Columns

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…

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a shortage of staffing at many businesses, including grocery stores. These days, it seems that self-checkout lanes have become the norm. In many places, gone are the days of multiple checkout cashiers with whom customers can have a brief but pleasant chat. I feel fortunate…

Sometimes, the call of nature is a daily dash to the bathroom. At least it used to be for me. I had a regular routine — until Parkinson’s disease came along. Now, I don’t sense “having to go” in the same way. Days will go by without a visit to…

My sister Bev, who has stage 3 Parkinson’s disease (PD), has balance problems and an unsteady gait, which have led to a number of falls. Fortunately, she hasn’t suffered any major injuries as a result. Last year, Bev had a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, or DEXA, scan to measure…

“How’s your 2022 so far?” I text my dad a few days into January. “Not so good,” his message lights up my phone. “I think I have COVID.” At first, I think he’s joking. He’s always finding ways to look on the bright side of life, and sometimes doing so…

Before I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease seven years ago, I hadn’t heard the term “off periods.” After getting involved in the Parkinson’s community, I discovered that the term is frequently used. One reader asked, “Why do my symptoms get so bad in the early evening?” My response was,…

Parkinson’s is not considered a rare disease, as it affects nearly a million in the U.S., but the people within the Parkinson’s community are rare to me. They are unique, and they are exceptional. I am proud to be an advocate for Parkinson’s awareness and the rare disease communities that…

My sister Bev, who has stage 3 Parkinson’s disease (PD), always comments that she wishes her hair were as thick as mine. Although we were both blessed with natural curls and waves when we were younger, Bev’s hair has become much thinner and less wavy over time. As we…