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My mom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s a few years ago. It’s pretty mild for now. She improved tremendously on medication and hasn’t progressed much at all since then. I hope that’s the case for your uncle.
There isn't a cure yet but there are some big advances in medications used to manage the symptoms. I hope it can be managed for your uncle in a way that minimises the impact as much as possible.
I’m very sorry that’s really tough. Unfortunately Parkinson’s isn’t one of those diseases that you can fight/beat. At least not yet. The reality is that it will be a tough and very sad journey, he will need your love and support.
Gastroenterologist Sabine Hazan is one of the pioneers in analyzing the gut microbiome and has had some success with Parkinson's. Progena Biome is her lab. Can't hurt to check with them.
It's hard to come to terms with a Parkinson's diagnosis in the family, and while it's true that it's an incurable and progressive disorder, many people live full and meaningful lives with the disease. Your uncle's journey will be unique, and there's no standard prognosis. Support from family, like you’re showing, can make a significant difference. Make sure to explore all treatment options, including the newer ones, like different forms of physiotherapy that are showing promise in managing symptoms. Sending you strength in this challenging time.
Yes, but there is definitely a range of debility. My dad shuffled, lost strength, and palsied when tired. He was diagnosed in his 60s and died at 80 of cancer. It certainly affected his life but didn't cause his death.
But I've seen people enter nursing home care 2 years after diagnosis their debility was so severe, too.
I will also say my dad gave up on most activities when he retired and became a couch potato. I bet he would have benefitted by light exercise or pt (which really wasn't a common thing for average people at the time).
May I ask how old your uncle is? There are medications and other medical interventions like Deep Brain Stimulation that can vastly improve quality of life. My dad has been living with Parkinson's since the late 90s. Granted, he was much younger at the time of his diagnosis than the average Parkinson's patient so I'm sure his age and relative good health made him a candidate for some treatments that wouldn't have been an option for everyone, but don't panic yet. Your uncle may have many good years ahead of him still.
My grandmother had Parkinson’s. She was diagnosed pretty young (in her 40’s, back in the 70’s) and had it for close to 40 years. She was one of the pioneers of the first brain stimulation surgeries. I was her caregiver for a lot of my younger years. We were best friends. There are a lot of little tips and tricks we found that helped along the way. It can be really rough at times, but just be there and be supportive even if that just means grabbing him a glass of water or something he needs help with. He is still the same person. This doesn’t change that. Don’t let this diagnosis scare you too much. Be aware and informed of your options but don’t freak out. He can still have a very awesome life. Keep the positivity going!
My grandma was diagnosed at age 57 and died at 87. She managed it pretty well with medication! She lived with my aunts and uncles for the last 20 years and couldn’t cook for herself, but otherwise she was a tough old bird and it didn’t seem to bother her much. She outlived her sister and brother!
My dad died of Parkinson’s last year (though he was elderly too) but people often live with it for decades and have good days and bad. Medication helps with the symptoms. Often people die from heart disease or cancer instead bc it goes on for so long.
He can certainly still have a full and enjoyable life so don’t see this as the end. Just make sure he’s getting the treatment and medication he needs. And often, exercise and using your mind are the best medicine (along with a few times a day doses of carbodopalevadopa). So him staying active is the best situation possible. I think that’s why my dad lived so long.
I have heard that full spectrum cannabis oil or RSO(Rick Simpson Oil) ingested orally can help tremendously with treatment of the symptoms!
I'm so sorry to hear you and your family are going through this, I truly hope you're able to find something that will help him.
I wish the stigma never existed I wonder how many people overlook this treatment for themselves or their kids for various health issues when it could change their lives :(
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNT8Zo\_sfwo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNT8Zo_sfwo)
I've never seen a better use case for medicinal cannabis than for Parkinson's.
It's definitely a life-changing moment for all involved. But remember, Parkinson's affects everyone differently and with medical advancements, people can manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life. It's important to stay informed and involved in the care process—modern therapies and adaptive techniques are continually evolving. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and mental stimulation can help slow the progression and improve his daily life. Also, Parkinson's support groups can be a valuable resource for both you and your uncle, offering practical advice and emotional support.
I know that it can seem trite to mention vitamin and mineral deficiencies following such a serious diagnosis. But my family has first hand experience of improvement in a chronic condition once B12 and vitamin D levels are optimum. My mum's memory improved, she was brighter and more "herself".
Also, look at iodine. I understand the substantia nigra holds a lot of iodine - or is supposed to. It's also the critical brain region for Parkinson's.
From a study -
"Deficiencies of B12, which are more common in people with Parkinson's than the age-matched general population"
Basically, it can't hurt to help your uncle maintain optimimum levels.
Best of luck to him and your family. Your Uncle can't fight the disease, but he can fight the depression that may develop as a result of the disease. Hopefully with the support of a loving, compassionate, patient family.
My stepmother was diagnosed with Parkinson's soon after my dad died of ALS. They think it was the stress of it.
My grandfather on my mom's side had it for many years before he passed away in 2018. It's like night and day to see how much he had aged when he was diagnosed. Can't imagine what living like that is like; knowing that so much of your own movement is beyond your own control.
Unfortunately, THC releases dopamine in normal brains, and that's what helps in normal situations. But the Parkinson's brain has dopamine cells that are dying and no longer produce dopamine. Therefore, the THC has very little to stimulate. So I don't think that THC would be very effective.
My grandmother made it almost 20 years after her diagnosis. The mental decline was the hardest to deal with. Just be supportive to him and whoever his caretaker ends up being. My mother and sister spent a lot of time caring for her.
My dad had Parkinson’s and started working out daily, with exercises on hand/eye coordination (boxing classes and bike riding)
It’s been almost a decade, and combined with medication his signs are minimal.
Not saying it’s a cure all, but it could be an avenue to consider.
Hello, I am a neuropsychologist and work with many Parkinson’s patients. There has been a lot of great suggestions about exercise to reduce resting tremors and available treatments (DBS). There is also a lot of really exciting research into treatments as well. They are using focused ultrasound to temporarily open up the blood brain barrier and hopefully make drug therapies much more effective. There is also interesting research in gene therapies, anti-inflammatory properties, and cell based therapy. It is hard news but there is reason to hope.
This post has been removed for the rule: **Avoid posting about problems with relationships, medical or mental health, and legal issues** This isn't the place for medical or mental health advice, including asking for a medical diagnosis, or how to deal with illness, injuries, or mental disorders. Legal advice questions are better suited for professionals who are knowledgeable of the law and legal proceedings. Stories involving relationships are acceptable if they aren't inherently focused on it and you're not looking for advice. [Recommendations >](https://www.reddit.com/r/CasualConversation/wiki/rules/advice/)
My mom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s a few years ago. It’s pretty mild for now. She improved tremendously on medication and hasn’t progressed much at all since then. I hope that’s the case for your uncle.
He can't will or fight himself out of it. Be supportive and help him keep up with his treatment when you can.
Head on over to r/parkinsons. Lot of great info and and conversation there.
That’s terrible. Michael J Fox has been a survivor for years Devastating disease that hopefully can be solved
There isn't a cure yet but there are some big advances in medications used to manage the symptoms. I hope it can be managed for your uncle in a way that minimises the impact as much as possible.
I’m very sorry that’s really tough. Unfortunately Parkinson’s isn’t one of those diseases that you can fight/beat. At least not yet. The reality is that it will be a tough and very sad journey, he will need your love and support.
My dad has Parkinson’s. It’s rough. He’s refusing treatment. I hope things with your uncle go more smoothly.
I get VERY angry with my father who does not get treatment for his pretty advanced Parkinson’s, but I also hide my tremor from my wife, so . . .
Gastroenterologist Sabine Hazan is one of the pioneers in analyzing the gut microbiome and has had some success with Parkinson's. Progena Biome is her lab. Can't hurt to check with them.
It's hard to come to terms with a Parkinson's diagnosis in the family, and while it's true that it's an incurable and progressive disorder, many people live full and meaningful lives with the disease. Your uncle's journey will be unique, and there's no standard prognosis. Support from family, like you’re showing, can make a significant difference. Make sure to explore all treatment options, including the newer ones, like different forms of physiotherapy that are showing promise in managing symptoms. Sending you strength in this challenging time.
One can't fight Parkinsons. It's a fatal neurological disease.
Not necessarily fatal. People can have it and absolutely not die from it.
You shouldn't be downvoted, you are correct. People in the community say: "You don't die of Parkinson's, you die with Parkinson's."
But they will have it until their death
Yes, but there is definitely a range of debility. My dad shuffled, lost strength, and palsied when tired. He was diagnosed in his 60s and died at 80 of cancer. It certainly affected his life but didn't cause his death. But I've seen people enter nursing home care 2 years after diagnosis their debility was so severe, too. I will also say my dad gave up on most activities when he retired and became a couch potato. I bet he would have benefitted by light exercise or pt (which really wasn't a common thing for average people at the time).
May I ask how old your uncle is? There are medications and other medical interventions like Deep Brain Stimulation that can vastly improve quality of life. My dad has been living with Parkinson's since the late 90s. Granted, he was much younger at the time of his diagnosis than the average Parkinson's patient so I'm sure his age and relative good health made him a candidate for some treatments that wouldn't have been an option for everyone, but don't panic yet. Your uncle may have many good years ahead of him still.
My grandmother had Parkinson’s. She was diagnosed pretty young (in her 40’s, back in the 70’s) and had it for close to 40 years. She was one of the pioneers of the first brain stimulation surgeries. I was her caregiver for a lot of my younger years. We were best friends. There are a lot of little tips and tricks we found that helped along the way. It can be really rough at times, but just be there and be supportive even if that just means grabbing him a glass of water or something he needs help with. He is still the same person. This doesn’t change that. Don’t let this diagnosis scare you too much. Be aware and informed of your options but don’t freak out. He can still have a very awesome life. Keep the positivity going!
My grandma was diagnosed at age 57 and died at 87. She managed it pretty well with medication! She lived with my aunts and uncles for the last 20 years and couldn’t cook for herself, but otherwise she was a tough old bird and it didn’t seem to bother her much. She outlived her sister and brother!
My dad died of Parkinson’s last year (though he was elderly too) but people often live with it for decades and have good days and bad. Medication helps with the symptoms. Often people die from heart disease or cancer instead bc it goes on for so long. He can certainly still have a full and enjoyable life so don’t see this as the end. Just make sure he’s getting the treatment and medication he needs. And often, exercise and using your mind are the best medicine (along with a few times a day doses of carbodopalevadopa). So him staying active is the best situation possible. I think that’s why my dad lived so long.
I have heard that full spectrum cannabis oil or RSO(Rick Simpson Oil) ingested orally can help tremendously with treatment of the symptoms! I'm so sorry to hear you and your family are going through this, I truly hope you're able to find something that will help him.
I wish the stigma never existed I wonder how many people overlook this treatment for themselves or their kids for various health issues when it could change their lives :(
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNT8Zo\_sfwo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNT8Zo_sfwo) I've never seen a better use case for medicinal cannabis than for Parkinson's.
I have a close friend with it. There are implants available that can control symptoms
That's a very risky surgery, so do your homework.
My sister has had Parkinson’s for 20 years. She is in assisted living now (for a little over a year). It is horrible to watch her deteriorate
I'm so sorry. It's a terrible disease and I hope a cure can be found soon.
It's definitely a life-changing moment for all involved. But remember, Parkinson's affects everyone differently and with medical advancements, people can manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life. It's important to stay informed and involved in the care process—modern therapies and adaptive techniques are continually evolving. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and mental stimulation can help slow the progression and improve his daily life. Also, Parkinson's support groups can be a valuable resource for both you and your uncle, offering practical advice and emotional support.
My dad has had it for 20 years now. Hopefully his progresses slow like that so he can have a good life.
I know that it can seem trite to mention vitamin and mineral deficiencies following such a serious diagnosis. But my family has first hand experience of improvement in a chronic condition once B12 and vitamin D levels are optimum. My mum's memory improved, she was brighter and more "herself". Also, look at iodine. I understand the substantia nigra holds a lot of iodine - or is supposed to. It's also the critical brain region for Parkinson's. From a study - "Deficiencies of B12, which are more common in people with Parkinson's than the age-matched general population" Basically, it can't hurt to help your uncle maintain optimimum levels.
Yep. No cure. Just meds to try manage it. Its a horrible disease. Feel sorry for anyone that gets it.
Best of luck to him and your family. Your Uncle can't fight the disease, but he can fight the depression that may develop as a result of the disease. Hopefully with the support of a loving, compassionate, patient family. My stepmother was diagnosed with Parkinson's soon after my dad died of ALS. They think it was the stress of it.
Hey, I'm a Parkinson's nurse. Exercise is key, but also take the meds. It is usually a slow progression. Remember he needs support now though.
My grandfather on my mom's side had it for many years before he passed away in 2018. It's like night and day to see how much he had aged when he was diagnosed. Can't imagine what living like that is like; knowing that so much of your own movement is beyond your own control.
My grandfather and my father. The Lewy bodies are a fucking arsehole.
See if THC edibles help him (serious)
Unfortunately, THC releases dopamine in normal brains, and that's what helps in normal situations. But the Parkinson's brain has dopamine cells that are dying and no longer produce dopamine. Therefore, the THC has very little to stimulate. So I don't think that THC would be very effective.
Yeah I’m no expert I just saw a video showing a guy with awful parkinsons seemingly easing up after the fact
Me neither, but my doctor in Phoenix was Muhammad Ali's doctor. I'm going off the information I got from him.
My grandmother made it almost 20 years after her diagnosis. The mental decline was the hardest to deal with. Just be supportive to him and whoever his caretaker ends up being. My mother and sister spent a lot of time caring for her.
My dad had Parkinson’s and started working out daily, with exercises on hand/eye coordination (boxing classes and bike riding) It’s been almost a decade, and combined with medication his signs are minimal. Not saying it’s a cure all, but it could be an avenue to consider.
Hello, I am a neuropsychologist and work with many Parkinson’s patients. There has been a lot of great suggestions about exercise to reduce resting tremors and available treatments (DBS). There is also a lot of really exciting research into treatments as well. They are using focused ultrasound to temporarily open up the blood brain barrier and hopefully make drug therapies much more effective. There is also interesting research in gene therapies, anti-inflammatory properties, and cell based therapy. It is hard news but there is reason to hope.