How I fear the Parkinson’s dementia my grandpa experienced
I’m not the only person in my family to have experienced Parkinson’s disease. About 25 years ago, my maternal grandfather was diagnosed with it. His was a more typical diagnosis, coming in…
The Unshakable Optimist — Mollie Lombardi
In 2013, at the age of 36, Mollie Lombardi was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Six years later, she underwent brain surgery to implant a deep brain stimulation device that now helps manage her symptoms. She writes about the challenges of young-onset PD, including working full time, travel, and navigating the joys of being a wife, daughter, auntie, sister, and friend. Her column, “The Unshakable Optimist,” is about not letting the tremors of life get you down and the benefits of a positive attitude when battling a chronic illness every day.
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How you can get involved in Parkinson’s Awareness Month
Believe it or not, I never knew until recently that Parkinson’s disease had an awareness month. But I assure you that in the nearly 12 years since my diagnosis, I am aware of…
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My journey with deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s, part 4
Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with deep brain stimulation surgery. Not everyone will have the same response to the procedure. Consult your doctor before considering any particular therapy or treatment. Last…
My journey with deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s, part 3
Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with deep brain stimulation surgery. Not everyone will have the same response to the procedure. Consult your doctor before considering any particular therapy or treatment. Third…
My journey with deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s, part 2
Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with deep brain stimulation surgery. Not everyone will have the same response to the procedure. Consult your doctor before considering any particular therapy or treatment. Second…
My journey with deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s, part 1
Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with deep brain stimulation surgery. Not everyone will have the same response to the procedure. Consult your doctor before considering any particular therapy or treatment. First…
3 ways I respond to Parkinson’s ‘off periods’
One common but frustrating symptom of Parkinson’s disease is what’s known as “off periods.” These happen when medication, such as Sinemet (carbidopa and levodopa), wear off — sometimes suddenly — and other Parkinson’s…
Women, men, and undergoing DBS surgery for Parkinson’s
I read an article this year on Parkinson’s News Today about a recent study on how men and women differ in their approaches to the decision to undergo deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery…
What happens when you eliminate the impossible
Earlier this month, on Jan. 17, we celebrated the 83rd anniversary of boxer Muhammad Ali’s birth. Ali remains a towering figure worldwide, even years after his death in 2016 at the age of 74.
Figuring out what it means to live authentically with Parkinson’s
The word “fine” can mean many things, from superb to satisfactory to precise, and even delicate, depending on its usage. Merriam-Webster also lists its synonyms, which include acceptable, decent, middling, and passable. When I…
Tiny words, big thoughts: How my Parkinson’s led to micrographia
One of the many annoying, frustrating, and mysterious symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is micrographia. Micrographia is when your handwriting gets teeny-tiny and illegible over time. Like gait freezing, it’s one of…
There are no rules when it comes to Parkinson’s disease
I’ve always been pretty organized and logical. I like knowing the rules and the “why” behind things. My brain looks for patterns I can rely on to predict or explain everything. Growing up in…
