Parkinson’s Disease Blogs

It has been rough going recently, after I acquired a “legally blind” diagnosis on top of Parkinson’s disease. It has been a month, and part of the reason I am back to column writing so soon is because of the compassionate support I received, which was freely given. It has made a big difference in my life. This compassionate support ... read more

By Ben Olson Reader Staff A former educator and principal of Sandpoint High School from 1992-2001, A.C. Woolnough is well-versed with the written word as a powerful form of expression. …The post Woolnough pens book about living with Parkinson’s appeared first on Sandpoint Reader. ... read more

I was watching a 3 night special on the Ebola Virus, compliments of the National Geographic network. It’s like seeing a scary movie on television and you know that it will give you nightmares, but you still take a peak… I couldn’t look away.  I tunned in every night learning all the ways that the Ebola virus was so strange. ... read more

A proud, black piano stands in my parents’ living room. It’s the foundation of our home. From behind the sleek mahogany panels, fury, sadness, and happiness express themselves without judgment. My operatic brother sings his troubles away. My mom, a lifelong piano teacher, often alludes to the power of music because it isn’t just a creative outlet. It’s a mood-setter. ... read more

I attend my boxing class twice a week. Regardless of whether she is having a good or not-so-good day, Kathy, another woman in my class, will be smiling. Not only will she be smiling, but she will be giving away words of encouragement. I often hear her thanking one of the coaches or the occasional volunteers for something they have ... read more

Everyone who experiences the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is well aware that anxiety fuels their symptoms. When stress is brought under control and you shut down anxiety, symptoms become far less troublesome. Everyone also knows that medicines and supplements have the potential to suppress symptoms in the short run. Unfortunately, they offer little promise of long … Continue reading Shut Down ... read more

A recent Merck product status report shows that Sinemet 25-100 is on backorder, with no current availability date. I have been on Sinemet 25-100 for almost a year now. When my pharmacy called me to say there was no more Sinemet for my refill, I was devastated. Generic carbidopa/levodopa (C/L) had made me nauseated when I’d tried it in the ... read more

I can’t believe that it’s been almost 39 years since I got married. July 4, 1980, was the day I obtained my independence. Sort of. When the pastor was preparing for our wedding ceremony with my soon-to-be husband and me, he asked if we would like to include a particular biblical passage as our “life verse.” We chose some verses ... read more

I've found a whole group of webinars about clinical trials that I have found both interesting and informative.  Presenters often include professionals who help run trials.This latest addresses what happens during a clinical trial screening - this is where the researchers find out if you meet their needs, and you find out more details so you can decide whether to ... read more

  We were somewhere on the edge of the Karasuma subway line when the agonists started to take hold…   It has been three days since the 5th World Parkinson’s Congress in Kyoto wrapped, what is left is a whirlwind of memories that are impossible to put in order. I’ve decided against any attempt at a narrative, instead here are ... read more

Yes. It is true that people have discovered fascinating ways to get relief from the symptoms associated with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease after getting consultations with Robert Rodgers PhD .  Yes. There are an incredible number of natural treatment options that can be considered as possibilities.  Yes. The best therapeutic options differ drastically from … Continue reading Discount Consultations ... read more

WPC Kyoto 2019 I have had the good fortune to attend 3 World Parkinson Congresses: DC, Montreal, Portland. The 5th Congress has been taking place in Kyoto, Japan #WPC2019. I have been listening to their official podcasts and highly recommend the first three days of podcasts: They are quite well done! The @WorldPDCongress brings the […] ... read more

Hope makes you forget all the difficult hours Soichiro Honda The 5th World Parkinson’s Congress opened tonight in Kyoto, Japan. With about 3000 in attendance, from 55 countries, the opening session was joyous and tearful. The opening video began with a Crane swooping down into Kyoto. The Crane, in Japanese culture, represents hope. And much of the evening centered around ... read more

“Freezing” is when an individual suddenly feels like they’re glued to the ground. Parkinson’s disease patients often experience freezing during the late stages of the disease. It can occur while the person is in motion or after they’ve been stationary and then attempt to move. It’s associated with complicated movements like dodging obstacles or getting up from a chair. The ... read more

When I had my DBS surgery for Parkinson's disease in October 2012, I had a choice of either a regular Activa PC generator (the thing in my chest that controls the leads in my brain) that would last from 3-5 years or I could choose the rechargeable Activa RC with a 9-year lifespan, but it would require me to charge ... read more

A warrior is not a worrier. A worrier has no peace, is filled with anxiety, and frets over the smallest things. Worriers tend to be lacking in courage and a calm spirit.  Warriors exude courage. They are brave in the midst of the battle. They are fighters determined to not merely survive but to thrive. Warriors choose to march forward ... read more

Mariette Robijn This is part 8. from the series ‘Kingdom of Parkinson’s’ The law book flutters around me. I let her be. Mind you, I have even read in it. And I have listened to her. That’s the good thing about a law book that has a voice. If I forget something, or if I want to […] The post ... read more

Mariette Robijn Kingdom of Parkinson’s. Part 8 The law book flutters around me. I leave her be. Mind you, I have read a page or two. And I have listened to her. That’s the good thing about a law book with a voice. If I forget something, or want to forget something, she’ll whisper softly in my […] The post ... read more

There were many inspirational moments at the WPC.  I have already written about some of them, and will highlight a few more today. The most inspiring speaker of the WPC was Dr. Linda K. Olsen, who gave the keynote speech at the opening.  Dr. Olsen lost both of her legs and and arm in a car and train accident over ... read more

Editor’s note: This column discusses suicide.  *** “The music and movement started, I was filled with great joy. I was able to take the whole class and walked out feeling accomplished, encouraged with that passion for dance rekindled. Seeing the class participants enjoy music and movement and benefit from it was so thrilling. I saw the endless possibilities for ... read more

Sometimes we need to be encouraged in our journey with Parkinson’s disease. We become weary and find ourselves at the edge of despair. We feel like we’ve nothing left to give and life is losing its luster. What better way to dispel the gloom than to read an inspiring book? I have recently read two books, one about chronic illness ... read more

Earlier, I explained the basics of reading a research abstract.  But I'm not a scientist, and many of the statistics are over my head.  Despite that, there are still intelligent questions I can ask to determine if research results are valid.  For example:How many people were studied?  In a Phase 1 trial, focused on safety, the number will often be ... read more

“I’ve always made a total effort, even when the odds seemed entirely against me. I never quit trying; I never felt that I didn’t have a chance to win.” Arnold Palmer “The most rewarding things you do in life are often the ones that look like they cannot be done.” Arnold Palmer Introduction: Golf is just another type of exercise. ... read more

It’s been almost exactly three years now since I left China to try to make sense of Parkinson’s. At first I didn’t know where to turn, until I went to the World Parkinson’s Congress in Portland, Oregon in September of 2016. That conference ignited my interest in the science of this disease and the field that surrounds it. Now, nearly 2 ... read more