When I was struggling with healthcare providers to arrive at the right diagnosis, I kept wondering, why is Parkinson’s so difficult to diagnose? I asked my favorite neurologist, Dr. Donald Higgins Jr., “Has anyone come up with a good theory explaining the large variability in how Parkinson’s presents?” He answered…
Columns
I almost gave up. Ashamedly, I almost conceded to this battle against Parkinson’s disease. I almost surrendered to this hideous monster. Although I don’t really know what surrendering looks like exactly, I am pretty certain of what it can feel like. Your will to fight back disappears. In its place,…
For Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, I would like to share how Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s have given a daughter and a father a special bond. My dad has Alzheimer’s and I have young-onset Parkinson’s. My mom, or as I call her, Wonder Woman, calls me “the dad whisperer.” But I see…
“You’re a veteran. All Vietnam vets have PTSD.” This simple statement misses the mark. Prior to my Parkinson’s diagnosis, I was not diagnosed with any of the symptoms attributable to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite having PTSD ruled out by psychologists twice, it still rears its ugly head. Yes, many…
For our family and friends in the Parkinson’s community, spring and summer usually mean golf tournaments and 5K races, while fall and winter bring indoor dances and casino nights. But this year, those in the Parkinson’s community can’t come together for annual events because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We already…
Editor’s note: This column discusses suicide. Please find resources for help at the end of the column. November 21 is International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. Unlike when loved ones are left behind after a death caused by an illness, old age, or tragedy, those left behind after the…
The imaginary talking neocortex of my brain, whom I call Neo, looks up from reading my column, “Possibilities with Parkinson’s.” “Hey, Doc. I still don’t understand this conductor theory. How can I use it as a treatment for my Parkinson’s?” he asks, referring to a mental construct Dr. C…
I will never hear his voice again. That was the first thing that went through my mind when my dad told me my brother had died unexpectedly. I now find myself missing my brother like crazy. In desperation and amid the grief, I try to recall moments filled…
Columns
When Home Becomes a Labyrinth
A few nights ago, Dad and I were watching an episode of “Star Trek” when he decided it was time for a bowl of ice cream. He doesn’t like to take his medications in the evening because the side effects affect…
The symbiotic conductor/exercise training, which centers on a mental construct for shifting perspective that I’ve described in previous columns, helps me to live better with Parkinson’s. Putting it in place as an early intervention (unknowingly on my part) was a crucial piece of this successful outcome. If we…
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