My sister Bev, who has stage 3 Parkinson’s disease (PD), is delighted when the spring equinox arrives in Ohio, where she lives. Gone for the most part are the blustery winter storms and frigid temps. Appearing are the fragrant floral blossoms and the season of smells on the outdoor…
My sister Bev had symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) for about eight years before she was properly diagnosed in 2017 at the age of 78. She told me that before she was diagnosed, while she was first working as a nurse and then as an echocardiography technician, she experienced uncontrollable…
We’ve all heard that having an attitude of gratitude can make a difference when doing this thing called life. But does gratitude make a difference for someone who is experiencing the distressing effects of Parkinson’s disease (PD), or for their caregivers? In a beautifully written Parkinson’s News Today column…
We’ve all heard that eating a nutritious diet full of green leafy vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can promote good health and even help to prevent illnesses like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. But sometimes we may crave a juicy burger with all the fixings or the sugar…
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a shortage of staffing at many businesses, including grocery stores. These days, it seems that self-checkout lanes have become the norm. In many places, gone are the days of multiple checkout cashiers with whom customers can have a brief but pleasant chat. I feel fortunate…
My sister Bev, who has stage 3 Parkinson’s disease (PD), has balance problems and an unsteady gait, which have led to a number of falls. Fortunately, she hasn’t suffered any major injuries as a result. Last year, Bev had a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, or DEXA, scan to measure…
My sister Bev, who has stage 3 Parkinson’s disease (PD), always comments that she wishes her hair were as thick as mine. Although we were both blessed with natural curls and waves when we were younger, Bev’s hair has become much thinner and less wavy over time. As we…
The other day, when I was shopping for sandals, I thought about my sister Bev, who has stage 3 Parkinson’s disease. I pondered how Parkinson’s might affect her footwear options. For example, I thought about how sandals and flip-flops may be trendy, but they typically aren’t good for people with…
I never thought much about my sister Bev’s blood pressure (BP) until I accompanied her to a dental appointment. The staff took her vital signs and told Bev, “Your blood pressure is a bit low today at 98/68 mmHg.” A normal BP for adults is usually in a range…
Feeling overwhelmed? Unsettled? Exhausted? I get it. I’m tired, too. I’m not tired of being a caregiver, but I am tired as a caregiver. I have written about how fatigue affects people with Parkinson’s disease. Today, I’m writing about the other side of it: caregiver fatigue. I would never…
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