"Where Life Meets Parkinson's." A blog for Parkinson's education, research advances, treatment strategies, and personal reflection. The goal is to provide support and resources to anyone either with Parkinson's disease or with any neurodegenerative disorder.
"My actions are my only true belongings." Nhat Hanh "Today is the most important day of our lives." Nhat Hanh Introduction: There are many types of people-with-Parkinson's (PwP), different stages of progression, numerous motor and non-motor symptoms, there is early onset, and typically one is 65 years old when diagnosed. And I realize there are …
Continue reading "11 Hopeful Quotes to Support Your Life With Parkinson’s"
"I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it." Pablo Picasso "We have more possibilities available in each moment than we realize." Nhat Hanh Précis: This post exists because I received a note from a reader concerned about using a substance that potentially was an …
"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 …
"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- …
"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 …
Continue reading "10 Lessons Learned About COVID-19 and Parkinson’s"
"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 …
Continue reading "Journey with Parkinson’s: A Southern Good Luck Meal in the New Year"
"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 …
Continue reading "Happy New Year (2023) from the Journey with Parkinson’s"
"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 …
"Resilience is accepting your new reality, even if it's less good than the one you had before." Elizabeth Edwards "Health is wholeness and balance, an inner resilience that allows you to meet the demands of living without being overwhelmed." Andrew Weil Introduction: The goal is to review the role(s) played by dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine (also …
Continue reading "The Complex Role of Neurotransmitters in Parkinson’s"
"In all human affairs there are efforts, and there are results, and the strength of the effort is the measure of the result." James Allen "Storms make trees take deeper roots." Dolly Parton Introduction: In the presence of Parkinson's, each person encounters a different invader that can progress very slowly or evolves quickly. Symptoms expressed are …
Journey with Parkinson's 