Embrace the Shake – a Column by Samantha Felder

Do you see or hear things that others don’t? According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 20%–40% of Parkinson’s patients say they’ve experienced hallucinations or delusions. The foundation’s website states, “Hallucinations are when someone sees, hears or feels something that is not actually there.” Unlike dreams, these episodes occur when the…

The word “advocacy” alone can send people running for the hills. I’ll admit, when I first decided to advocate for those of us with Parkinson’s disease, I was a little scared. Because I’m only 31 (and look 16!), I didn’t think anyone would take me seriously, and I certainly didn’t…

I’m back! Not just figuratively, but also literally. I recently took some time off to get my health in check. I was in the process of changing medications, and my neurologist had warned me that I might have side effects or withdrawal symptoms. Boy, was he right. He had been…

“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…

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…

Dear Parkinson’s disease (PD), Wow, I can’t believe that we’ve been together for nearly 10 years. Our relationship has been a roller-coaster ride, that’s for sure. We’ve had our ups and downs — well, mostly downs when you’re around. It’s time for me to take a stand and tell you…

Imagine moving to a brand-new town, thousands of miles away from anyone you know. How would you feel after a few days? Weeks? Months? The feeling of isolation that might gnaw at your heart is similar to what many of us with Parkinson’s disease experience, especially when diagnosed at a…

I would like to welcome back my dad, Craig Barbian. Since our discussion in a two-part series last June was so well received, I thought it would be a neat follow-up to have him share more of his perspective by writing today’s column. Take it away, Dad!…

Anxiety is the secret poison of Parkinson’s disease. While it is not a symptom many people associate with the condition, many of us still suffer from it. What is anxiety? Anxiety involves feelings of worry, nervousness, and unease, typically when the outcome of an event is uncertain. We all feel…

As a 31-year-old, I spend a lot of time on my phone, whether that means talking to my friends, researching something for work, or playing a mindless game. I think about the difference I could make by spending more time improving my mind and working on my health instead of…