GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) - Former Packers Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre announced that he's been recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Favre disclosed this information as part of his testimony at a congressional hearing over a welfare misspending scandal in Mississippi. Doctors that Local 5 News spoke with on Tuesday say that Parkinson's disease impacts the motor control center of the brain and begins when cells that produce dopamine begin to die. Symptoms worsen over time and include slow or involuntary movements and trouble speaking and swallowing. City officials attempting to zero in on ‘peculiar odor’ in Oshkosh Doctors said that most people get diagnosed with the disease at around age 65, but that it's not uncommon for people to get diagnosed in their fifties. Favre is 54 years old. "There's ways to really live well with it," said Michelle Ciucci a communication sciences and disorders professor at UW Madison. "I use Michael J. Fox as an example, he got really connected he does a lot surrounding optimism (after getting diagnosed with the disease). So I think just living your life and doing the things that you would be doing otherwise."  Right now there is no cure for the disease. However, Ciucci said regular exercise and staying connected with friends and family members can help mitigate the symptoms. According to the Parkinson's Foundation's website, one of the factors suspected of increasing the likelihood of the disease is head injuries. Genetics and environmental toxins also seem to contribute as well although doctors we spoke with said that more research needs to get done to determine a definitive link between any of these factors and the onset of Parkinson's disease later in life. Locker Room: Brayden Narveson talks pressure to perform early & matchup against Vikings Favre played in the NFL for 20 seasons and took some nasty hits over the years. Two years ago in a radio appearance, he said that he may have suffered a thousand concussions during his career. Parkinson's Foundation's website states that having just one concussion can increase a person's chances of getting the disease by 57 percent. Favre started 297 regular season games in a row which was an NFL record. On Tuesday, a Packers spokesperson said in a statement that "the thoughts of the Packers and our fans are with Brett and his family as they navigate this difficult diagnosis." Packers fans also offering their unrelenting support to No. 4. "I'm saddened to hear about Brett's announcement today," said Packers fan Jake Greiner. "Our prayers go to him and his family as he faces this diagnosis. Whatever caused it doesn't matter, we're all behind him and support him and do whatever we can as Packer backers to let him know he's supported and loved."