Parkinson’s: Dopamine (A Neurotransmitter and the Title of Many Songs)

"I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living." Dr. Seuss "The brain is a wonderful organ; it starts working the moment you get up in the morning and does not stop until you get into the office." Robert Frost Introduction: Having Parkinson's makes you know something about …

Parkinson’s: Don’t Stop

"When you can stop you don't want to, and when you want to stop, you can't." Luke Davies "The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me." Ayn Rand Don't Stop:Attitude determines much in our lives.Looking positively to the future can bolster your goals.Perspective especially matters for someone …

Fatigue in Parkinson’s

"Fatigue is the best pillow." Benjamin Franklin "Fatigue roughens up the edges of your nerves; it exposes your fears and your weaknesses." June Havoc Introduction: Fatigue is a standard part of everyday life. Fatigue is especially prevalent in the Parkinson's community. Herein is a brief overview of fatigue in people (person)-with-Parkinson's (PwP). "Many fears are born …

Parkinson’s: You Got To Move

"Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being" Plato "Exercise: you don't have time not to" George A. Sheehan Introduction: You know what I am getting ready to say? Exercise is medicine. The verdict is out; exercise is especially beneficial for those with Parkinson's. Some form of exercise is always suitable for …

Word for Wednesday: Parkinsonism

"A correct diagnosis is three-fourths the remedy." Mahatma Gandhi "The art of clinical diagnosis lies in the ability to ask the right questions." Harriet B. Braiker What is Parkinsonism? How is this different from Parkinson's? Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disorder that destroys dopamine-producing dopaminergic neurons. As Parkinson's progresses, other brain areas are affected, leading to motor- …

10 Lessons Learned About COVID-19 and Parkinson’s

"Come grow old with me. The best is yet to be." William Wordsworth "As long as I am breathing, in my eyes, I am just beginning." Criss Jami Introduction:  Likely, everyone in the world has said the words "COVID-19 Pandemic" at some point since early 2020. From mid-February 2020 to December 2022, more than 324,000 publications …

Journey with Parkinson’s: A Southern Good Luck Meal in the New Year

"food is never just something to eat." Margaret Visser "your body is not a temple, it's an amusement park. Enjoy the ride." Anthony Bourdain The New Year's Day Supper: Maybe your family has a New Year’s Day tradition? In the southern states of the U.S., we follow many traditions, but one of my favorites is the …

Happy New Year (2023) from the Journey with Parkinson’s

"Let us resolve to do the best we can with what we've got." William Feather "Maybe this year, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives not looking for flaws, but looking for potential." Ellen Goodman Happy New Year! In the New Year, may you maintain excellent health, create quality time for loved …

Parkinson’s: Never Give Up the Fight

"Don't give up. Don't ever give up." Jim Valvano "Don't give up. Reach down inside of you and you'll find something left." Bear Bryant Introduction: There are a lot of terms one could use to describe a disease. My view of this disorder is that I am locked in combat against Parkinson's. This evilness is …

Journey with Parkinson’s: “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town”

"A little smile, a word of cheer, A bit of love from someone near, A little gift from one held dear, Best wishes for the coming year. These make a merry christmas!" John Greenleaf Whittier "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Winston Churchill The …