeries – back surgery, shoulder surgery, shoulder replacement surgery and shoulder replacement surgery – and that his health has been at “a precarious period” over the past three and a half years. ” he said. Hip replacement surgery.

“It’s unfortunate, but that’s life,” the actor said.

“Plus, two years ago, I started walking a little awkwardly and limping, so I went to a neurologist and had a brain scan, and they diagnosed me with Parkinson’s disease,” he said. Ta.

“Fortunately, I got the disease late in life and I’m told it progresses very slowly, if at all. And I’m on the right medication so I’m fine.”

Like many incurable and progressive conditions, Parkinson’s disease (PD), a disorder of the brain and central nervous system that affects movement and language, initially presents with small, subtle, and vague symptoms. You may.

Actor Michael J. Fox, one of the most famous people living with the disease, said he was diagnosed at the age of 29 after feeling cramps in the little finger of his left hand. In 2020, he was forced to quit his acting career because his memory was unreliable. Speech and mobility.

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A new diagnosis is made every nine minutes, and more than 10 million people around the world are currently living with the disease. With cases rising rapidly during the pandemic, understanding Parkinson’s disease and its symptoms is more important than ever.

Dr. Abdel Khalil, a neurologist at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener, Ont., said, “You should be aware of the early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease.” yahoo canada In a previous interview. “If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of this disease, it is important to contact your doctor right away as prompt diagnosis is essential.”

Learn what these warning signs are, who is at risk, and how Parkinson’s disease affects the heart.

What is Parkinson’s disease?

“Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that affects and reduces dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Symptoms usually develop over time,” explains Khalil. Treatment options include physical therapy, mobility assistance, surgery, and medication. ”

Although the disease itself is rarely fatal, complications from Parkinson’s disease can be very serious.

Parkinson’s disease can cause stiffness, tremors, and difficulty with coordination, balance, and walking. As the disease progresses, patients may experience behavioral and mental changes, depression, sleep disturbances, and fatigue.

Both men and women can get Parkinson’s disease, but it affects men about 50% more often than women. There is currently no cure, but all treatments aim to improve symptoms while slowing the progression of the disease.

What are the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

Fortunately, there are many signs and symptoms that can help you determine if you have Parkinson’s disease. The most common symptoms are tremors (hands, legs, jaw, mouth, feet), slowness of movement, stiffness of the limbs, and impaired coordination and balance.

Khalil added that “urinary problems, constipation, difficulty chewing or swallowing, sleep disturbances, or sudden changes in skin tone” are also other signs of PD.

Accurately diagnosing this disease can be difficult because symptoms and rate of progression vary from person to person. Although some people may dismiss these early warning signs as normal effects of aging, it’s important to contact your doctor to further investigate your symptoms.

How does Parkinson’s disease affect the cardiovascular system?

It is unclear whether Lewis’ heart attack was related to Parkinson’s disease, which can cause dysautonomia. Dysautonomia occurs when the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls blood pressure and heart rate, malfunctions. Although it can occur on its own, there are other diseases that can cause autonomic imbalance, such as Parkinson’s disease. Studies have shown that PD can cause arterial hypertension and sudden cardiac death.

Who is at risk of developing Parkinson’s disease?

According to Khalil, “Risk factors in the progression and development of Parkinson’s disease include genetic relationships, increasing age, such as age over 50, and exposure to toxins. Men are more likely to develop the disease than women. It’s much more sexual.”

Environmental factors such as exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals also play a role in the development of PD and can damage the parts of the brain where dopamine is produced.

Additionally, people who have a sibling or parent with Parkinson’s disease are about two to three times more likely to develop the disease.

“If you’re a boxer or athlete, or if you’ve experienced repeated concussions or head blows, you may be at more risk. But at this point, research is too limited. , we can’t be 100% sure,” Khalil said. . ”

How can I prevent Parkinson’s disease?

There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, so proven ways to prevent the disease remain a mystery. However, scientists and doctors know that aging, stress, and inflammation can contribute to cell damage and abnormal dopamine levels in the brain.

One of the most important things we can do for our long-term cognitive and physical health is to lower our stress levels and reduce inflammation in our bodies.

Other studies have shown that regular aerobic exercise and eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids may have some benefits.

“Vitamin found in green tea, vegetables, fruits, and dark leafy greens can dramatically reduce inflammation and promote brain health. Omega-3s found in wild-caught fish, eggs, and walnuts are known to have a similar effect,” Khalil explains. “I also like to eat organic and local produce when possible to reduce the amount of pesticides and herbicides in my food.

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