Living With Parkinson's Disease

Male Speaker: Mike Powderly knew something was wrong, when just sending an e-mail became physically challenging. Mike Powderly: It was probably the first thing that I notice as I look back that really made me say to myself this is not normal. Male Speaker: The classic shaking associated with Parkinson's disease is usually the first sign that most people will have that something isn't right. Mike Powderly: And it was only left hand that it happened which is the side that I have Parkinson's on. Matthew Stern: Parkinson's disease is a very common neurological disorder. Male Speaker: So how you're doing today Kevin. Male Speaker: But even though it's common it actually affects patients in very different ways. The typical manifestations of Parkinson's disease include shaking muscle, rigidity, loss of coordination generalized slowing of movement. There are a whole range of other symptoms, symptoms like depression, bladder dysfunction, weakness, fatigue, apathy that really affect the patients sense of wellbeing and quality of life. Male Speaker: Mike and his wife Maryann did the research to prepare for the challenges ahead. But a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease usually involves significant loss that may require an adjustment period. Mike Powderly: I was still at shock I mean you know it set me back and made me really think about wow I mean this is serious stuff. Maryann Powderly: It was very difficult to deal with you know we've been through a lot of cancer survivor, we have someone with special needs. So we sort of thought that there was tough times are behind us. Male Speaker: But how patients respond to challenges inhere and dealing with Parkinson's disease can predict how successful they will be in coping with this condition long-term. Lisa Shulman: It's important to observe when someone is experiencing the symptoms of Parkinson's disease what impact its having on their daily life and on their quality of life. The individual who starts out and says I'm going to learn more about this problem and as willing to do that is taking an active role and the very active taking active role in your life is in itself I believe therapeutic for somebody. Male Speaker: Experts say informed proactive patients who mange their symptoms with the appropriate treatment had the best chance to live well with Parkinson's disease. There are effective medications as well as a variety of other treatments and therapies available. Mike manages his symptoms with medications but he's also considering brain surgery. Surgery can ease symptoms of Parkinson's disease for some patients. But it is not a cure. Male Speaker: There have been refinements in neurosurgical techniques, there is now a procedure called deep brain stimulation in which the electrode is implanted into part of the brain and it has been a significant breakthrough for a selected group of patients. I want to emphasize if this procedure has dramatically improved the lives of some patients. It has adverse effects, it is not for every one, it is really for a very selective sub group of patients. Male Speaker: In the mean time Mike and Maryann are enjoying their times together as a family something they don't for granted anymore. Mike Powderly: And I'm very grateful I have a lot to be grateful for you know this is - by no means, you know, do I take this lightly it's a very difficult thing to deal with but I have a wonderful wife I've married for 21 years I have 3 wonderful boys. Male Speaker: Finding the right treatment for the symptoms of a chronic disorder like Parkinson's is only the first step. Being able to adjust to the changes and symptoms and the impact on daily activities are the keys to maintaining a healthy sense of well be and a good quality of life.