Q. My 70-year-old aunt, who I am very close with, has had a rapid decline in the last few months. She started losing her memory pretty quickly over the past few months and began slurring her speech. The strangest symptoms are her hallucinations and extreme paranoia. She’s also had one episode that appeared to be […]
An Incurable Optimist Confronts an Incurable Disease in His Recent Documentary
Parkinson’s is a degenerative disease that has affected many celebrities over the years, including Muhammad Ali, Neil Diamond, Jesse Jackson, Ozzy Osbourne, and Linda Ronstadt. But of course the most notable celebrity with the disease is Michael J. Fox, 61, who was diagnosed in 1991. The “Family Ties” and “Back to the Future” star is well-known for his optimism and raising awareness and $1.5 billion for Parkinson’s research through The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease.
A Personal Message about Parkinson’s, Depression, and Planned Suicide
My brother, Jory, ended his own life and suffering yesterday through a very deliberate planned suicide. Jory fought a brave battle for many years as he struggled with major depressive disorder since his early twenties and was diagnosed in his fifties with bipolar disorder because of one major manic episode and a lifetime of rapid […]
Part 2: New Amazing Parkinson’s Diagnostic Tools and Treatments
Q. I read your newsletter this past Tuesday about the amazing new diagnostic tools and treatment options available for Alzheimer’s. Is there anything similar for Parkinson’s? My dad is 75 and suffers from Parkinson’s, and any new treatment options would be great to know about. Also, if anyone else in my family has symptoms of […]
How Pets Support People with Parkinson’s Disease
Dear Raider, My mom has Parkinson’s disease. We live a half hour away and try to see her as much as we can. I think having a pet will help her to stay active and feel loved. We always had miniature poodles growing up. Do you think it’s a good idea for her to adopt […]
It’s Parkinson’s Awareness Month: How Michael J. Fox Is Forging Ahead
“Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation; it means understanding that something is what it is and that there’s got to be a way through it.”- Michael J. Fox April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, a good time to learn about the disease, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. In 1817, James Parkinson published “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy,” […]
How is Deep Brain Stimulation Being Used for Parkinson’s?
Dear Oakley, In a recent newsletter, Mr. Farr wrote about Deep Brain Stimulation for Alzheimer’s. He mentioned how it’s been used for Parkinson’s patients for years. My mother has Parkinson’s and this might be something we would consider. Can you provide more information on Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s? Thanks! Dee Bee-Ess — Dear Dee, […]
What is Neuropalliative Care and Why is it a Good Option for those with Progressive Neurological Diseases?
Q. My father was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia six months ago. We are trying to figure out the best type of care for him at this stage and into the future. I know a bit about palliative care and think that it could be a good option for him. Recently, someone in a support […]
How Space is Changing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Research
Space research is behind numerous innovations, including GPS systems for navigation, air purifiers, and 3D printers. But it is not just technology that is getting better because of space flights. Zero gravity changes the human body, enabling research efforts to fight diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Multiple Sclerosis. According to astronaut and researcher, Matthias […]
Robin Williams Would Have Been 70 This Year — What We Now Know About His Lewy Body Dementia
On July 21, 2021, comedian and actor Robin Williams would have turned 70. Seven years prior, he suffered from an undiagnosed neurodegenerative disease, later determined to be Lewy Body Dementia, which led him to take his own life. Williams’ suicide brought awareness to the life-changing, fatal disease known as Lewy Body Dementia, and his passing […]
Is a Parkinson’s Epidemic on the Horizon?
Q. We just found out that my mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I don’t know much about Parkinson’s, except that it is a progressive neurological disease with no cure and that it affects movement. The doctor said that there has been more education and awareness efforts, since Parkinson’s has become more prevalent in the […]
Could the COVID-19 Vaccine Negatively Affect Someone with Parkinson’s or Dementia?
Dear Angel, Q1. My father is hesitant about getting the COVID-19 vaccine because he has Parkinson’s. My friend is experiencing the same hesitancy with her mother, who is in the early stages of dementia. Have you heard anything about the COVID vaccine for people with Parkinson’s or dementia, and why they should or shouldn’t get […]
The One Promise You Can’t Always Keep
When couples fall in love and get married with vows including “in sickness and in health,” they often pledge many things to one another. Certain promises seem completely reasonable when you are young and healthy, but sometimes things change and a promise must be broken, especially when a loved one is ill. In the early […]
Does COVID-19 Have Any Connection to Parkinson’s Disease?
Dear Hayek, My uncle, Ronnie, died of complications from Parkinson’s Disease last year. He suffered for a long time with deteriorating mobility, speech issues, and inability to swallow. Eventually, he was diagnosed with dementia and succumbed to his illnesses. It was sad watching him, and now I am concerned about something I heard–that coronavirus may […]
Stanford Scientists Can Predict When A Loved One Will Die
Richard has had Parkinson’s for more than two decades. He has been hospitalized several times this past year, and each time, his ability to swallow and other motor skills have regressed and have needed to be relearned through therapy. Since there is no cure for Parkinson’s and since Richard has had it for so long, […]
Tips and Resources for Fall Prevention
Dear Hayek, My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s a few years ago. I know that loss of mobility is one of the unfortunate symptoms of the debilitating disease, which often results in falls. Do you have any tips and resources you can recommend to help me read ahead about fall prevention? Thanks! Mo Bilitee — […]
What is the Difference Between Hospice and Palliative Care?
Penny’s father was being discharged from the hospital after his latest fainting spell from low blood pressure. Having suffered from Parkinson’s for more than 20 years, he regressed during his stay, and he was having serious trouble swallowing. The discharge nurse came into the room to talk to Penny and her mother about him, suggesting […]
Not Alone: A Daughter and Her Dad Battle Parkinson’s Together
When Kelly’s dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 20 years ago, she researched the disease and the best treatment options for him. Little did she know that she too would be diagnosed with the same devastating disease four years later, at the age of 29! At first, Kelly couldn’t believe what was happening to her. […]
You Don’t Smile Anymore . . . What’s Wrong?
Gerald has plenty of reasons to be pleased with his life. He had a career as a successful business owner, and now he enjoys a comfortable retirement with his wife, Mary. He has four grandchildren with whom he spends as much time as possible. And yet Gerald wears a constant expression that others might interpret […]
Seven Marathons in Seven Days with Parkinson’s?
Bret Parker has had Parkinson’s for 11 years, since he was 38 years old. Recently, he made an amazing goal for himself of running 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days, and nothing was going to stop him from achieving it. That was his attitude, anyway, but was it enough to help him achieve […]