Linda Ronstadt: Parkinson’s Took Her Voice But Not Her Spirit
Known for her rich soprano vocals as the lead singer of the 1960s band the Stone Poneys, Linda Ronstadt opened up about her Parkinson’s disease diagnosis to AARP The Magazine in 2013. After two very bad tick bites in the 1980s, Ronstadt says her health never fully recovered but she didn’t visit a neurologist until she was no longer able to sing.
“I didn’t know why I couldn’t sing all I knew was that it was muscular or mechanical. Then when I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I was finally given the reason. I now understand that no one can sing with Parkinson’s disease. No matter how hard you try. And in my case, I can’t sing a note,” she told AARP.
Doctors In Toronto Treat Man With Parkinson’s Disease At His Home In Nl Here’s How They Did It
Almost 16 years after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, George Martin says he has his life back thanks to a first-of-its-kind technology.
The 68-year-old lives in Mount Pearl, N.L., but the NeuroSphere Virtual Clinic allows his doctors to treat him remotely from Toronto.
The treatment has reduced the tremors caused by his condition and allowed him to live his life again, Martin told CBC Toronto.
“I can drive again, which I couldn’t do. I can go in restaurants, which I was too nervous to go to, too afraid of falling down. I can dance again,” Martin said. “I got my life back.”
WATCH | George Martin talks about getting his life back
Toronto Western Hospital’s Krembil Brain Institute is the first clinic to implement the new technology in Canada and Martin is the first patient in the country to receive treatment.
Pandemic pushed development of remote technology
Prior to the technology being used by Krembil Brain Institute, in-person DBS clinics were limited to Canada’s more populated regions.
Some provinces don’t have any treatment centres at all, said Dr. Alfonso Fasano, a clinician investigator at the institute.
He told CBC Toronto the COVID-19 pandemic provided the incentive to roll out a fully remote treatment option.
The software was developed to withstand cyberattacks and connection malfunctions, he added.
WATCH | Dr. Alfonso Fasano explains how the technology works
After years of unsuccessful treatments for Parkinson’s, he said he was almost ready to give up.
How Prevent Parkinsons Disease
As the causes of Parkinsons remain unknown, researchers continue to search for the reasons people develop the disease. For those who have been diagnosed, it is believed that exercise and eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can help control symptoms and even slow progression of the disease.
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Ozzy Osbourne: Coming To Terms With His Diagnosis
Former Black Sabbath front man Ozzy Osbourne revealed the news of his Parkinsons disease diagnosis in an emotional interview with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America. Accompanied by his wife, Sharon, Osbourne confirmed that hed been diagnosed with Parkinsons in February 2019 following a series of health issues though his case is mild and, as Sharon emphasized, its not a death sentence by any stretch of the imagination.
Im no good with secrets, the rock star confessed. I cannot walk around with it anymore cause its like Im running out of excuses.
The diagnosis coincided with a bad fall and subsequent surgery on his neck, as Osbourne began to experience numbness and chills in one arm and both legs. I dont know if thats the Parkinsons or what, he said. Thats the problem … its a weird feeling. Hes now taking Parkinsons medication along with nerve pills and has planned a trip to see a specialist in Switzerland in April 2020.
I feel better now Ive owned up to the fact that I have a case of Parkinsons, Osbourne said. And I hope hang around, because I need them.
Alan Alda: Taking Action Keeping Active
The award-winning M*A*S*H actor broke the news of his Parkinsons diagnosis during an appearance on the CBS This Morning TV news show in July 2018 and hes found that exercise helps him stay positive. You can hold back the progress if you do a lot of specific exercises, so I do a lot of crazy things, he told Today in 2019. For this actor, these crazy things reportedly include boxing, juggling, tennis, swimming, marching, and biking.
Confirming the news of his diagnosis on Twitter, Alda remained optimistic. I decided to let people know I have Parkinsons to encourage others to take action, he wrote. My life is full. I act, I give talks, I do my podcast, which I love. If you get a diagnosis, keep moving!
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‘antichrist’ Director Lars Von Trier Diagnosed With Parkinson’s Disease
Aug. 8 — Controversial director Lars von Trier has been diagnosed with Parkinson‘s disease, his representatives said Monday.
A statement from von Trier’s self-founded production company, Zentropa, confirmed the 66-year-old’s diagnosis, but said that von Trier was “in good spirits and is being treated for his symptoms.”
The native of Kongens Lyngby, Denmark, is currently producing the third season of his critically acclaimed thriller series The Kingdom.
Season 3 is set to premiere at the upcoming Venice Film Festival on Aug. 31, and while von Trier will be able to complete post-production, Zentropa said that he will be scaling back on the press tour.
“The illness means that Lars will only take part in interviews to a limited extent until the premiere later in the year,” the production company said.
Subtitled as The Kingdom Exodus, Season 3 will finally conclude von Trier’s series, which centers around mysterious happenings at a Copenhagen neurosurgical hospital. The first two seasons premiered in 1994 and 1997, respectively.
While the series has received critical acclaim in Denmark, von Trier has seen controversies surrounding his work, particularly on the international stage.
His films are known for often containing heavy violence and sexually explicit content, and have earned the director both widespread accolades as well as condemnation.
Particular scrutiny has been placed around what von Trier unofficially calls his “Depression Trilogy.”
How Is Parkinsons Disease Treated
There is no cure for Parkinsons disease, but there are medications that can help control the symptoms that make day-to-day life difficult for patients, such as tremors and rigidity. Because every person experiences the disease differently, not every drug works for every patient. Some of these drugs can also have side effects, making it important to find the right mix of medication for each patient. These medications, which slow the progression of the disease, interact with the brains unique chemistry to help improve quality of life. There are also a range of therapies available to help patients manage their symptoms for as long as possible.
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Notable Figures With Parkinsons
Although more than 10 million people worldwide live with Parkinson’s disease , the general public’s understanding of disease symptoms is often limited to what is seen in the media. Many people only know Parkinson’s as the disease that Muhammad Ali had, or Michael J. Fox has.
However, when a household name such as Ali or Fox announces their diagnosis, Parkinson’s coverage briefly spikes. While a diagnosis is upsetting, when notable figures are public about their disease, the coverage helps increase awareness and understanding, while personalizing Parkinson’s for those with no other connection.
A PD diagnosis is universally difficult to cope with, but with a platform to speak from and fans to speak to, here’s a list of notable figures that have helped shape the Parkinson’s conversation:
Billy Connolly: Humor With Parkinson’s
Scottish stand-up comedian and actor Billy Connolly continued on with his career after his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2013 at age 70. Widely beloved for his off-the-cuff and profanity-laden comedy style, Connolly first found out he had Parkinson’s during a chance meeting in a hotel lobby with a doctor who recognized his symptoms as early signs of the neurological disease. However, his diagnosis didnt deter him, and he continued to perform onstage and on-screen until finally retiring from live performances in 2018.
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Prevalence Of Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons is the fastest-growing neurological disease in the world and one of the main causes of disability. More than 100,000 Canadians are currently living with the disease and 25 new patients are diagnosed every day. Around 85 per cent of people diagnosed with the disease are over the age of 65. By 2031, it is expected that more than 160,000 Canadians will be affected by the disease, with 50 new patients diagnosed every day. The economic burden of the disease in Canada, in direct and indirect costs, is more than $1.2-billion annually.
What Are The Symptoms Of Parkinsons Disease
Every patient experiences Parkinsons disease differently, according to Parkinson Canada, with many showing no signs of the disease in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they may begin on one side of the body and remain worse on that side throughout the progression of the disease. While Parkinsons is often associated with its motor symptoms, there are a range of non-motor symptoms that are difficult to diagnose and often left untreated in patients who may not realize they are a part of the same problem. Motor symptoms of the disease include tremors, rigid muscles, slowness of movement, impaired posture, balance issues, speech and writing changes and loss of automatic movements.
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These Parkinsons Disease Movies Encourage Inspire And Entertain
A few weeks ago, I came across an Everyday Health article about Parkinsons disease movies. Not just any Parkinsons movies, but the best Parkinsons movies. Using the label best is pretty risky when assessing movies, as everyones tastes are so different.
The article lists the following as the best PD movies:
Neil Diamond: Stepping Away From Touring Because Of Parkinsons
Singer Neil Diamond announced on January 22, 2018, that he was retiring from touring because of a recent Parkinsons diagnosis. The news came during his 50th anniversary tour, as Diamond announced he would have to cancel upcoming concert dates in Australia and New Zealand. In a statement on his official website, he said, It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring. I have been so honored to bring my shows to the public for the past 50 years.
Diamond reassured fans that he would continue writing and recording music, but he would not perform in front of live audiences in the future. His hits over the years have included Girl, Youll Be a Woman Soon, Sweet Caroline, Cracklin Rosie, Song Sung Blue, and Red, Red Wine.
Diamond was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2018 Grammy Awards.
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Worldwide More Than 10 Million People Have The Diseaseover 200 People Are Diagnosed Each Day 100 Die
We profiled twelve extraordinary individuals with Parkinsons and have the privilege of sharing with you their personal journeys to end this debilitating disease. Our film, The Long Road to Hope, debuted on World Parkinsons Day and is now available to watch on demand here on our website.
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Janet Reno: Public Service With Parkinson’s
The first woman to serve as U.S. attorney general, from 1993 to 2001, Janet Reno was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1995, just two years after she was nominated to the cabinet position. She was 55 at the time. “Well, my hand was shaking this summer, and I thought it would go away. I thought it was maybe you all picking on me. But it didn’t go away, and so I went and had it checked out,”Reno said during a press conference at the time.
Reno took medication to bring her symptoms under control, and although her Parkinson’s advanced, she was able to guest star as herself in a 2013 episode of The Simpsons, presiding in a trial in which Bart Simpson was the defendant.
Reno died in November 2016 at age 78.
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What Nymphomaniac Says About Director Lars Von Trier
On Film: Director-provocateur Lars von Trier is maintaining media silence, but Nymphomaniac has much to tell about where he is and his career so far.
Lars is in good spirits and is being treated for his symptoms and the work to complete THE KINGDOM EXODUS continues as planned, Vesth said.
Von Trier was diagnosed just before the summer holidays and the company shared the development in order to avoid any speculation about his health leading up to the shows premiere, the statement said. The 66-year-old will only take part in interviews to a very limited extent because of the illness.
The Kingdom Exodus will be released later this year, closing the haunted hospital saga that premiered on Danish public television in 1994. The final chapter is set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival, which kicks off Aug. 31 and will be distributed in North America and several other regions by Mubi, according to Variety
Michael J Fox: Parkinson’s Champion For A Cure
Michael J. Fox is among the most well-known people living with Parkinson’s disease. Many remember him as the fresh-faced young star of the 1980s TV comedy hit Family Ties and the popular Back to the Future movies. Though most people with Parkinson’s are diagnosed between ages 40 and 60, Fox was diagnosed at age 30 but his diagnosis didnt slow him down.
He shared his young-onset Parkinson’s disease diagnosis with the world in 1998 and, two years later, founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Fox is committed to helping the foundation build Parkinson’s disease awareness and raise funds for research into prevention, treatment, and a cure. In addition to his advocacy work, hes still a working actor some more recent roles have included characters with Parkinson’s in the TV shows The Good Wife and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
“As long as I play a guy with Parkinson’s, I can do anything,” he joked in a 2013 AARP interview.
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Linda Ronstadt Ozzy Osbourne And Muhammad Ali Are Just Some Of The Well
Parkinsons disease is a neurodegenerative condition caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, which leads to various neurological and mobility-related symptoms. The Parkinsons Foundation estimates the number of people living with Parkinsons at 1 million in the United States alone, with over 10 million cases worldwide.
In January 2020, Ozzy Osbourne became the latest public figure to announce a Parkinsons diagnosis, helping to raise the profile of this little-understood neurological condition. Read on to learn more about how other celebrities living with Parkinsons disease have managed their condition and the work theyve done to raise awareness.
Maurice White: A Performer With Parkinson’s
One of the founding members of the band Earth, Wind & Fire, Maurice White noted the first symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in the 1980s while the band’s popularity was going strong. Although he was diagnosed in 1992 at age 50, he kept quiet about his disease for eight years. In a 2000 interview with Rolling Stone, he discussed his diagnosis, saying, “I traveled with the band for five years with Parkinson’s. I was treating it with medication then, and I still have it under control. It’s not taking anything away from me.”
White died in 2016 at age 74.
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Living And Working With Parkinson’s Disease
Though he would not share the news with the public for another seven years, Fox was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease in 1991 at 29. Upon disclosing his condition in 1998, he committed himself to the campaign for increased Parkinson’s research. Fox announced his retirement from “Spin City” in January 2000, effective upon the completion of his fourth season and 100th episode. Expressing pride in the show, its talented cast, writers and creative team, he explained that new priorities made this the right time to step away from the demands of a weekly series. Later that year he launched The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, which the New York Times has called “the most credible voice on Parkinson’s research in the world.” Today the world’s largest non-profit funder of Parkinson’s drug development, the Foundation has galvanized the search for a cure for Parkinson’s disease . Fox is widely admired for his tireless work as a patient advocate.
In 2011, he guest-starred in “Larry Versus Michael J. Fox,” the season-eight finale of Larry David’s acclaimed HBO comedy “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” In spring 2009, he portrayed embittered, drug-addicted Dwight in Denis Leary’s hit FX Network drama “Rescue Me,” a role that earned him his fifth Emmy award. His 2006 recurring guest role in the ABC legal drama “Boston Legal” was nominated for an Emmy, and he appeared as Dr. Kevin Casey in the then-NBC series “Scrubs” in 2004.
Von Trier The Controversial Director Of Films Such As Dancer In The Dark And antichrist Is In Good Spirits As He Continues To Work On The Third And Final Season Of His The Kingdom Series
Danish filmmaker-writer Lars Von Trier has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, his production banner Zentropa has announced.
The production company also said the director is “being treated for his symptoms”, reported entertainment outlet Variety.
Von Trier, the controversial director of films such as “Dancer in the Dark”, “Antichrist” and “The House That Jack Built”, is in “good spirits” as he continues to work on the third and final season of his “The Kingdom” series.
According to academic medical centre Mayo Clinic, Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves.
Zentropa, which Von Trier co-founded in 1992 with producer Peter Aalbæk Jensen, said Von Trier will take part in limited press events for the third season of the series, titled “The Kingdom Exodus”, when it is released later this year.
“The Kingdom Exodus”, which follows the lives of the staff and patients of a neurosurgical ward in a Copenhagen hospital, is set to have its world premiere at the 2022 Venice Film Festival.
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