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Recently, a large group of people with Parkinson’s were asked in a private Facebook support group to give advice to others recently diagnosed with the disease. Of more than 200 responses, the overwhelming response was:  “Exercise! Keep moving!” But that wasn’t all. Other advice was freely given. What…

This is for all those people with Parkinson’s disease who can’t seem to make others understand what’s going on in the mind of a PD patient. I’ve heard of people with PD who actually live with others who don’t believe they have PD. You can call it denial.

Several years ago, when I was diagnosed with young onset PD, it seemed the rage in beneficial exercise for people with Parkinson’s disease was bicycling. A few years later, the craze seemed to turn to dance. Now it seems as though boxing could be the in thing. As…

Last week, I wrote about some of the fears people with Parkinson’s disease point to when they discuss what scares them about their future. Some recommendations focused on staying hopeful and having a positive attitude. Another piece of advice in maintaining a positive outlook was to never…

When people with Parkinson’s disease are asked: Are you scared of your future with PD? They say they fear: Losing their driver’s licenses. Losing their independence. Having to depend on others. Facing the unknowns and what-ifs. Having to ask for help. Knowing what their family/caregiver(s) will have to…

There often are studies done relating to Parkinson’s disease. There is research being conducted, in hopes of making life a little easier for people with Parkinson’s or ultimately finding a cure. But as much as we are led to believe a cure is on its way, so often…

I’ve always wanted to take a dance class. Ballroom dancing, country dancing, the tango ― whatever. I’m certain you’d agree that dance is good exercise for most everyone. Not that we all like it or are inclined to try it, but for the PD…

We all are surrounded by people who mean well, people who don’t mean to come across as ignorant, but who are, nonetheless, ignorant. Especially when they are representing health agencies. There is a European agency that runs similarly to the Social Security Administration and assesses individuals needing…

Some people keep journals, some keep diaries, some record life’s events on their calendars. I have done all three. I kept a diary as a young girl, and then moved onto journals (although I tend to think they are more one in the same). I keep a…

Many people refuse to talk about it. Fewer want to admit they struggle with it. Many are embarrassed by it. All would choose to live without it. It’s the “D” word: Depression. On my first visit to see my neurologist several years ago, much to my surprise, I…