Columns

Second in a series. Read part one. Every Tuesday I go on a walk with my Parkinson’s buddies. I started this “walk ‘n’ talk” group after my deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery in 2021. I like talking about Parkinson’s, and usually I ask the other walkers questions…

What’s the best way for people with Parkinson’s to contribute to research? I recently talked about how there are always more questions than answers and how there must be better ways to solve our problems. I highlighted the obvious need to engineer better brain-body communications. I’ve encouraged patients…

It’s been such a warm fall season here in Ohio that it’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. Not only do we celebrate Thanksgiving in November, but it’s also National Family Caregivers Month, a time to honor the caregivers in our lives. Caregiver Action Network began advocating…

I have Parkinson’s disease. I was just 36 when I was diagnosed. It was a devastating blow. While I’ll never think of it as a blessing, it has been an incredible teacher, and I’m thankful for so much despite my diagnosis. I think often about the brave clinical trial…

I recently discovered that I, like 10% to 30% of the human population, am deficient in magnesium. The mineral plays a key role in supporting nerve and muscle function, the immune system, and strong bones, and it’s commonly found in foods such as green, leafy vegetables, nuts, and coconut…

I’m often asked what it feels like to have Parkinson’s disease. My answer? Just plain weird. As frequently as I’ve tried to explain it, I just can’t do it justice. One of my early motor symptoms was gait freezing. I’d be walking along, and suddenly, it was…

First in a series. I recently heard a rumor that I wasn’t doing very well. An old friend dropped by and spoke to my husband, John. The friend said he’d heard from someone else that my health was failing. Near death, by the sound of it. Communication can be tricky,…

I’m a proud great-auntie to three amazing little ones. My youngest great-nephew was born last summer, just a day after my mom’s birthday. He’s the first child of the next generation of our family to be born locally. We gather around him at family get-togethers and are in awe of…

Travel is a big part of the holidays for many families. Whether you’re driving down the street to attend a party for a few hours or flying halfway across the globe for weeks, these tips can make the journey easier when traveling with Parkinson’s disease. The most important is…

Growing up as part of a large family of eight children, we were shaped by the same parenting principles, church values, and largely similar educational experiences. As we grew older, however, our individual personalities and temperaments emerged — each of us possessing a unique way of thinking, reacting, and communicating.