Levodopa was first used in clinical trials for Parkinson’s disease in 1961, and it eventually became the gold standard for treatment. Today, it’s still the most common medication available for managing symptoms like tremors and stiffness. But “off” periods — when the medication wears off —…
Shaking Things Up - a Column by Mary Beth Skylis
Before my dad’s Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2013, my understanding of the disease was limited. I knew someone from church who had it, mainly because their tremors made it extremely visible. But I knew little about the disease’s nuances, such as who is most likely to be diagnosed with it, how…
There’s a moment that many Parkinson’s families encounter at some point. Maybe they’re on the road with a loved one with Parkinson’s who is driving, and they notice slight swerving over the center lane, as I did a few years ago with my dad. Or maybe the moment happens…
Connecticut-based Steve Yellen was a weekend athlete before he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease seven years ago. He first noticed a tremor in his left hand. Then he saw a neurologist, who confirmed the diagnosis. Instead of succumbing to apathy, Yellen decided to do everything in his power…
Women’s History Month, celebrated each March, originated in 1978 when an educational task force in Santa Rosa, California, set out to highlight women’s contributions to society. This month also serves as a time for reflection on persistent issues such as the exclusion of women from textbooks and research. Historically,…
A few years ago, I accompanied my dad, who has Parkinson’s disease, to a neurology appointment to observe how his doctor interacted with him and assessed whether his deep brain stimulation hardware needed adjustment. The doctor asked if he was taking the recommended dosage of levodopa at the scheduled…
Last in a series. Read part one. In my previous column, Rachel Dolhun of the Michael J. Fox Foundation shared practical tips for managing challenges like stress and jet lag when living with Parkinson’s. This week, she offers insights on navigating specialized travel services and accommodations, and preparing for…
First in a series. Earlier in January, I wrote about Bryan Roberts, a member of the Michael J. Fox Foundation Patient Council, and the ways he manages his Parkinson’s disease while traveling. This week, I’ll share part of an email conversation I had with Rachel Dolhun, the…
Air travel is hard, even if you do it frequently. You have to navigate busy places, make it past security, and then cram yourself into an airplane like a sardine in a can — and that’s all before you ever make it to your destination. After my family traveled to…
My dad has always been my superhero. When I was a child, he was the person who would rush home with pizza, sugary drinks, and laughter to break the tension of the day. As I grew older and began navigating the complexities of high school, I knew I could pour…
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