Here in Arizona, dry, flaky, and itchy skin is a common problem because we get 335 days of sunshine. But my sister Bev, who has stage 3 Parkinson’s disease, experiences the same problems with her skin during the frigid winters in Ohio, where she lives. Parkinson’s…
Spending time in the water can be refreshing, relaxing, and healing for both the body and the soul. For those with Parkinson’s disease (PD), performing exercises or movements in the water, a practice known as aquatic therapy, may be especially beneficial. Because water reduces the stress and pressure on the…
One of my favorite songs from the 1966 Broadway musical “Mame” is “We Need a Little Christmas.” The story’s main character, Mame, is an eccentric rich woman who suffers a large financial loss during the Great Depression. Even though it is not Christmas, Mame decides…
Anyone who drives today knows that the roads and freeways can sometimes turn into a raceway! From drivers not using their turn signals to motorists cutting others off, countless challenges abound. But what if you have cognitive issues or slower reaction times? Should someone with Parkinson’s disease (PD) be driving?…
In the summer of 2019, I visited my niece, Lou, and my older sister, Bev, in Ohio. While I was there, we decided to drive to Colonial Williamsburg, an outdoor museum in Virginia, for a brief trip. Bev has stage 3 Parkinson’s disease (PD) and was 81 at the…
My sister, Bev, who has stage 3 Parkinson’s disease, has developed major hearing difficulties since her diagnosis in 2017. Bev has worn hearing aids to treat age-related hearing loss for several years, but they have become less effective, particularly with the onset of Parkinson’s,…
It’s the time of year when many of us relish connecting with our families and friends and spending time together to reflect on our blessings. I’m talking about Thanksgiving, of course, although sometimes it feels like it’s being turned into “ThanksChristmas.” My sister Bev…
My sister Bev, who has stage 3 Parkinson’s disease (PD), was diagnosed in 2017. She currently faces cognitive challenges, including issues with decision-making and short-term memory. The Parkinson’s Foundation notes that cognitive impairment is common among people with Parkinson’s, and the “same brain changes that lead to motor symptoms…
Journaling can be therapeutic for all of us. For someone with a chronic illness like Parkinson’s disease, storytelling by way of writing can leave a legacy for friends and family, and it can even change a person’s perspective about facing illness. In explaining why she decided to keep a journal,…
In my recent column about oral health, I discussed how some symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), such as facial stiffness and decreased tone and strength in the jaw, tongue, and facial muscles, can lead to dental problems. These issues, combined with dry mouth and decreased amounts of saliva, can…
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