Parkinson’s Disease Blogs

I was surprised to discover a link between my chronic runny nose and Parkinson’s disease (PD) while I was doing research on the effect of over-the-counter antihistamines on PD medications. I have always thought that my chronic runny nose was because of allergies. I sneeze when I walk down the laundry soap aisle in the grocery store, or when the ... read more

“I like to move it, move it. I like to move it, move it. I like to move it!” These dance tune lyrics, interpreted in the animated children’s movie “Madagascar,” reflect an unfortunate reality for many Parkinson’s patients. Some Parkinson’s patients appear to be constantly moving, which is known in the Parkinson’s world as dyskinesia. Dyskinesia entails involuntary movements that ... read more

My sister Bev, who has stage 3 Parkinson’s disease (PD), loves to bake. Although she has moderate cognitive issues, baking and gardening are things she can still do well. Despite her Parkinson’s, these hobbies help her to focus and concentrate. Bev says that concentrating deeply on a task helps her to think more clearly and avoid drifting thoughts. Sometimes, it ... read more

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.Helen Keller Five years ago, in October 2016, I wrote about Breast Cancer vs Parkinsons, which turns out to be my most popular post since beginning this blog. It is still getting read almost daily by someone, somewhere. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, ... read more

“Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.” Will Rogers “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.” Corrie Ten Boom Today: A constant theme here is to embrace today, try not to live in the past, and importantly, try not to fear what has yet happened in tomorrow. Why is this ... read more

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * In January this year, I wrote about how I was starting to experience festinating gait when I woke up each morning.  My feet would shuffle along the floor as if my shoelaces were tied together, and this lasted until my first round of meds kicked ... read more

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * President Biden issued the following proclamation to support National Coming Out Day: * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Today, we celebrate National Coming Out Day and the courage of LGBTQ+ people who live their lives with pride, ... read more

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * From the New York Times: Up, up and out of the closet! The new Superman, Jonathan Kent — who is the son of Clark Kent and Lois Lane — will soon begin a romantic relationship with a male friend, DC Comics announced Monday. That same-sex ... read more

Time may not heal all wounds, for not all wounds are meant to heal. Scars can be helpful reminders of past experiences. #MotivationMonday ... read more

I don’t think a monkey should own a wrench. Monkey wrenches seem to be thrown from nowhere and land at the most unexpected and undesired moments. I’ve had several of these monkey wrenches land in my life recently, causing setbacks related to Parkinson’s disease (PD). Now, I’m back to more thrashing and gnashing. Unexpected things happen. The recent monkey wrench ... read more

We all know the game “truth or dare”… oh, those horrific teenage memories. I will review the rules for those who have been living under a rock. It’s a game for 2 or more participants. Players are given the ... read more

We have become a screen society. Our days are often spent looking at screens rather than each other. I am no exception. There are digital versions of just about everything nowadays, including traditional board games. While apps can be convenient and beneficial, the feeling isn’t the same — using tactile pieces is part of the fun. If you’ve played Monopoly, ... read more

Every time I see my Movement Disorders Specialist, I am always asked if I have fallen. As Parkinson’s progresses, balance can become less automatic, with falls becoming commonplace. A person can fall because of postural instability caused by a stooped posture. Freezing of gait and ridigity can cause falls, as well as turning in place. Vision problems are another cause. ... read more

I’m always on the hunt for different ways to find relief and even joy from what seems to be constant loss. Since my father’s Parkinson’s diagnosis, I have turned to reading books about the disease to see how others have managed the sadness that comes with this illness. Seeing my dad battle Parkinson’s (PD) has been taxing. Each day brings ... read more

Everyone needs support. Whether a person is living with a chronic disease, serving as a caregiver for someone with an illness, or just living life, everybody needs support — to be encouraged, to be lifted up, or to have someone to share their experiences with.  I think we are born with this need to be supported and to offer support. ... read more

Even in the darkest of times, there are injections of light that temporarily part the clouds. #MotivationMonday ... read more

Saturday 2 October 2021 The first week of the MSc course in neuroscience I am doing at King’s College London was quite a shock. I had been expecting a gentle introduction: some basics like “what is neuroscience” to lay a foundation, some admin, some meetings with tutors and the like. There were a couple of introductory lectures on topics like ... read more

Over the years, I have visited with many neurologists across multiple states regarding my Parkinson’s disease (PD). In their clinical interviews, they ask if I’m thrashing in my sleep. Then, they ask Mrs. Dr. C. It seems that thrashing in one’s sleep an important diagnostic symptom for Parkinson’s. In a study published earlier this year in Neuroepidemiology, Danish researchers found ... read more

When a person is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at a young age, many thoughts swirl through their head. Once the dust starts to settle, they’ll likely start thinking about their career. Will they be able to continue working? If so, how long? What will happen when they can’t? Will they lose their house or car? Go bankrupt? When I was ... read more

Caregivers for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) know the physical and emotional toll it exacts on those who suffer from it. The financial burden from Parkinson’s disease is less well known. My sister Bev has stage 3 PD and struggles with balance, cognitive, and falling issues. She also struggles with finances because she has used up most of her retirement ... read more

A couple weeks ago I sat with a psychiatrist for about two hours and emerged with a brand new diagnostic bumper sticker to slap on myself – hypomania. More curious than bothered, I did as I had with the other clinical label I carry, Parkinson’s disease, and asked: what precisely is mania? Reading through some of the ... read more

Illness teaches a whole new perspective on living. #MotivationMonday Chronic illness changes lives and forces those of us with conditions to realize how precious every single day is to us. We can appreciate what some may not see. ... read more

“In the past, I would cook nonstop for three days. It was a production. Now I trim the menu to what I know I’ll be able to do.”Denise Coley The other day, going through my emails, I saw one that stopped me in my tracks: A Food Lovers Guide to Cooking with Parkinson’s from Epicurious, a website known for its ... read more

Sunday 29 September 2021 Rosa scanned her boarding pass, went through the gate, then looked round just before she headed into airport security and waved. We both felt a brief tinge of poignancy: this was the first time she was flying alone. Only a short flight to Northern Ireland to attend her grandmother’s funeral, but a significant milestone nevertheless. ... read more

When DBS electrodes are properly placed the results are nothing short of a modern medical miracle. However, in most patients the effectiveness wanes over time. There are a lot of theories as to why, below I will try to explain the one that makes the most sense to me, sometimes referred to as the Habituation Model. (I am ... read more