First day of my Parkinson’s ABC starts with the - you guessed it - letter A: Parkinson’s is a movement disorder and is usually associated with motor symptoms. But as it affects many areas of the brain, it also comes with more unknown, invisible non-motor symptoms. 😐Anxiety - many people struggle with anxiety as a symptom of Parkinson's, caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. For some, this can be an early sign of the disease long before the motor symptoms emerge. Luckily I don’t suffer from anxiety most of the time. But I have felt it, I know what it feels like, and I know it’s real. Ironically, stress and anxiety can make Parkinson's symptoms worse. And receiving a life-changing diagnosis of a progressive neurodegenerative illness with no cure can cause anxiety too. 😶Apathy - also a common non-motor symptom. Apathy is defined as a feeling of indifference or lack of emotions, interests, and motivation. It may occur along with depression but can also occur on its own. Apathy may interfere with the management of PD as apathy makes you less inclined to exercise or follow medication schedules. Looking back to the time before I got diagnosed, I realize I did at times experience apathy, and I still do sometimes. Apathy is probably more frustrating for the care partner than for the person experiencing it. 👊🏼Attitude - Like with any challenge life throws at you; a positive attitude is essential to maintaining a good quality of life with PD. And most fellow “parkies” I have met have a very positive attitude and mindset. For me, it comes naturally; I am an optimistic person by nature. But also, I feel I don’t have much choice. I have a family who needs me, a job I love, and everything else in my life is in place. I am lucky. And after being convinced I had ALS or was dying of a brain tumor, getting diagnosed with Parkinson’s felt like a gift of life. I had seen videos of @litwithindotcom and @jcfoxninja and been following @realmikejfox and inspired by their stories. I believe in science; I am hopeful for the future. And worrying about things I can’t control, I don’t have time for that.
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