Parkinson’s News Today Columns

December 4, 2020December 4, 2020

The Possibilities That Arise From Adaptability

Celebrating the recent holiday here in the U.S. tested our ability to adapt. It has always been a time for the family to gather, but not this year. Our family ... Read more

December 3, 2020December 3, 2020

Finding Hope and Joy in the Detour of 2020

Parkinson’s News Today Columns

As a parent with young-onset Parkinson’s disease, I’ve been adjusting and adapting to the bumps and detours of my life. One of those adjustments has been our expectations for family ... Read more

November 30, 2020November 30, 2020

You Are a Beautiful Mess

Parkinson’s News Today Columns

Several years ago, I was introduced to Barney Saltzberg’s children’s book titled “Beautiful Oops!” In it, a bent piece of paper becomes a penguin’s beak while a torn piece of ... Read more

November 23, 2020November 23, 2020

A Gift Guide for Shopping From Home This Black Friday

Parkinson’s News Today Columns

With the biggest shopping day of the year nearly upon us, our anxiety levels may reach extremely high levels. Here’s an idea: Shop from home for your favorite Parkinson’s patient. ... Read more

November 20, 2020November 20, 2020

Spectrum Stage Theory Seeks a Better Understanding of Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s News Today Columns

When I was struggling with healthcare providers to arrive at the right diagnosis, I kept wondering, why is Parkinson’s so difficult to diagnose? I asked my favorite neurologist, Dr. Donald ... Read more

November 19, 2020November 19, 2020

Your Strength Comes From Your Struggles

COVID-19 Columns, Parkinson’s News Today Columns

I almost gave up. Ashamedly, I almost conceded to this battle against Parkinson’s disease. I almost surrendered to this hideous monster. Although I don’t really know what surrendering looks like ... Read more

November 19, 2020November 19, 2020

Batman and Robin Battle Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s News Today Columns

For Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, I would like to share how Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s have given a daughter and a father a special bond. My dad has Alzheimer’s and I ... Read more

November 13, 2020November 13, 2020

Atypical Non-tremor Parkinson’s Can Be Confused With PTSD

Parkinson’s News Today Columns

“You’re a veteran. All Vietnam vets have PTSD.” This simple statement misses the mark. Prior to my Parkinson’s diagnosis, I was not diagnosed with any of the symptoms attributable to ... Read more

November 12, 2020November 12, 2020

Parkinson’s Nonprofits Shift Strategies to Adapt to the Pandemic

COVID-19 Columns, Parkinson’s News Today Columns

For our family and friends in the Parkinson’s community, spring and summer usually mean golf tournaments and 5K races, while fall and winter bring indoor dances and casino nights. But ... Read more

November 10, 2020November 10, 2020

Observations From a Suicide Loss Survivor With Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s News Today Columns

Editor’s note: This column discusses suicide. Please find resources for help at the end of the column. November 21 is International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. Unlike when loved ones ... Read more

November 6, 2020November 6, 2020

One Brick at a Time: Another Productive Chat With Neo

Parkinson’s News Today Columns

The imaginary talking neocortex of my brain, whom I call Neo, looks up from reading my column, “Possibilities with Parkinson’s.” “Hey, Doc. I still don’t understand this conductor theory. How ... Read more

November 5, 2020November 5, 2020

The Things You Remember at Death’s Door

Parkinson’s News Today Columns

I will never hear his voice again. That was the first thing that went through my mind when my dad told me my brother had died unexpectedly. I now find ... Read more

November 4, 2020November 4, 2020

When Home Becomes a Labyrinth

Parkinson’s News Today Columns

A few nights ago, Dad and I were watching an episode of “Star Trek” when he decided it was time for a bowl of ice cream. He doesn’t like to ... Read more

October 30, 2020October 30, 2020

It’s Time to Redefine Early Stage Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s News Today Columns

The symbiotic conductor/exercise training, which centers on a mental construct for shifting perspective that I’ve described in previous columns, helps me to live better with Parkinson’s. Putting it in place ... Read more

October 26, 2020October 26, 2020

On Being Alone

Parkinson’s News Today Columns

In the beginning, God created man. And man wasn’t altogether too happy about it. So, God created woman, and man was quite pleased. We were made for fellowship with one ... Read more