Although I’m not a neurologist, I’ve seen firsthand how devastating Parkinson’s Disease can be.  Parkinson’s does not just consist in tremors. It is a progressive neurological disorder than can ultimately take away essential capacities such as walking, writing, and swallowing.  Research into Parkinson’s has yielded impressive therapeutic interventions such as deep brain stimulation.  Nonetheless, the human brain is the most complicated structure in the known universe, so that our current understanding and treatment of Parkinson’s is limited.

I am moved by the courage people with Parkinson’s, as well as their loved ones, display in living with this disease.  CBS Sunday Morning recently had a segment that was particularly inspiring.  CBS correspond Leslie Stahl reports on how her husband and other people with Parkinson’s have found some hope and healing in an exercise program that uses boxing techniques.  In the segment, a researcher says a  study of the program showed it offers people with Parkinson’s genuine clinical benefit.  I highly recommend watching the segment  linked below (it starts with an advertisement that quickly passes).  Whatever challenges you face might seem less daunting after witnessing such bravery.