Click Here to Read Magic’s to “My Dad Doesn’t Recognize Me – Is It Still Worth Visiting?” Q. I remember the moment like it was yesterday. My mom, who had Parkinson’s for ten years at the time, was sitting at my kitchen table. I saw how challenging it was for her to get her wheelchair from the living room into the kitchen, to chew and […]
How to Deal with a Dementia Diagnosis
The father of one of my staff members (let’s call her “Cara”) has had Parkinson’s disease since she graduated from college twenty years ago. Recently, Cara got the call she had been dreading for years – that now, her dad also has dementia. When Cara hears devastating news, she is usually an emotional basket […]
What’s Your Secret, Michael J. Fox?
Michael J. Fox has had Parkinson’s Disease for 26 years. Yet, he is still smiling. At 55, the father of four is happily married to actress Tracy Pollan, and his mind is still as sharp as a tack. Against all odds, he has continued to act, earning his 18th Emmy nomination last year for his […]
The Amazing Power of Stem Cells for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Other Diseases
Andrea’s father has had Parkinson’s for more than 15 years. When she visits him, she notices his motor skills are diminishing and he is becoming quite difficult to understand. She holds back her tears, as she remembers the man who used to play football with her brothers and who ran 10Ks to help others with […]
Muhammad Ali’s Vision Was Realized
For more than 20 years, Rachel’s father has had Parkinson’s Disease. When she first moved to the DC area in 1998, her father walked with a cane, and although his hands shook a little, he was still able to dance with her at her wedding. Rachel knew that this was only the beginning, and as […]
Laser Shoes, Magic Carpets, & More: Technology to Combat Falls
Q. My parents are snowbirds. Every spring, I pick them up at the Lorton Auto Train and drop them off at their home, and in November, they go back to Florida for the winter. My father has had Parkinson’s for almost 20 years now, and the debilitating disease is taking its toll. Yesterday, when I arrived at the station, I noticed that it was extra hard to move my dad from his wheelchair to […]
Home Modifications for Fall Prevention
Dear Angel, We just found out that my father will be moving in with us. He is in his 70’s, has Parkinson’s, arthritis, and is in a wheelchair a lot of the time. We don’t have much money to renovate, but we want to make sure our home is safe and comfortable for him. Also, […]
Military Caregivers: Challenges and Strategies
Q. My father, Steve, is a retired Marine who is recently widowed. My mother used to provide care for him full-time until she passed away suddenly. My brothers and sister live far away, and my father needs assistance now. He has Parkinson’s Disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, and is depressed over the loss of my mom. […]
Local High School Student Invents App to Identify Signs of Parkinson’s
Dear Baxter, My mother was taking pictures at my daughter’s birthday party, and felt shaky holding the camera. This has happened in other instances, also. Recently, she’s complained that her muscles are stiff, and her balance has been off. Do you know of any apps that can help identify whether or not she should be concerned about Parkinson’s? […]
Alternative Ways to Stave Off Parkinson’s
Fred Ransdell, who has had Parkinson’s since 1996, is an avid runner. (Source: The Dallas Morning News) Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative movement disorder of the central nervous system, was discovered nearly 200 years ago. Since then, no single test exists that can definitively diagnose the disease, and doctors rely on the appearance of certain symptoms […]
Embracing Green Living as we Age
Q. My mother, Phyllis, is very environmentally conscious. She recycles and finds a creative use for nearly everything. Green living is among her top priorities. Ever since my father died, my mother has had a hard time living alone. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s seven years ago and has trouble speaking, limited mobility, and needs […]
Overcoming Loneliness and Depression
Rest in Peace Robin Williams Q. I was absolutely devastated to hear about Comedian Robin Williams’ suicide. My family is still in shock. I have an uncle who has suffered bouts of depression over the years, and I worry about him frequently, especially since my aunt died last year and now my uncle lives alone. […]