Is it normal aging or symptoms of Parkinson’s?
The challenges of getting older while living with a progressive disease
Getting older isn’t for sissies, my mom always said.
She also said “Merry Christmas” to me in July one year and noted how everyone in her care home had gray hair (she had been gray since her 30s).
She was spot on about the challenges of aging, though, especially for those of us with Parkinson’s disease. It’s a journey that demands resilience and courage. A sense of humor is also helpful.
A friend of mine says she sees Parkinson’s disease as accelerated aging, and I think she’s right.
When my mother moved to London, Ontario, in 2010, I was just 49 years old and keen to have her close by. I had seemingly boundless energy. I’d often do the shopping for her, and one time I was in a department store buying her new (ahem) undergarments. When I reached the front of the line, the cashier asked me, “Would you like the seniors’ discount?”
I was shocked and traumatized. I looked around. “Me? How old do you think I am? These granny pants aren’t for ME!” I slammed my hands down on the counter. What an outrage!
Then the woman said, “Do you want 15% off or not?”
“Oh, uh, yes, please,” I humbly replied.
And that was the first time I was mistaken as older than I was.
If my sister reads this, she will say no it’s not, as she remembers I used to sneak into bars with a fake ID when I was 17. But that’s a whole different story.
Have you ever been walking along and caught a glimpse of yourself in a mirror, only to not recognize that person? I sure have, and I’m sure many of you have, too. It’s not because that person in the mirror is young and gorgeous. Usually I see a woman who is older than me, moving slowly, not swinging her arm, and slightly round-shouldered. If I’m in the mall, this person in the mirror is often eating ice cream as well.
What were we talking about? Shopping? Ice cream? An old lady I don’t know?
Oh, yes, getting older. I’m getting forgetful these days. I hope it’s not Parkinson’s disease dementia.
Sometimes it’s difficult to distinguish between “normal” aging and Parkinson’s progression. For instance, I’ve had a very sore arm for several months now. Is it golfer’s elbow? Tennis elbow? A pulled muscle? Or is it from months of dyskinesia, which has been (literally) jerking me around every morning?
The American Parkinson Disease Association has a valuable article about the distinctions between Parkinson’s symptoms and signs of normal aging. The bottom line is that if you go to your doctor, they can often find a solution for you, regardless of the issue. Remember, you’re not alone, and there are professionals ready to help.
Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.
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