Lawrence McCutcheon, the five-time Pro Bowl running back who spent more than four decades with the Rams as a player and front-office executive, died Oct. 23 at age 76. His family said he died after "a long, courageous battle with Parkinson's disease." The Los Angeles Rams shared the family's statement, which asked supporters to donate to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research instead of flowers.

His death brings renewed attention to a disease that affects many American families, often slowly and over many years. The family did not say when McCutcheon was diagnosed.

A Career That Spanned Generations of Rams Football

McCutcheon was drafted out of Colorado State in the third round in 1972. He made five straight Pro Bowls from 1973 to 1977 and left the Rams as the franchise's career rushing leader. He still ranks fourth on the team's all-time list with 6,186 rushing yards, according to Field Level Media.

He threw a touchdown pass in Super Bowl XIV and later played for Denver, Seattle and Buffalo before retiring after the 1981 season. He rejoined the Rams as a scout in 1982, later served as director of player personnel, and retired in 2016 after 42 years with the organization. He was still with the franchise when it won the Super Bowl after the 1999 season.

"It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Lawrence McCutcheon," the family said in a statement reported by ProFootballTalk. "Clutch passed away on October 23 with family at his bedside."

The Rams said his impact on the organization "spanned generations." His son, Daylon McCutcheon, played cornerback for the Cleveland Browns from 1999 to 2006, Field Level Media reported.

Parkinson's Disease Progresses Over Years

Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder caused by the loss of brain cells that produce dopamine, a chemical messenger that helps control movement, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), as summarized on BrainFacts.org. It usually affects people over 60, and early symptoms are subtle and appear gradually.

The four main movement symptoms are tremor in the hands, arms, legs, jaw, or face; stiffness in the limbs and trunk; slowed movement; and poor balance and coordination. Many people also have symptoms that are easy to miss, including depression, sleep problems, constipation, urinary problems, and trouble chewing, swallowing or speaking.

The disease is chronic and progressive, so symptoms generally worsen over time. How fast that happens varies widely from person to person. No blood or lab test confirms the most common form of Parkinson's, so diagnosis relies on a medical history and a neurological exam.

Treatment Eases Symptoms but Does Not Cure

There is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, but treatment can significantly ease symptoms. The most common medication combines levodopa with carbidopa, which NINDS says helps at least three-quarters of cases. It works best on slowness and stiffness, while tremor and balance problems tend to respond less.

Other medications include drugs that mimic dopamine, as well as amantadine and rasagiline. For some patients, deep brain stimulation, an FDA-approved surgery that implants electrodes connected to a programmable device, can reduce the need for levodopa and some of its side effects.

The burden often extends well beyond the patient. As symptoms progress, spouses and adult children often take on caregiving roles that include managing medications, preventing falls, and helping with daily activities. NINDS notes that physical, occupational and speech therapy may help, and families can ask a neurologist about local support groups for patients and caregivers.

Signs That Warrant a Doctor's Visit

Families should not assume that every tremor or stiff joint signals Parkinson's. Other conditions, including essential tremor and medication side effects, can cause similar symptoms. Still, a tremor at rest, smaller handwriting, a softer voice, reduced arm swing while walking, or new balance problems are worth raising with a primary care doctor, who can refer a patient to a neurologist if needed.

Sudden weakness on one side of the body, facial drooping, or trouble speaking are not typical Parkinson's signs and may indicate a stroke. Those symptoms require emergency care right away.

McCutcheon's family chose to point mourners toward research. The Michael J. Fox Foundation funds studies aimed at better treatments and earlier diagnosis. For families living with Parkinson's today, the most useful steps remain early evaluation, a consistent treatment plan, and support for the caregivers who carry much of the load.

Key Questions Answered

Who was Lawrence McCutcheon?

A five-time Pro Bowl running back for the Rams who later spent decades in the team's front office before retiring in 2016.

How did he die?

His family said he died Oct. 23 at 76 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. The family did not say when he was diagnosed.

What is Parkinson's disease?

A progressive movement disorder caused by the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. It usually affects people over 60.

What are the main symptoms?

Tremor, stiffness, slowed movement, and poor balance, along with non-movement symptoms such as depression and sleep problems.

Is there a cure?

No. Medications such as levodopa and procedures such as deep brain stimulation can ease symptoms.

How can people honor McCutcheon?

His family asked that supporters donate to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research instead of flowers.

Published by Medicaldaily.com