Columns

In May 2020, Parkinson’s News Today‘s Joana Carvalho wrote about a study published in the journal eLife. The study describes a new tool that would allow scientists to study the effects of mitochondrial damage, which could ultimately help restore neuron function in people with neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s disease.

I published my first column with Parkinson’s News Today in April 2019, confiding in readers about my dad’s struggle with Parkinson’s disease. Since then, I’ve written more than 60 columns, telling stories and sharing information I’ve learned. I’m rather proud to have looked Parkinson’s in the eyes so…

Parkinson’s is a progressive illness. It’s continually changing the brain and body as we grow older. Along with changes from my Parkinson’s, my brain is also changing in response to its “owner’s” demands. I’ve proposed that it’s possible to use this natural neuroplasticity to slow the progression of…

Many of us have likely said, “Oh, my aching feet,” especially after a long walk, run, or hike. As we age, our strength and agility decrease, increasing our chances of experiencing muscle soreness and stiffness. For people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), balance, walking, and gait issues are usually significant because…

Resilience is the single best predictor of success in life and in building sanctuary. When you live in a tornado-prone area, building a garden sanctuary can be risky. Spring is the time to revitalize from winter. My garden sanctuary uplifts my soul with vibrant blooms. It was built one…

Living with Parkinson’s disease can feel like an insurmountable challenge. As we strive to maintain our mobility and preserve our way of life, we look for ways to empower ourselves as patients. We want to feel in control and restore our confidence. As the disease progresses, motor symptom…

“It looks like I’m getting surgery next month,” I texted my dad one morning. I’ve been dealing with a mystery pain in my foot for nearly a year. Every time I run or rock climb, I end up with a burning sensation in my toe. A recent MRI revealed…

Determination can be a powerful ally in life, especially when dealing with a chronic illness like Parkinson’s disease (PD). My sister Bev has stage 3 PD, which causes balance and short-term memory issues, along with hand tremors. Life happens to all of us. There are emotional…

“How can I tell if it’s Parkinson’s and not just me getting older?” This question was posed by an audience member during a presentation about Parkinson’s disease given at a local support group meeting. I’m not an expert on gerontology (the science of getting older). I was diagnosed at 65,…

My sister, Bev, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in 2017 and is currently at stage 3 of the disease. Her present symptoms include gait and balance problems, short-term memory issues, chronic fatigue, and occasional difficulty swallowing. Additionally, because of both her age and PD, Bev experiences bladder…