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Parkinson's specialist discusses Banner center's research work

Dr. Holly Shill is a movement disorders specialist and heads the Parkinson's disease research at Banner Sun Health Research Institute.

Shill said the disease, which has no cure, crosses ethnic and cultural lines. The Surprise Republic interviewed Shill, who talked about promising research under way at the institute.

Question: How common is Parkinson's among the general public and is there a particular risk group?

Answer: One percent over age 65 (get Parkinson's), 3 percent over age 85. Average age is early 60s.

More men than women get the disease, 55 percent vs. 45 percent. It may be a reflection of their occupation; they are more likely to be farmers and working in industry. Parkinson's is not considered a huge genetic or hereditary disease.

Q: How many people in the United States have Parkinson's?

A: The estimate is 1 million but it's probably more than that. The number is fairly old. There have not been any good studies of it.

Q: What is the cost of treating Parkinson's?

A: The United States spends $25 billion a year in direct and indirect costs such as Social Security benefits and lost wages.

Q: Because it's usually a disease associated with older adults, do you anticipate seeing a dramatic increase as Baby Boomers grow older?

A: Yes, the population of Parkinson's disease is expected to double by 2030.

Q: Is it true that people under 40 or 50 are increasingly being diagnosed with Parkinson's?

A: Probably, although there are no good studies to support this. Our sense is for people who have been in the business for a long time, it's increasing. It's hard to say why.

Q: Is there anything people can do to lower their risk for developing the disease?

A: Exercise, (eat) fish and other sources of purines (such as organ meats), potentially non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs, caffeine, potentially creatine and CoQ10, (coenzyme q10) a nutrition supplemental that is over the counter.

Q: How far away are we from finding a cure?

A: Less than 10 years.

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Parkinson's, Big and Loud Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic

Physical therapist Tami Thornburg (left) works with Parkinson's patient Rod Carter during the final day of his Big and Loud therapy program at the Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Glendale.

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