In this post, I want to talk about Parkinson’s. Not because I’m a neurologist. Not because it’s headline news. But because this disease — subtle, creeping, and too often ignored — affects millions of people and families around the world, and it deserves to be seen, spoken about, and understood.
Parkinson’s first came into public consciousness for many of us when actor Michael J. Fox, still young and vibrant, stepped forward with his diagnosis. His honesty and advocacy have been a lifeline for many — bringing awareness, raising funds, and helping to push the science forward. But despite that spotlight, Parkinson’s remains a misunderstood and under-talked-about disease.
And that’s part of what makes it so dangerous.
This isn’t a condition that strikes like lightning. Parkinson’s moves slowly. It starts with things we brush off: a slight shuffle in the step, a tremor, an unexplained fall in someone otherwise strong and healthy. And then it doesn’t stop. Over time, it can strip a person of movement, expression, speech — even their ability to swallow. It doesn’t just impact the person with the diagnosis. It hijacks caregivers, families, and communities in its path.
So let’s have the conversation most people don’t want to have. Let’s look at what we know, what’s changing, and what you — whether patient, caregiver, or concerned human — should know about Parkinson’s.
Because when it comes to chronic illness, knowledge, voice, and advocacy are everything.
Parkinson’s disease isn’t rare — it’s just under-discussed.
In 1990, there were about 3 million people worldwide living with Parkinson’s. By 2021, that number had jumped to nearly 12 million — a staggering 274% increase. And we’re not done. By 2050, global cases are projected to exceed 25 million. This isn’t just about aging populations — it’s about a health system not built to handle long-haul diseases.
In the U.S. alone, roughly 1.1 million people are currently living with Parkinson’s, and nearly 90,000 new cases are diagnosed every year. That’s a small city’s worth of people — every year — being thrown into a system that may not be ready for them.
The gold standard treatment for Parkinson’s is levodopa, and has been for decades. About 70% of newly diagnosed patients in the U.S. start here, often remaining on levodopa monotherapy for years. It works — mostly. It helps with classic motor symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slowness. But over time, it can cause its own issues: motor fluctuations, dyskinesias (involuntary movements), and complications with timing.
Other meds like dopamine agonists (ropinirole, pramipexole, safinamide) are used as add-ons or alternatives. They can smooth out symptoms, delay the need for higher doses of levodopa, and offer a slightly different side effect profile — but none of these drugs stop the disease.
Promising drugs are in the pipeline. One in particular, tavapadon — a D1/D5 receptor agonist — may offer better symptom control in early-stage PD with fewer side effects. The maker plans to seek FDA approval in 2025.
Another experimental option: lixisenatide, a drug originally developed for diabetes. Early trials showed it might slow motor progression, but it also caused digestive side effects — and much more research is needed before this could become a go-to treatment.
Medications are essential — but they’re not enough.
Exercise is emerging as one of the most powerful tools in the fight against Parkinson’s. We’re not talking about gentle stretching. We’re talking intense, structured, consistent movement: boxing, strength training, mobility drills. These aren’t just good for fitness. They seem to actually help the brain rewire and adapt — a concept called neuroplasticity.
Boxing-based programs, like Rock Steady Boxing, have become popular for a reason. Multiple studies have found improvements in balance, strength, and quality of life. Some show reduced depressive symptoms and better motor control after just 8–12 weeks. It’s not a cure, but it’s something people can do, and doing something — especially in the early stages — matters.
Other complementary therapies like occupational therapy, speech therapy (especially LSVT for speech and swallowing issues), and even rhythmic auditory stimulation can help preserve function and autonomy.
And then there’s food. Diets like the Mediterranean or MIND diets, rich in fiber and antioxidants, are associated with better cognitive outcomes and fewer GI issues — which is important, since many PD meds come with gut-related side effects.
There is no cure for Parkinson’s — yet. But there is momentum. Research is growing. Advocacy is louder. And patients are pushing back against the silence, the delay in diagnosis, the gaslighting, the shrug from systems that were never built to support long-term neurodegenerative illness.
That’s where you come in.
Whether you’re living with Parkinson’s, caring for someone who is, or just trying to understand more — your voice matters. Your questions matter. Your persistence matters.
The Art of Being Ill is not about telling you what to do. It’s not medical advice. It’s about starting the conversations we all avoid — the slow, chronic, common illnesses we don’t want to deal with until they land at our feet.
And when Parkinson’s comes — like many diseases — it rarely knocks politely. It crashes in. And it’s easy to feel like the system doesn’t see you, doesn’t hear you, doesn’t help.
That’s when your voice becomes your strongest tool. Use it.
Parkinson’s Foundation Offers a national helpline, educational webinars, support group directories, and resources for both patients and caregivers. Helpline: 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636)
As always thanks for being here, it really means a lot. One small voice or share means the difference for many.
I’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to leave a comment, like, and share with friends who might relate.
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For personal questions or collaborations, reach out at artofbeingill@gmail.com.
Visuals provided by Unsplash
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