Parkinson’s provides an education outside the classroom

When I think about the word “learning,” it conjures up vivid memories of my school days. I can picture myself riding a bright yellow school bus and covering my textbooks with folded-up brown paper bags. I often daydreamed about how great life would be when I was finally done with schooling and my education.

As a middle-aged adult, I now recognize that learning is not confined to the lecture rooms of a university or the walls of my high school. Although schooling provides knowledge that prepares us for our future, the pursuit of learning never ends. Most of what we learn in life is completely unrelated to what we learn in school.

When my husband, Arman, was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease, a million-plus questions ran through my 38-year-old mind. I had no idea how this diagnosis would alter the course of our lives. I quickly recognized the need to prepare for a role for which I had no formal training or education.

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My self-directed learning

Because of the many unknowns and questions that I had spiraling around this complicated disease, I knew it was time to learn. I began studying and researching everything I could about early-onset Parkinson’s disease. I became a self-taught expert on medications, therapies, potential therapies, progression, surgeries, specialists, symptoms, clinical trials, caregiving, vitamins, and everything under the sun that I could find information on.

My head was exploding with ideas and plans as I educated myself on how to help Arman. He was at a particularly early stage of Parkinson’s when I learned that bicycling was one of the best ways to slow the progression of the disease. We immediately enrolled him in a cycling clinical trial and purchased a stationary bicycle for our home. To this day, 15 years in, cycling is an integral part of his exercise regimen.

At Arman’s medical appointments, I became that person who likely annoys everyone by asking an abundant number of questions. I was eager to learn everything that I could from the collaborative efforts of his specialists.

Although our movement disorder specialists have been a fantastic resource, I’ve probably learned the most valuable information about Parkinson’s from my caregiver support group. Each member has a unique story to share, and we not only lean on each other, but also learn from each other. The knowledge I’ve gained has helped me in various ways.

Parkinson’s has been a part of my life for over 15 years now. Although that seems like a long time, long enough that I certainly should know all there is to know about this disease and caregiving, that’s far from the truth. Every day, I’m learning more and more about Parkinson’s disease. As soon as I think I’m an expert, things change, and I realize I’m not.

Life experiences are probably the greatest teacher that we’ll encounter. Successes, failures, experiences, and challenges allow us to learn lessons that cannot be taught in a classroom or read in a book.

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.