Columns

I recently discussed the importance of creating a solid care team to treat Parkinson’s. Expanding on that, I thought it’d be helpful to discuss a vital part of our current care plan: physical and occupational therapy. Before the pandemic, my husband, Arman, began working with a…

My husband, John, was leaning over me and saying, “What happened?” I looked up at him and said, “Why?” What I was trying to say is, “Why did you wake me up?” But I couldn’t get the words out. Then my arms, which hadn’t tremored since my deep brain…

“Wow, look at that walk,” my older sister says with a smile. Dad is making his way across the living room in preparation for his birthday party. His steps are fluid and unbroken. It’s a sight that we savor. I love to see my dad unencumbered by his…

When I’m not busy writing my weekly column for Parkinson’s News Today, I’m the managing director of a small medical advocacy organization in Cleveland. In this role, I’ve learned much about our ever-changing healthcare system and the importance of having a dedicated team to manage all aspects…

Planning for travel is essential, and my recent trip to Spain for the 6th World Parkinson Congress (WPC) posed a question: While the host city, Barcelona, had planned for me and others with Parkinson’s through the World Parkinson Coalition’s Parkinson’s Ready program, would I be able…

“Until we can receive with an open heart, we are never really giving with an open heart. When we attach judgment to receiving help, we knowingly or unknowingly attach judgment to giving help.” — Brené Brown, “The Gifts of Imperfection” All patients with Parkinson’s disease slowly but surely…

Since my diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2015, my sense of smell has been nonexistent. Overall, I have to say the loss hasn’t bothered me too much, especially when compared with other Parkinson’s symptoms, such as tremor, slowness, and stiffness. The only time it does bother me is…

Parkinson’s is an impactful disease that comes with a lot of challenges. As such, it probably isn’t a surprise to most that many Parkinson’s patients struggle with mental health at some point. In fact, up to 40% of Parkinson’s patients experience anxiety, according to the National Council on…

Do you ever notice how symptoms of Parkinson’s disease sometimes seem to start at the perimeter? You might first get a twitch in your pinkie finger or thumb, or it might be some other subtle problem, possibly starting on one side of your body or the other. At the…

I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to tell our story through this column, “The Bright Side.” My main goal in sharing our family’s story with the world was to help others dealing with similar situations. I also hope readers won’t feel so alone in their fight against…