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.
Lars Von Trier Diagnosed With Parkinsons Disease
Danish director, who won Palme dOr for Dancer in the Dark, said to be in good spirits
Lars von Trier, the acclaimed and controversial Danish director, has been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease, his production company has announced.
In a statement released on Monday, Zentropa which von Trier co-founded in 1992 with producer Peter Aalbæk Jensen said the director is in good spirits and is being treated for his symptoms while he completes the upcoming final season of his TV trilogy series.
The Kingdom Exodus premieres at the Venice film festival in August and von Trier will take part in limited press events to accompany its release on Mubi later this year, the statement confirmed.
In an interview with the Guardians Xan Brooks in 2018, von Trier ascribed his shaking hands to antidepressants and alcohol withdrawal.
Im working on my alcoholism, which is good, he said. I had an eight-month period where I didnt drink, and Ill get back to that again soon. But I have this alcohol tool that I use when I have to. And, if I have a really big anxiety attack, its the only thing that will help.
Von Trier, who is now 66, was then speaking following the Cannes premiere of his most recent feature film, serial killer movie The House That Jack Built.
Other than 2013s Nymphomaniac, all von Triers films have debuted on the Croisette, starting in 1991 with his debut, Europa, and continuing with Breaking the Waves , Dancer in the Dark , Dogville and Antichrist .
Catherine Zeta Jones Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by mood fluctuations between extreme highs and lows . Catherine Zeta Jones suffers from this illness.This is a disorder that affects millions of people and I am one of them. If my revelation of having bipolar II has encouraged one person to seek help, then it is worth it. There is no need to suffer silently and there is no shame in seeking help, said the actress in a statement.
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He Got Four Doctors Opinions Before Accepting His Fate
When he shared the news with Pollan, she cried out of fear. Neither of us quite understood. We hugged each other and assured ourselves that wed be able to deal with it, Pollan told People.
It just didnt seem right. Fox was young and in good shape and doctors agreed that he must have been misdiagnosed. But after four doctors had the same initial reaction followed by the same eventual diagnosis, there was no escaping. He searched for an explanation. What mistake did he make in his life that caused this?
After ruling out everything from childhood hockey accidents to film stunts, he realized the truth. Theres just that thing fate, he explained to People. Youre the guy it touches.
Freddie Roach: Boxing Trainer With Parkinsons
Frederick Freddie Roach is a boxing trainer and former professional boxer. Bryant Gumbel included his story in the HBO series Real Sports, detailing Roachs efforts to control his Parkinsons disease with medication and continued work as a trainer. Roach, who began to show Parkinsons symptoms over 20 years ago, trains world-famous boxers at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California, which he owns. His client list has included the likes of Amir Khan, Manny Pacquiao, Mark Wahlberg, and Georges St. Pierre.
But having Parkinsons hasnt dimmed his commitment to boxing, even as its caused his speech to slur and his left arm to shake. Im in the gym every day its part of life. Instead of taking a vacation, I like what I do. My vacations are right here, Roach said in a 2015 CBS interview.
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Changes In Cognition And Parkinsons Disease
Some people with Parkinsons may experience changes in their cognitive function, including problems with memory, attention, and the ability to plan and accomplish tasks. Stress, depression, and some medications may also contribute to these changes in cognition.
Over time, as the disease progresses, some people may develop dementia and be diagnosed with Parkinsons dementia, a type of Lewy body dementia. People with Parkinsons dementia may have severe memory and thinking problems that affect daily living.
Talk with your doctor if you or a loved one is diagnosed with Parkinsons disease and is experiencing problems with thinking or memory.
Maurice White: A Performer With Parkinsons
One of the founding members of the band Earth, Wind & Fire, Maurice White noted the first symptoms of Parkinsons disease in the 1980s while the bands 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 Parkinsons. I was treating it with medication then, and I still have it under control. Its not taking anything away from me.
White died in 2016 at age 74.
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Linda Ronstadt: Parkinsons 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 Parkinsons 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 didnt visit a neurologist until she was no longer able to sing.
I didnt know why I couldnt sing all I knew was that it was muscular or mechanical. Then when I was diagnosed with Parkinsons, I was finally given the reason. I now understand that no one can sing with Parkinsons disease. No matter how hard you try. And in my case, I cant sing a note, she told AARP.
Cbs Studios Expands Int’l Co
Zentropa, however, said von Trier will only do limited press work for the project. Von Trier already has been press-shy since a notorious press conference for Melancholia in Cannes in 2011, when the director jokingly said that he sympathized with Adolf Hitler, a quip that got von Trier banned from Cannes for seven years and led to a police investigation for alleged trivialization of the Holocaust, a crime in France. The investigation was dropped without von Trier being charged.
The director shot the first two seasons of The Kingdom in 1994 and 1997. The series is a combination of hospital melodrama and grotesque horror, which follows the staff and patients of a cutting-edge but haunted hospital in Copenhagen. The Kingdom Exodus, season three of the series, features an all-star Scandinavian cast that includes Mikael Persbrandt, Lars Mikkelsen, Nikolaj Lie Kaas and Tuva Novotny, with Alexander Skarsgård and David Dencik guest-starring.
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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.
Join The Parkinsons Forums: An Online Community For People With Parkinsons Disease
I havent seen all the movies above, so who am I to say if they are the best or not? I will say that in addition to Saving Milly, they are the ones that consistently appear when searching for movies on PD. I would add the following movies to the list. Although they are not necessarily about Parkinsons, they do offer inspiration to those struggling with PD or other illnesses and who are coming to terms with the end of life.
And lastly, a new film is in the works. Kinetics was written by Sue Wylie, an actress and writer who was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease several years ago. Kinetics was first written as a play based on Wylies own story with PD, so she understands what life with PD is really like.
Enjoy!
Note: Parkinsons News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinsons News Today or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinsons disease.
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Parkinsons Disease At A Glance
Parkinsonâs disease is a movement disorder that affects at least 500,000 people in the United States. It occurs when brain cells fail to produce enough dopamine, a chemical that helps to control movements, motivation, emotions, and sensations like pleasure. Symptoms of Parkinsonâs begin gradually and become worse over time. They include trembling, stiffness, and poor balance and coordination. As Parkinsonâs progresses, daily tasks like walking, talking, and chewing may become difficult. Depression and sleep problems are common. Itâs unclear why some people develop Parkinsonâs genes may play a role, as well as exposure to chemicals in the environment.
Researchers have studied the following complementary health approaches for Parkinsonâs:
Retired Nba Power Forward Brian Grant Isnt The Only Famous Athlete With Parkinsons Here Are 10 More Sports Superstars Diagnosed With The Disease
NBA legend Brian Grant retired from professional basketball in 2006 after a 12-year career playing for the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns.
Two years later, at the age of 36, he was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinsons disease. This motivated him to launch the Brian Grant Foundation, which provides educational tools to help people with Parkinsons lead active, fulfilling lives.
But, as most of us know, Grant isnt the only sports superstar to power through the disease. Here are 10 more legendary athletes with Parkinsons.
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Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
rTMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate targeted areas of the brain. Itâs been approved for certain types of depression, and a few studies show that it may improve some symptoms of Parkinsonâs. rTMS is non-invasive and differs from deep brain stimulation, a surgical procedure used to treat several disabling symptoms of Parkinsonâs.
Caregivers: To protect your health and well-being, consider joining a support group, establishing a daily routine for yourself, getting exercise, and seeing your own health care provider as needed. For a list of resources, including adult day care or respite care, check out Eldercare listings or contact the groups listed here.
Brian Grant: Staying Positive With Parkinson’s
Brian Grant spent 12 seasons as a National Basketball Association player, playing for the Sacramento Kings, the Portland Trail Blazers, the Miami Heat, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Phoenix Suns. As an NBA player, he was known for his positive team commitment as well as his work with disadvantaged children. According to an interview with ESPN, he was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease in January 2009, following his retirement from professional basketball. He went on to found the Brian Grant Foundation, which is dedicated to raising awareness and inspiring those living with Parkinson’s disease to include exercise as medicine.
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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.
Louie Louie: A Portrait In Parkinsons
This film is a powerful look at one familys story of their fathers courageous 33-year battle with Parkinsons disease. Personalized with old home movies, and family photos, the film chronicles both the fathers determination to not give in to his debilitating illness, and the familys endeavors to provide the best care for him. The film skillfully captures the person behind the illnesswe see Louies spirited attitude triumph over the daily challenges of Parkinsons as he contends with hallucinations, falls, hand tremors, and a gradual loss of body control. The family caregiving dynamic is also explored as we see the family members struggle with their new roles as adult caregivers to their father while they balance careers and families of their own. A must-see for caregivers and family members of anyone with a chronic illness.
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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.
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:
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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.
Bob Hoskins: Retirement With Parkinson’s
A British actor best known for his award-winning turn in the 1982 film The Long Good Friday and for his voiceover in 1988’s Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Bob Hoskins announced that having Parkinson’s disease forced him into retirement in 2012. He was quite private about the details of his diagnosis, but in a 2012 interview with Saga Magazine, he said, “I’m trying to retire. I’m not doing very well at it, though.” When he did retire, he announced that he would be focusing on living a healthier lifestyle after leaving the acting profession.
Hoskins died in April 2014 at age 71.
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Boys Of Summer By Robert Cochrane
US filmmaker Robert Cochrane had discussed a trip to all the baseball parks in America with his father in the 1990s. But, he said, it wasnt until his dads Parkinsons disease diagnosis in 2001 that they started planning the project seriously.
It was a gut punch and felt very scary, especially because I knew so little about it, says Robert, remembering the moment he found out about the diagnosis. Inspired by the sports fantasy drama Field of Dreams, he decided to explore their relationship through a documentary film, Boys of Summer, which chronicled their journey.
Our intention for Boys of Summer was to spend a lot of time together, see a lot of the country, all the Major League Baseball parks and meet as many people with or affiliated with Parkinsons as possible to better understand what our journey with the condition might be like, he explained. Parkinsons diagnosis, with all its unknowns, added the pressure to say: this is why we need to do this now.
Although the film was initially planned as a one-off documentary, the audience response encouraged Robert to follow up the feature with Second Base and Short Stop. Over that time, he said, conversations within Parkinsons community have shifted.
Read our interview with Robert Cochrane.