Living with Parkinson's: The Journey of Michael J Fox

🎗️Michael J Fox has been living with Parkinson's disease for almost 19 years and has become a prominent advocate for finding a cure.

🧠Parkinson's disease affects the production of dopamine in the brain, causing motor skill difficulties and other symptoms.

🏥Treatment for Parkinson's disease typically involves medication, such as levodopa, which helps to increase dopamine levels.

💡Deep brain stimulation surgery is an option for patients who do not respond well to medication, blocking abnormal nerve signals and improving symptoms.

🎗️Michael J Fox's foundation has raised over $200 million for Parkinson's research.

How long has Michael J Fox been living with Parkinson's disease?

—Michael J Fox has been living with Parkinson's disease for almost 19 years.

What is the main treatment for Parkinson's disease?

—The main treatment for Parkinson's disease is medication, such as levodopa, which helps to increase dopamine levels.

What is deep brain stimulation?

—Deep brain stimulation is a surgical option for patients who do not respond well to medication, involving the implantation of a device that blocks abnormal nerve signals.

How much money has Michael J Fox's foundation raised for Parkinson's research?

—Michael J Fox's foundation has raised over $200 million for Parkinson's research.

What is the role of dopamine in Parkinson's disease?

—Parkinson's disease affects the production of dopamine in the brain, leading to motor skill difficulties and other symptoms.

00:19Michael J Fox compares Parkinson's disease to being stuck in the middle of the road, unable to avoid an approaching bus.

00:27There is still much that is unknown about Parkinson's disease, including its exact cause and why it can develop at a young age.

00:49Michael J Fox has been living with Parkinson's disease for almost 19 years and has become a prominent advocate for finding a cure.

02:19Living with Parkinson's disease has opened Michael J Fox up to compassion, curiosity, and risk-taking.

03:08Symptoms of Parkinson's disease can fluctuate throughout the day, with moments of being 'on' and 'off'.

04:41Michael J Fox's daily routine involves dealing with rigidity and cramping, as well as carefully timing medication intake.

06:58Michael J Fox reflects on his journey from sitcom star to Parkinson's disease advocate.

12:48Treatment options for Parkinson's disease include medication, such as levodopa, and deep brain stimulation surgery for those who do not respond well to medication.