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, a stand-up comedian and actor best known for his role on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” died of a heart attack at his home in Los Angeles on February 27. He was 76 years old.

His wife, Joyce Lapinski, released the following statement to X on Friday: Thank people for their “loving compliments” To Lewis. “Like me, he could not have been more excited and moved,” Lapinski wrote, adding that he would appreciate any charitable donations in his memory.

The Brooklyn-born comedian died of “cardiopulmonary arrest,” according to a death certificate obtained by authorities. The BlastParkinson’s disease is listed as the second leading cause of death.

Lewis has been suffering from Parkinson’s disease since 2021 and announced his retirement in April 2023. Through a video message to fans.

Speaking in the clip: The comedian said he was going through a “difficult time” with his health. Over the past three and a half years, he has undergone four “surprise” surgeries: back surgery, shoulder surgery, shoulder replacement surgery, and 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.

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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.

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 over the age of 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 are a boxer or athlete, or if you have experienced repeated concussions or head blows, you may be at greater 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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