In a few seconds, I'm back to reality. Parkinson's research has moved forward in the last 50 years. New drugs reduce the symptoms and slow its progression. Brain surgery and fetal implants have slowed its course and lessened symptoms in some patients. New information about nutrition and physical therapy help improve the quality of life.
Patients live longer if they follow medical advice.
Michael J. Fox has the resources for the best medical and nursing care. My father went downhill quickly because few of the drugs, little of the information, and none of a movie star's money were available when he was sick. He stopped working when I was eight and died three years later. I also think about their similarities. Bright, ambitious, clean-cut types, filled with vitality and promise, halted in midcareer.