Columns

In my last column, I mentioned that about a year after my diagnosis of early-onset Parkinson’s disease, I needed back surgery for a ruptured disc and a herniated disc in my lower spine. It was a harrowing experience, but I learned some important lessons. I’ve had lower back pain…

My family was feeling very helpless and alone after my husband, Arman, was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease in 2009. He was only 38 years old then, and we were left floundering for a sense of hope. Soon after his diagnosis, close friends and family members approached me…

It can be hard not to catastrophize everything that happens to you when you have an underlying chronic disease like Parkinson’s. Indeed, Parkinson’s can cause myriad symptoms. Stiffness and joint pain, gait problems, slurred speech, difficulty typing or using touch-screen technology — this disease is insidious and can…

I love a good routine. Every morning, I have a cup of tea and a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, and I’ve been doing that for at least 10 years. It’s super satisfying, and I see no reason to change it. Every night, my husband, John, and I watch “Jeopardy!”…

Caregiving for a loved one is one of the most challenging, demanding, and often frustrating jobs that I can think of. My husband, Eric, and I never anticipated that I’d be his caregiver, but Parkinson’s disease changed our reality. I’ve learned that caring for someone is one of the…

When I think about the word “learning,” it conjures up vivid memories of my school days. I can picture myself riding a bright yellow school bus and covering my textbooks with folded-up brown paper bags. I often daydreamed about how great life would be when I was finally done with…

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 Parkinson’s in April — and every other month! Parkinson’s Awareness Month starts tomorrow, while…

I don’t know about you, but I’m still having a hard time believing it’s 2025. I know we’re three months in already, but I still feel like we just unwrapped Christmas presents and embraced our loved ones while surrounded by twinkling lights. As I work to get myself into the…

“Yes, I’m bein’ followed by a moonshadow/ Moonshadow, moonshadow/ Leapin’ and hoppin’ on a moonshadow/ Moonshadow, moonshadow.” — Cat Stevens If I had to choose only one musician to listen to for the rest of my life, it’d likely be Yusuf Islam, better known as Cat Stevens. His melodies, which…

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 his 70s, unlike my diagnosis, which came in my 30s. I don’t remember many of…