Columns

My sister Bev had symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) for about eight years before she was properly diagnosed in 2017 at the age of 78. She told me that before she was diagnosed, while she was first working as a nurse and then as an echocardiography technician, she experienced uncontrollable…

I lost most of my vision two years ago and became legally blind. It was devastating. Through the course of rehabilitation with a low vision clinic, I was taught how to see in a very new way, called eccentric viewing. Eccentric viewing is a method by which a…

My mom says, “You only get one set of teeth. Take care of them.” This is especially important with Parkinson’s disease. Regular dental visits are a vital part of your care plan. However, it’s much easier said than done, especially when your dentist retires. After months of procrastinating, you’ll…

We’ve all heard that having an attitude of gratitude can make a difference when doing this thing called life. But does gratitude make a difference for someone who is experiencing the distressing effects of Parkinson’s disease (PD), or for their caregivers? In a beautifully written Parkinson’s News Today column…

Some people go on vacations to play. For me, play is when I’m creating: writing columns, building garden landscapes, and being of service. Living with a chronic illness can be overwhelming. It helps to have a healthy sense of play, a playful mind, a lightness of being. Being a…

“Mary Beth, I’ll be starting a new Parkinson’s exercise class this week,” my dad told me early one morning. Before COVID-19 hit, Dad was religiously taking Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) classes at a local facility. But the pandemic forced that particular location to close permanently, leaving my dad…

We’ve all heard that eating a nutritious diet full of green leafy vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can promote good health and even help to prevent illnesses like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. But sometimes we may crave a juicy burger with all the fixings or the sugar…

It’s the hand I have been dealt: Parkinson’s for the rest of my life. The good news is I have lucid days. With the right tools, I can remain a productive member of society and a minimal burden on family. I maintain a mental image, my “well of resources,” throughout…

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…

My little sister recently packed her bags and drove to Oregon, making my parents first-time empty nesters at their home in Michigan. The last of the flock has flown the coop, eager to explore everything that life has in store for her. When our family of eight gathers, there is…