Dealing with Parkinson's Disease

Jeopardy! Winner with Parkinson's Disease Competes 24 Years After His First Audition: 'My Dream Was Realized' Competing on Jeopardy! has been a long time coming for Harvey Silikovitz. “It’s been a longtime dream of mine to get here,” he told host Ken Jennings. “In 2019, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, but I continued chasing the dream, and now here I am.” continue reading on people.com

A Closer Look at Progress and Politics In December 2022, Congress passed a bipartisan bill that established the National Parkinson’s Project—a bold, long-overdue initiative aimed at preventing, diagnosing, treating, and ultimately curing Parkinson’s disease. The legislation, inspired in part by the success of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA), was welcomed with hope by the millions of Americans affected by Parkinson’s, as well as their families, caregivers, and advocates. But more than two years later, one has to ask: what tangible steps have been taken since this landmark legislation passed? And how has the ever-shifting political landscape affected the implementation of this ambitious project? Promising Words, But Where’s the Action? The National Parkinson’s Project promised a coordinated, whole-of-government approach, including a federal advisory council to oversee and guide progress. This council was meant to bring together scientists, clinicians, government offici...

A network of love and support can be an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to living well with Parkinson’s disease (PD), but it isn’t always easy for loved ones to find their place in that network. When does care become overbearing? How can you continue sharing interests as symptoms make certain activities more challenging? And how can you communicate about sensitive topics? In this video, Rachel Dolhun, MD, DipABLM, principal medical advisor at The Michael J. Fox Foundation offers five tips to support a loved one with PD, whether you’re a partner, a parent, a child or a friend.

It started with something small. Vivek Puri, a successful businessman in Northern Virginia, noticed his arm wasn’t swinging naturally when he walked. Instead, it curled up against his chest, his wrist hovering awkwardly near his belt buckle. It looked strange, but it didn’t hurt. So he adjusted his posture and got on with his day. He was 38 years old. Soon after, his fingers began to stiffen. Typing became frustrating—his hands didn’t respond the way they used to. The problem got worse. A neurologist told him it was likely neuropathy, a nerve disorder. Physical therapy was prescribed, but after months of trying, nothing changed. Then came the moment he’ll never forget. “I remember saying, ‘By the way, I’ve noticed that when I walk, my right hamstring cramps up.’ The color just drained from his face.” His doctor’s expression said it all. Something was seriously wrong. Within 24 hours, Puri had an urgent appointment at Georgetown University’s Movement Disorders Clinic—and, just like t...

Facial masking is when you have a blank expression, you aren't able to convey emotions with facial expression. Masking is common with Parkinson's. Medication helped a ton but I still feel my expression shows anger or sadness when I'm calm and happy. Exercise is important, and the facial muscles are no exception. It's very important to exersize your facial muscles. Try exaggerated gestures and say the vowels. AAAAAAAA EEEEEEE I OOOOOOO UUUUUUUUUUUU. And sometimes "Y". Remember to smile BIG! 😀

What does it mean when we say that Parkinson’s can go from “off” to “on” and then back to “off” again? Listen to this Michael J. Fox Foundation podcast as experts discuss these “off” periods — those times when medication can wear off between doses, or are not working optimally, and symptoms can return. This episode will share steps you can take to manage “off” time, including how you can communicate with doctors and care partners about what you’re experiencing and ongoing research to decrease or treat these episodes.  Host and person with Parkinson's Larry Gifford leads a discussion with: Ashley Rawls, MD, movement disorder specialist at the University of Florida Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases  Soania Mathur, MD, co-chair of MJFF’s Patient Council  Rick Schwartz, person with Parkinson’s and former professional baseball player  Listen to the panel discussion at  The Michael J. Fox Foundation  

 It's been a few weekson GOCOVRI, I'd say early results are reduced off times and reduced dyskinesia.   I don't remember the medication I took prior, too many doctors each with their favorite combination of pills.  GOCOVRI isn't adding C/L but is time released Amantadine, so not hitting me with a double dose of C/L first thing in the morning. Not perfect but the best in a long time. 8/26/2024 Off times reduced and foot dyskinesia slowed down.