Parkinson's disease and specified atypical parkinsonian disorders

Parkinson’s disease

Definite diagnosis of primary Parkinson’s disease, a permanent neurologic condition which must be characterized by bradykinesia (slowness of movement) and at least one of:

• muscular rigidity; or
• rest tremor.

The insured person must exhibit objective signs of progressive deterioration in function for at least one year, for which the treating neurologist has recommended dopaminergic medication or other generally medically accepted equivalent treatment for Parkinson’s disease.

Specified atypical parkinsonian disorders

Definite diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, or multiple system atrophy.

The diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease or a specified atypical parkinsonian disorders must be made by a neurologist.

Exclusions

• No benefit will be payable under the definition of "Parkinson’s disease or a specified atypical parkinsonian disorders" for any other type of parkinsonism.
• No benefit will be payable under the definition of "Parkinson’s disease or a specified atypical parkinsonian disorders" if:

  Within 12 months following the later of, the effective date of this coverage, or the date of last reinstatement of this coverage, the insured person has any of the following:

  • signs, symptoms or investigations, that lead to a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, a specified atypical parkinsonian disorder or any other type of parkinsonism, regardless of when the diagnosis is made; or
  • a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, specified atypical parkinsonian disorder or any other type of parkinsonism.

Obligation to inform the Company

Medical information about the diagnosis and any signs, symptoms or investigations leading to the diagnosis must be reported to the Company within 6 months of the date of the diagnosis.

If this information is not provided within this period, the Company has the right to deny any claim for Parkinson’s disease or specified atypical parkinsonian disorders or any covered condition caused by Parkinson’s disease or specified atypical parkinsonian disorders or its treatment.

Parkinson’s disease progressively attacks the central nervous system. It is a neurological disorder that is not only progressive in nature but incurable and often characterized by a decrease in spontaneous movements and difficulty in walking or balance.

Atypical Parkinsonian disorders include various pathologies related to Parkinson's disease. They differ because of their origin, their cerebral location, their clinical presentation and their evolution.

They share symptoms with Parkinson's disease which sometimes makes their diagnosis difficult, especially in the early stages of the disease.

It is important to distinguish between Parkinson's disease and Atypical Parkinsonian disorders due to:

• a shorter evolution time
• more frequent complications
• a faster and more marked motor handicap with frequent falls
• the frequency of cognitive disorders
• limited or no effect of dopa therapy