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Baywatch star dies after lengthy health battle

<p><em>Baywatch</em> actor Michael Newman has died at the age of 68 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease. </p> <p>The actor, who played  lifeguard Mike “Newmie” Newman on <em>Baywatch</em> in the 1990s, was diagnosed with the neurological condition 18 years ago, and died “from heart complications” on Sunday evening “surrounded by his family and friends.”</p> <p>His death was confirmed Tuesday by Newman’s close friend, Matt Felker, who recently directed the Hulu docu-series about <em>Baywatch</em>.</p> <p>“I got to see Mike the last time he was conscious and he looked [at] me and in typical Mike fashion said, ‘You’re just in time,’” Felker told <a href="https://people.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>People</em>.</a></p> <p>Newman was the only <em>Baywatch</em> cast member who was a real-life lifeguard. He appeared on 150 episodes of the show, the most of anyone except David Hasselhoff.</p> <p>While starring on Baywatch, he continued to work as a full-time firefighter and returned to the job after the show ended in 2001, until he retired after 25 years.</p> <p>Newman was 50 when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2006, as he spoke about living with the disease just months ago. </p> <p>“This terminal disease has allowed me a lot of thinking time, which I maybe didn’t want, but it’s brought me wisdom,” Newman told <em>People</em> in August.</p> <p>“My body has changed so slowly that I hardly notice it, yet I am constantly reminded that Parkinson’s has now become the centre of my life,” he added.</p> <p>“I am cherishing the days that I get to be on this earth with family and friends,” he went on. “I’m taking life seriously.”</p> <p>Newman spent the final years of his life raising money with the Michael J. Fox Foundation to help find a cure for Parkinson’s.</p> <p>The late star is survived by his wife of 36 years, Sarah, their children Chris and Emily, and their 1-year-old granddaughter, Charlie.</p> <p><em>Image credits: SplashNews.com/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

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Breakthrough study finds genetic link to Parkinson's and ADHD

<p>A major scientific study has found a surprising link between the genes that control brain size and the risk of brain-related conditions. </p> <p>A Queensland Institute of Medical Research Associate Professor Miguel Renteria led an international team of experts who scanned DNA data and MRI scans from 76,000 participants.</p> <p>“Genetic variants associated with larger brain volumes in key brain regions also increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease, while variants linked to smaller brain volumes in key regions are associated with an increased risk of ADHD,” Renteria said. </p> <p>“It brings us closer to answering key questions about how genetics influence brain structure, and how we can potentially treat these conditions in future.”</p> <p>Parkinson’s Australia CEO Olivia Nassaris has celebrated the results of the study, saying the surprising results open the door to future treatment options for Parkinson’s, which currently has no cure or cause.</p> <p>“The more answers we have the closer we are to understanding this condition,” she said.</p> <p>Michael Wiseman, who has been living with Parkinson’s for eight years, said he is pleased more research is being done about the neurodegenerative condition.</p> <p>“I know it’s not going to benefit me in any way, as far as a cure or anything … I just hope they keep going, kicking some goals and finding results because it’s an insidious sort of thing, it’s a passenger I’ll have until I go to the grave.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

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Billy Connolly shares candid admission about Parkinson's battle

<p>Billy Connolly has shared his candid thoughts around death as he discussed his ongoing battle with Parkinson's. </p> <p>The comedian and actor, 81, recalled how he was told to "confront his illness" after being diagnosed with Parkinson's and prostate cancer on the same day. </p> <p>"You just confront it and make decisions based on it," he told <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/sir-billy-connolly-reveals-first-33564191" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Mirror</em></a>.</p> <div> <div id="adspot-mobile-mobile-3-above"></div> </div> <p>"You just have to think 'Don't think you are being badly treated [in life] or you have the bad pick of the straws. You are one of millions'."</p> <p>"Then you then realise death is not the big thing everyone has made it out to be. It is nothing. It is just a sudden nothing."</p> <p>Despite the dual diagnosis, Connolly reflected on the "funny week", as he said, "On the Monday, I had hearing aids. On the Tuesday I got pills for heart burn, which I have to take all the time, and on the Wednesday I got news that I had prostate cancer and Parkinson's."</p> <p>The star then joked that he probably got the disease following his several appearances on Michael Parkinson's chat show, saying, "I just thought 'I have got Parkinson's. I wish he (Michael) had kept it to himself!' It was easy (making fun of it)."</p> <p>Earlier this year, Billy issued a health update in which he said being sick feels "strange", telling <em>GB News</em> in February, "Being unwell is strange. Everybody else is OK and you've got this thing that's wrong... you're out of step."</p> <p>Two years ago, ahead of receiving an award, he told <a title="bafta.org" href="https://www.bafta.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bafta.org</a> he's determined to not let the condition "dictate" who he is and is determined to not let it get him down.</p> <p>"It's really important to work, to draw, to write, to walk silly for your grandchildren," he said at the time.</p> <p>"Doing the same thing you've always done is good for you. I don't let the Parkinson's dictate who I am – I just get on with it. I've had a very successful career and I have no regrets at all."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Joanne Davidson/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p> <p class="mol-para-with-font" style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px; min-height: 0px; letter-spacing: -0.16px; font-family: Inter, sans-serif;"> </p>

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Amanda Keller shares heartbreaking family news

<p>Amanda Keller has spoken candidly about her family's difficult health battle, as she revealed her husband has been diagnosed with Parkinson's. </p> <p>The radio host announced that her husband, Harley, has been privately battling the life-altering disease for six years, as she opened up about the struggle for the first time. </p> <p>On Thursday’s episode of her new <em>Double A Chattery</em> podcast, the 61-year-old shared the first signs something with not quite right with her husband, who she has been married to since 1989. </p> <p>“I first noticed Harley’s footfall around the house changing, like he was dragging his leg, and his hands started to shake, and he said he’d just been whacked in the thumbs as a wicket keeper playing cricket, but I felt something was going on,” Keller told her podcast co-host, forensic psychologist Anita McGregor.</p> <p>“I know Harley so well, and how protective he is of his inner core, he was absolutely scared and in denial, and who would blame him.”</p> <p>After the initial symptoms began, Harley was given the diagnosis of Parkinson's, which shocked the family to the core. </p> <p>“When he came home [from the doctor], we both just sat there completely numb,” Keller remembered.</p> <p>“Two days later, I went with our eldest son Liam to an open day – he was in Year 11 – and I fought tears all day just looking at these people at the beginning of their journey, and I was so envious.</p> <p>“I had such a flashback to when that was me. And I thought, ‘Their journey is just starting.’ And something closed off for me."</p> <p>“I don’t necessarily feel that now, but this is how I felt in the early days.”</p> <p>Keller went on to say her initial reaction was to be “cross” with her husband, as she would attempt to correct his posture and speech.</p> <p>“All the things that it [Parkinson’s] does [to you], I thought, ‘why isn’t he fighting it?’ And of course I’ve come to see he can’t control this, and neither can I, and that’s been a big lesson for me. So I’ve become kinder, and sadder,” she said.</p> <p>“[I’ve changed] trying not to feel like I have to control it. Because it’ll kill me. And he doesn’t want that.”</p> <p>The radio host admitted she sometimes "hates herself" for being frustrated with her husband, while also mourning their life before his diagnosis. </p> <p>“I miss the ease of life. Of going to a restaurant, [but then] Harley’s back gets sore, and he’s quietly spoken so the noise overwhelms him. I miss the ease of travel. It changes us,” she said. </p> <p>“But we’re not alone in that. Life is this stuff, isn’t it? We talk a lot about long-term relationships, and how popular culture celebrates the beginning and the end."</p> <p>“But the meat of life, the joy of life, the sadness of life, the true human condition, lies in the middle.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

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Paul McCartney’s unusual relationship with Michael Parkinson

<p>Paul McCartney has paid tribute to Michael Parkinson, calling him a “great guy” and a “good friend” in a lengthy and heartfelt post on social media.</p> <p>The iconic interviewer passed away peacefully at home on August 16th after a battle with a brief illness according to a statement from his family.</p> <p>After his death, a flood of tributes poured in from celebrities around the world, including The Beatles frontman Paul McCartney.</p> <p>Parkinson was a personal friend of McCartney’s, as the pair even appeared on a famous album cover together.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p>I first met Michael Parkinson in Liverpool when he and his team came to see us at the Cavern Club. He was a very likeable guy and we eventually did our first TV performances with Granada in Manchester, where Michael worked.</p> <p>Through the years I got to know him more and more, and… <a href="https://t.co/o0fMiXsWwN">pic.twitter.com/o0fMiXsWwN</a></p> <p>— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulMcCartney/status/1692969489980063890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>The two feature on the album cover of Wings‘ coveted "<em>Band On The Run</em>" record as escaped convicts, with Parkinson agreeing to appear on the cover if McCartney would return the favour by being a guest on his chat show.</p> <p>Taking to Twitter on Saturday, McCartney remembered his friend, writing, “I first met Michael Parkinson in Liverpool when he and his team came to see us at the Cavern Club. He was a very likeable guy and we eventually did our first TV performances with Granada in Manchester, where Michael worked.”</p> <p>“Through the years I got to know him more and more, and appeared on his chat show quite a few times. He was a pleasure to talk to and we always had fun. He appeared on the front cover of ‘<em>Band on the Run</em>’ as one of the escaping convicts in the title song. He was very knowledgeable about many subjects and a keen sports-lover.”</p> <p>He added, “I will miss him personally, as a good friend. I send all my love to his family and friends. Cheers Michael, you’re a great guy okay!”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Paul McCartney / Twitter (X)</em></p>

Music

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"One of the greats": Elton John's stirring tribute to Michael Parkinson

<p>The entertainment world has been cast into a somber veil of mourning as it bids farewell to the iconic Michael Parkinson, the legendary interviewer who has left us at the age of 88.</p> <p>Elton John, David Attenborough, Michael Caine, Eric Idle ...the long list of luminaries who have joined the chorus of heartfelt tributes to the "TV titan" and the undisputed "king of the chat show" seems limitless.</p> <p>The poignant words of Oscar-winning Michael Caine resonate with a sense of irreparable loss: “Michael Parkinson was irreplaceable," he wrote. "He was charming, always wanted to have a good laugh. He brought the best of everyone he met. Always looked forward to be interviewed by him.”</p> <p>David Attenborough's reflection on his interactions with the man affectionately known as "Parky" evokes a sense of melancholic nostalgia: “He was extremely generous, he wanted you to shine and would always laugh at your jokes and give you an opportunity to make them sound funnier than in fact they were. It was always friendly, it was always thorough, it was always intelligent, it was always a pleasure to do it and I think that came over no matter who his interviewee was.”</p> <p>Elton John said Parkinson was “a TV legend who was one of the greats. I loved his company and his incredible knowledge of cricket and Barnsley Football Club. A real icon who brought out the very best in his guests. Condolences and love to Mary and his family."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwC4JoBMmKq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwC4JoBMmKq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The reminiscences continue, with Stephen Fry's words dripping with a bittersweet tone, saying that being interviewed by Parkinson was an experience of impossibly intense thrill.</p> <p>“The genius of Parky was that (unlike most people (and most of his guests, me included) he was always 100 per cent himself. On camera and off. ‘Authentic’ is the word I suppose,” he wrote. “For one of the shows I was on with Robin Williams, a genius of unimaginable comic speed and brilliance. Now they’re both gone.</p> <p>“One should get used to the parade of people constantly falling off the edge, but frankly one doesn’t. So long #parky.”</p> <p>The poignant announcement of the loss came from Parkinson's family. “After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family,” the statement read.</p> <p>“The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve.”</p> <p>The memories flood in as the recollection of Parkinson's rise to prominence in the 1970s fills the air with a sense of wistfulness. His list of more than 2000 interviewees includes luminaries such as Sir Billy Connolly, Muhammad Ali, Prince Philip, Sir Elton John, Madonna, and Paul McCartney.</p> <p>Four-time guest Muhammad Ali's absence echoes through time as Parkinson's voice emerges: “When people ask me who I most enjoyed interviewing, I’m unable to give them an answer”, Parkinson once said in an interview. “If they ask me who was the most remarkable man I ever met, I answer without hesitation – Muhammad Ali. I interviewed him four times – I lost on every occasion.”</p> <p>These titanic verbal sparring matches stand as poignant testimonies of the show's indelible legacy, underscoring their magnetic effect on millions of viewers.</p> <p>Among the program's other poignant moments, the chaos induced by Rod Hull's puppet Emu assaulting Parkinson on his own talk show couch remains etched in memory. Parkinson jestingly admitted that his career would forever be epitomised by "that bloody bird".</p> <p><em>Images: Getty / BBC 1</em></p>

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How Richard Wilkins impressed Michael Parkinson

<p>Richard Wilkins has opened up on his memorable interview with media legend Michael Parkinson, and how he managed to impress the interview king with one simple question. </p> <p>From a young age, Wilkins was in awe of Parkinson's interviewing ability, watching his every show with his parents during his childhood. </p> <p>Over the course of his astonishing career, Parkinson, a broadcast journalist and author, had interviewed more than 2,000 people. </p> <p>An inspiration to Dickie, the Nine journalist admitted that "in a weird way" watching the media icon propelled him to want to get up close and personal with some of those people as well.</p> <p>When Wilkins got the chance to sit down with Parkinson in 2019, he said the two just "clicked", making it one of his most memorable interviews.</p> <p>"I guess the older type people, who I've grown up appreciating what they do, I think they get a sense that you're not necessarily a fawning fan, but you certainly know what you're talking about and are up for a chat," Wilkins told <a href="https://celebrity.nine.com.au/latest/richard-wilkins-interview-michael-parkinson-dickies-diaries-exclusive/f7fde9cc-49bd-4dcb-a742-5ab8f0f9d563" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>9Honey Celebrity</em></a>.</p> <p>During their conversation, Wilkins impressed Parkinson with a question he had never been asked before. </p> <p>"I said, 'So, how important is that first question when you're sitting down opposite someone and you're trying to break the ice and get into their heads?' Wilkins recalled.</p> <p>"I've never been asked that before," Parkinson, then 85-year-old, said.</p> <p>"He said 'Well, it's very important, and I always think very long and hard about the first question.'"</p> <p>"And I said, 'So, how was that one?' He said, 'It was very good'. So we got on very well."</p> <p>At the end of their chat, Parkinson shared some wisdom with Wilkins, which he carries with him throughout his work. </p> <p>Parkinson said, "I think the most important thing about interviewing is to actually establish a relationship with the person sitting opposite because after all, it's a totally phoney operation."</p> <p>"All this nonsense, around, this palava, walking down the stairs, the band playing, all that sort of stuff. And I don't care who you are, when you reach the bottom of the stairs, you see this stranger opposite you, me, and you think 'what the hell am I doing here'."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine</em></p>

TV

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Here’s how a new AI tool may predict early signs of Parkinson’s disease

<p>In 1991, the world was shocked to learn actor <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/jan/31/still-a-michael-j-fox-movie-parkinsons-back-to-the-future">Michael J. Fox</a> had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. </p> <p>He was just 29 years old and at the height of Hollywood fame, a year after the release of the blockbuster <em>Back to the Future III</em>. This week, documentary <em><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19853258/">Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie</a></em> will be released. It features interviews with Fox, his friends, family and experts. </p> <p>Parkinson’s is a debilitating neurological disease characterised by <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055">motor symptoms</a> including slow movement, body tremors, muscle stiffness, and reduced balance. Fox has already <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/video/michael-j-fox-on-parkinsons-and-maintaining-optimism">broken</a> his arms, elbows, face and hand from multiple falls. </p> <p>It is not genetic, has no specific test and cannot be accurately diagnosed before motor symptoms appear. Its cause is still <a href="https://www.apdaparkinson.org/what-is-parkinsons/causes/">unknown</a>, although Fox is among those who thinks <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/video/michael-j-fox-on-parkinsons-and-maintaining-optimism">chemical exposure may play a central role</a>, speculating that “genetics loads the gun and environment pulls the trigger”.</p> <p>In research published today in <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acscentsci.2c01468">ACS Central Science</a>, we built an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that can predict Parkinson’s disease with up to 96% accuracy and up to 15 years before a clinical diagnosis based on the analysis of chemicals in blood. </p> <p>While this AI tool showed promise for accurate early diagnosis, it also revealed chemicals that were strongly linked to a correct prediction.</p> <h2>More common than ever</h2> <p>Parkinson’s is the world’s <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/parkinson-disease">fastest growing neurological disease</a> with <a href="https://shakeitup.org.au/understanding-parkinsons/">38 Australians</a>diagnosed every day.</p> <p>For people over 50, the chance of developing Parkinson’s is <a href="https://www.parkinsonsact.org.au/statistics-about-parkinsons/">higher than many cancers</a> including breast, colorectal, ovarian and pancreatic cancer.</p> <p>Symptoms such as <a href="https://www.apdaparkinson.org/what-is-parkinsons/symptoms/#nonmotor">depression, loss of smell and sleep problems</a> can predate clinical movement or cognitive symptoms by decades. </p> <p>However, the prevalence of such symptoms in many other medical conditions means early signs of Parkinson’s disease can be overlooked and the condition may be mismanaged, contributing to increased hospitalisation rates and ineffective treatment strategies.</p> <h2>Our research</h2> <p>At UNSW we collaborated with experts from Boston University to build an AI tool that can analyse mass spectrometry datasets (a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/mass-spectrometry">technique</a> that detects chemicals) from blood samples.</p> <p>For this study, we looked at the Spanish <a href="https://epic.iarc.fr/">European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition</a> (EPIC) study which involved over 41,000 participants. About 90 of them developed Parkinson’s within 15 years. </p> <p>To train the AI model we used a <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41531-021-00216-4">subset of data</a> consisting of a random selection of 39 participants who later developed Parkinson’s. They were matched to 39 control participants who did not. The AI tool was given blood data from participants, all of whom were healthy at the time of blood donation. This meant the blood could provide early signs of the disease. </p> <p>Drawing on blood data from the EPIC study, the AI tool was then used to conduct 100 “experiments” and we assessed the accuracy of 100 different models for predicting Parkinson’s. </p> <p>Overall, AI could detect Parkinson’s disease with up to 96% accuracy. The AI tool was also used to help us identify which chemicals or metabolites were likely linked to those who later developed the disease.</p> <h2>Key metabolites</h2> <p>Metabolites are chemicals produced or used as the body digests and breaks down things like food, drugs, and other substances from environmental exposure. </p> <p>Our bodies can contain thousands of metabolites and their concentrations can differ significantly between healthy people and those affected by disease.</p> <p>Our research identified a chemical, likely a triterpenoid, as a key metabolite that could prevent Parkinson’s disease. It was found the abundance of triterpenoid was lower in the blood of those who developed Parkinson’s compared to those who did not.</p> <p>Triterpenoids are known <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/neuroprotection">neuroprotectants</a> that can regulate <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ana.10483">oxidative stress</a> – a leading factor implicated in Parkinson’s disease – and prevent cell death in the brain. Many foods such as <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11101-012-9241-9#Sec3">apples and tomatoes</a> are rich sources of triterpenoids.</p> <p>A synthetic chemical (a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/PFAS_FactSheet.html">polyfluorinated alkyl substance</a>) was also linked as something that might increase the risk of the disease. This chemical was found in higher abundances in those who later developed Parkinson’s. </p> <p>More research using different methods and looking at larger populations is needed to further validate these results.</p> <h2>A high financial and personal burden</h2> <p>Every year in Australia, the average person with Parkinson’s spends over <a href="https://www.hindawi.com/journals/pd/2017/5932675/">A$14,000</a>in out-of-pocket medical costs.</p> <p>The burden of living with the disease can be intolerable.</p> <p>Fox acknowledges the disease can be a “nightmare” and a “living hell”, but he has also found that “<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/video/michael-j-fox-on-parkinsons-and-maintaining-optimism">with gratitude, optimism is sustainable</a>”. </p> <p>As researchers, we find hope in the potential use of AI technologies to improve patient quality of life and reduce health-care costs by accurately detecting diseases early.</p> <p>We are excited for the research community to try our AI tool, which is <a href="https://github.com/CRANK-MS/CRANK-MS">publicly available</a>.</p> <p><em>This research was performed with Mr Chonghua Xue and A/Prof Vijaya Kolachalama (Boston University).</em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/heres-how-a-new-ai-tool-may-predict-early-signs-of-parkinsons-disease-205221" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>

Mind

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"The beat goes on": Neil Diamond opens up about life with Parkinson’s

<p>Neil Diamond has opened up about his experience living with Parkinson’s, and how it has taken a long and uphill battle to come to terms with his 2018 diagnosis. </p> <p>In a candid interview with Anthony Mason for <em>CBS Sunday Morning</em>, the 82-year-old singer - best known for his hit song ‘Sweet Caroline’ - detailed how he moved from denial to acceptance, and the impact it has had on his life and his career ever since.</p> <p>“When the doctor told me what it was, I was just not ready to accept it,” he said. “I said, ‘oh, okay, I’ll see you whenever you want to see me, but I have work to do, so I’ll see you later’.”</p> <p>For “the first year or two”, Diamond admits he refused to accept his condition,  but as acceptance finally came to him, so did a sort of calm and peace of mind</p> <p>“I think this has just been in the last few weeks,” he explained to Mason, “but somehow, a calm has moved in and the hurricane of my life, and things have gotten very quiet.</p> <p>“And I like it. I find that I like myself better. I’m easier on people. I’m easier on myself and the beat goes on and it will go on long after I’m gone.”</p> <p>He went on to note his understanding that “this is the hand that God’s given”, and how his only option was “to make the best of it”.</p> <p>“There’s no cure, there’s no getting away from it. You can’t just say ‘okay, enough already, let’s get back to life’. It doesn’t work like that,” he said. </p> <p>“But I’ve come to accept what limitations I have and still have great days.”</p> <p>And while Diamond retired from touring in 2018 in the wake of his diagnosis, he can still find those great days in music, with his life playing out in the musical A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical on Broadway.</p> <p>As for how it feels to see his story performed on the stage, he admits that initially it was difficult, and that he felt some embarrassment, before going on to add that he “was flattered, and I was scared. </p> <p>“Being found out is the scariest thing you can hope for because we all have a facade. And the truth be known to all of them. I’m not some big star - I’m just me.”</p> <p>“The show is part of my psychotherapy,” he explained, “and it hurt.”</p> <p>On opening night, Diamond even returned to the stage for a singalong performance of ‘Sweet Caroline’, and as he told Mason, “I can still sing. I’ve been doing it for 50 years and I enjoy it. It’s like all the systems of my mind and my body are working as one.</p> <p>“I’ve had a pretty amazing life, it’s true.”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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Michael J Fox reveals more details about his struggle with Parkinson's

<p>Michael J. Fox has delivered an emotional and heartfelt speech, during which he recalled keeping his life-changing Parkinson’s diagnosis a secret, in fear it would impact his career.</p> <p>The famed actor was diagnosed with the disorder in 1991, at only 29 years old. It wasn’t until seven years after that he made public his health battle.</p> <p>As he accepted the Jean Hershel Humanitarian Award (an honorary Oscar recognising his philanthropic efforts), Fox said the “uncertainty” of his condition caused him to stay silent the entire time.</p> <p>"I was told I only had 10 years left to work. That was s---ty. That's what happened," he told the crowd, as per People magazine. "The hardest part of my diagnosis was grappling with the certainty of the diagnosis and the uncertainty of the situation. I only knew it would get worse. The diagnosis was definite, the progress was indefinite and uncertain."</p> <p>"Then I entered into seven years of denial, trying to make sense of it all," he recalled. "The kid who left Canada convinced that he would make anything happen, at least by working hard and by believing, now had a tall order in front of him.” He said he told "very few people" about his diagnosis and they all kept his "secret".</p> <p>"Then there were all kinds of doctors who helped me understand the physical processes that were at work, or not at work, in my brain, as the case may be," he shared. "Finally, I felt like I needed to tell everybody. I understood it would have a huge impact on my career."</p> <p>Fox eventually spoke about his diagnosis with American journalist Barbara Walters and the aftermath of the intimate interview surprised him.</p> <p>"What happened next was remarkable," he remembered. "The outpouring of support from the public at large, the beautiful reaction from all of my peers in the entertainment business, all of you, thank you, and the people that I worked with, was transformative."</p> <p><em>Images: Getty </em></p>

Caring

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COVID-19 has similar effect on brain as Parkinson’s disease

<p dir="ltr">A new study from the University of Queensland has found that being infected with COVID-19 can trigger a similar reaction in the brain to Parkinson’s disease - and they have identified a possible treatment to stop Covid’s impact on the brain in its tracks.</p> <p dir="ltr">A growing number of reports have found that Covid affects more than just our lungs, with several studies finding up to 85 percent of people with Covid, including severe, mild and asymptomatic infections, have neurological complications from being infected with the virus.</p> <p dir="ltr">This can show up in a variety of symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, seizures, and change in mood, including depression and anxiety.</p> <p dir="ltr">The team of scientists has discovered that the virus can cause inflammation in the brain, which could make people more vulnerable to developing Parkinson's and other similar conditions.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We studied the effect of the virus on the brain’s immune cells, ‘microglia’ which are the key cells involved in the progression of brain diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s,” Professor Woodruff said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Our team grew human microglia in the laboratory and infected the cells with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We found the cells effectively became ‘angry’, activating the same pathway that Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s proteins can activate in disease, the inflammasomes.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Inflammasomes are a kind of complex of proteins that activate inflammatory responses in the body.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dr Albornoz Balmaceda, another of the 33 authors of the study published in <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-022-01831-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Molecular Psychiatry</a></em>, said that triggering this pathway can spark a “fire” in the brain that silently kills neurons over time in a similar way to Parkinson's and Alzheimer’s.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s kind of a silent killer, because you don’t see any outward symptoms for many years,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It may explain why some people who’ve had COVID-19 are more vulnerable to developing neurological symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease.”</p> <p dir="ltr">They also found that the triggering of the inflammasome pathway was exacerbated in people who were already predisposed to developing Parkinson’s.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So if someone is already predisposed to Parkinson’s, having COVID-19 could be like pouring more fuel on that ‘fire’ in the brain,” Professor Woodruff said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The same would apply for a predisposition for Alzheimer’s and other dementias that have been linked to inflammasomes.”</p> <p dir="ltr">While the findings are concerning, the team has also found a potential treatment that could stop the inflammation and put out the “fire” in the brain.</p> <p dir="ltr">Using inhibitory drugs developed at the University of Queensland currently being trialled with Parkinson’s patients, they found that inflammasome activation was reduced in comparison to no treatment at all.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We found it successfully blocked the inflammatory pathway activated by COVID-19, essentially putting out the fire,” Dr Balmaceda said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The drug reduced inflammation in both COVID-19-infected mice and the microglia cells from humans, suggesting a possible treatment approach to prevent neurodegeneration in the future.”</p> <p dir="ltr">As a result, Professor Woodruff said that it means that potential treatments for Covid’s impact on the brain already exist.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Further research is needed, but this is potentially a new approach to treating a virus that could otherwise have untold long-term health ramifications,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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“I don’t let it dictate who I am”: Billy Connolly opens up on living with Parkinson’s

<p dir="ltr">Billy Connolly has opened up about living with Parkinson’s in a rare interview as he prepares to receive one of the highest accolades from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) at the awards next week.</p> <p dir="ltr">Connolly will be receiving the BAFTA Fellowship - which is awarded to those who have made outstanding contributions in film, games and television - at the May 8 ceremony.</p> <p dir="ltr">Speaking to <a href="https://www.bafta.org/media-centre/press-releases/sir-billy-connolly-to-be-honoured-with-bafta-fellowship-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bafta.org</a>, Connolly discussed his neurodegenerative condition and how he doesn’t let it “dictate” his day-to-day life.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s really important to work, to draw, to write, to walk silly for your grandchildren,” he said. “Doing the same thing you’ve always done is good for you.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-64596dfa-7fff-1483-6149-0267844f75f0"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“I don’t let Parkinson’s dictate who I am - I just get on with it. I’ve had a very successful career and I have no regrets at all.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdGDwIKDgfy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdGDwIKDgfy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by BAFTA (@bafta)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Connolly was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013 and retired from live performances in 2018.</p> <p dir="ltr">He still continues to record projects and make TV appearances.</p> <p dir="ltr">Although his extensive filmography has earned him a slew of awards, Connolly revealed that he was never in show-business for the accolades. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I have a collection of shiny things that I’m very proud of. But I never set out to get them or hunt them down,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">He added that he was humbled to be receiving the award, which has previously been awarded to David Attenborough, Dawn French, and Jennifer Saunders.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I don’t believe in aiming at it because if you don’t get it for whatever reason you’re all disappointed. Just do what you do well and you’ll find yourself a fellow before you know it.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-58064ccf-7fff-301b-71e4-bafe6798c4cb"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @bafta (Instagram)</em></p>

Caring

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Parkinson’s early warning signs and at-home care options

<p dir="ltr">It’s estimated that out of every 1,000 Australians, <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/parkinsons-disease" target="_blank" rel="noopener">four</a> will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (or <a href="https://www.nzbri.org/Labs/parkinsons/Epidemiology/#:~:text=The%20number%20of%20people%20with,to%20reach%2022%2C000%20by%202040." target="_blank" rel="noopener">one out of 500 Kiwis</a>), the disorder that targets the nervous system and can cause tremors, poor balance, and even changes to how we speak and write.</p> <p dir="ltr">In Australia, 37 people will hear the words, “You have Parkinson’s” each day, and <a href="https://www.parkinsonsnsw.org.au/world-parkinsons-day/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Parkinson’s Day</a>, on April 11, hopes to raise awareness of the incurable condition.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though anyone at any age can be diagnosed, people over the age of 65 are more commonly diagnosed than other age groups.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bob Linton knows this all too well after he was diagnosed at the age of 72.</p> <p dir="ltr">Initially, he and his wife Liz struggled to manage his condition until they connected with Home Instead, one of Australia’s leading in-home care providers, and his new carer, Janine.</p> <p dir="ltr">Now about to celebrate his 75th birthday, Bob has no intention of slowing down and has even picked up his golf clubs again.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Janine has been helping me get to the golfing range and the golf course twice a week. It’s great. I just forget about the Parkinson’s and keep on moving forward,” Bob said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We do nine holes, and Janine is my caddy. I really enjoy it because I’ve always liked playing golf. I had a stroke three years ago and I find it difficult to walk on my own, but Janine helps me get out and about. Though I’ve lost quite a bit of sight, I just ask Janine, ‘Was it straight? Was it to the right or the left?’ and she gives me the guidance I need. I can’t ask for much more than that. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Janine and I also go for walks, to my medical appointments, and sometimes have lunch out. Life is very, very good. Home Instead has been excellent. We didn’t want to look at any other options because I want to stay living at home.”</p> <p dir="ltr">His wife has also appreciated the difference, and now gets some much-needed time to herself.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Having help from Home Instead is a great arrangement for us – it’s ideal as Bob doesn’t need to go into care and we just feel so comfortable with Janine in our home. Knowing he is being looked after by someone I can trust is so important to us as a family. It’s been wonderful,” Liz said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though Parkinson’s is treatable with different medications, and sometimes surgery, it’s important to notice the signs early, before they worsen with time.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mayo Clinic</a>, experiencing tremors in your hands or fingers, slowed movement, a stooped posture, impaired balance, or changes to your writing or speech should prompt you to visit your doctor to determine whether it is Parkinson’s or something else entirely.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-512e78ed-7fff-805e-32f0-df99418a04f3"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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Life-changing infra-red treatment for Parkinson's sufferers

<p><em>Image: 7News</em></p> <p>A new treatment for Parkinson’s disease is set to be trialled in Sydney following reports of positive results using light therapy.</p> <p>Results from a previous light therapy trial in Adelaide published in the<span> </span><em>BMC Neurology</em><span> </span>journal, showed enhanced senses and improved cognition, mood and sleep, mobility, balance, and fine motor skills among patients.</p> <p>The SYMBYX trial conducted with Parkinson’s SA, used the light therapy known as photobiomodulation (PBM) on two small groups of patients, all diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.</p> <p>The study reports no adverse side effects and that the therapy was “a safe and potentially effective treatment”. Parkinson’s disease is an incurable, progressive neurological illness which effects between 10-15 million people worldwide.</p> <p>It’s the world’s fastest growing neurological disease, with symptoms including tremors, muscle rigidity, difficulty walking and swallowing, loss of smell, depression and anxiety.</p> <p>Caused by a lack of dopamine, a chemical produced by both the brain and the gut to help promote and control body movement, the light therapy treatments work by stimulating dopamine production in the gut.</p> <p>For 75-year-old Parkinson’s sufferer Margaret Jarrett, who has been a participant in medical trials of the infra-red relief, the results have been a welcome relief. She used a laser light device clinically for 12 weeks, and for 40 weeks from home.</p> <p>“I don’t know how it’s happening, but it’s happening and that’s all I care about,” she said.</p> <p>“Some people regained their sense of smell, some people have improved sleep, and some people had improved microbiomes. So, improved gut health,” Parkinson’s SA executive Olivia Nassaris said of the treatment.</p> <p>Those already suffering with Parkinson’s don’t need to wait for the trial results, as there are light therapy products from SYMBYX already available on the market. “It is legal and regulated and it’s available for purchase”, Dr Wayne Markman, CEO of SYMBYX an Australian medical technology company told 7NEWS.</p> <p>Light technology is just the latest in research to support the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.</p>

Mind

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New “miracle” Parkinson’s treatment can be done “anywhere in the world”

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">World-first technology has opened doors for new treatment of Parkinson’s disease, with the new wireless implants being dubbed a “miracle” by patients.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) implants reduce the symptoms of Parkinsons, and have required adjusting from a neurologist every time a patient’s condition changes - until now.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The new technology from neuromodulation company Abbott allows specialists to adjust DBS devices remotely over the internet.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For 70-year-old Clive Couperthwaite, the first patient to use the new tech as part of a clinical trial last year, the development has put an end to his two-hour commutes for 20-minute adjustments to his implant.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> “I’m not the patient that lives the furthest away, but it’s a complication to get in [to visit a specialist] … if you live in Longreach or some place out of the city - it’s a major demand, Mr Couperthwaite <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-29/qld-remote-brain-function-parkinsons-treatment-breakthrough/100576716" target="_blank">said</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“When you live so far away from your specialist, it’s anxiety-provoking because what if something goes wrong.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845200/_0-17-screenshot.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b2d4ab738fcf499ea41e2d814c23d5f2" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Clive Couperthwaite, the first person to use the new remote technology. Image: Abbott / YouTube</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“You feel like you can live again - you don’t have to keep looking over your shoulder.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The technology has been approved for use in Australia, Europe, and the United States.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Professor Peter Silburn, a neurologist from the Queensland Brain Institute, said the development of the new technology has been “the most exciting development” in treatment of the neurological disease since the DBS device itself.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The DBS device works as a pacemaker for the brain, sending electrical signals to areas responsible for movement to reduce symptoms.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We take away the cardinal symptoms of Parkinson’s and we’re able to take the drugs right down - if not stop them all together,” Dr Silburn said.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845199/_1-26-screenshot.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/80b1ad454cf64e9bbdeab17e3c6b2dce" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Two electrodes are implanted in the brain and receive electrical signals from the device, implanted in the chest. Image: Abbott / YouTube</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Without the new technology, Dr Silburn said the device may need to be adjusted as frequently as every two weeks.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Now, the wireless technology allows specialists such as Dr Silburn to connect with patients via an app installed on paired devices - meaning that adjustments can be made from anywhere in the world.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“This is going to have a major impact for particularly regional Australians,” Dr Silburn said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It reduces the burden of care, whether you’re remote in the bush or an hour away in the car - someone has to give up their time to bring you in.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“If you’re way out in the middle of Australia and something goes wrong, you need to have a Careflight, that could be completely eliminated.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mr Couperthwaite said the DBS implant is the source of his autonomy, allowing him to complete tasks from painting to kayaking.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Before I was shaking through my hands, I couldn’t write my name legibly,” he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Migual Diaz, the chief executive of Parkinson’s Australia, said the new development could lead more people to pursue DBS as a form of treatment, especially if they are geographically isolated.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“People [who] may have been put off by the fact that you have to come to Brisbane to have [adjustments] and have opted not to have DBS surgery might now reconsider that,” he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s, so anything that will improve their wellbeing is an absolute benefit and we’ve got to pursue it.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The technology has been made available to select hospitals, with the expectation it will be available nation-wide by 2022.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Abbott / YouTube</span></em></p>

Technology

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Maker Dan opens up on Parkinson's diagnosis

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In episode six of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Making It Australia</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Makers were set the task of completing one piece in the Mega Craft Challenge.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Contestants were tasked with creating an outdoor oasis in a challenge that saw them create spaces with soft lighting, firepits, swings, and functioning water fountains.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jack took out the challenge with his secret silver cinema, complete with a projector and a series of white curtains.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CUcTEfnBCh0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CUcTEfnBCh0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Making It Australia (@makingitau)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As always, one person made their exit from the show, and this time it was Dan.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After his departure, Dan sat down with <em>OverSixty </em>to chat about his time on the show and the meaning that crafting has for him.</span></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>O60: What was the highlight of being a Maker?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">The Incredible Makers, Judges and other people that I got to meet were definitely the highlight for me. This is seriously like the Making Olympics!!</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>O60: What surprised you most about your<span> </span></strong><strong><em>Making It</em></strong><strong><span> </span>experience?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">The pace was so fast!</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>O60: In a personal moment on the show, you shared that you were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Not to pry, but this is an important issue to many of our readers. Are there any alternative treatments you are considering? Has your diagnosis put pressure on the crafting you do or increased the appeal of making things now?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">I have always broadcast the enormous sense of duty that accompanies my insatiable internal drive to create. As for [Parkinson’s Disease (PD)]? When I received the news I was actually a little relieved! I had been searching for the correct cause of the restriction in my right hand for several months. This diagnosis came with medication that provided rapid relief and a dim light at the end of a tunnel.</p> <p dir="ltr">Making it was an AMAZING adventure/distraction to which I adhered to a chance to prove to Kye (wife), Australia and MYSELF, I am still the Dan! So, yes, in the 15 months since my PD diagnosis, Crafting and Making has certainly gained emotional magnitude.</p> <p dir="ltr">With regard to treatments: I'm currently managing symptoms with medication. I'm hoping, prioritising my own health and wellbeing, stress minimisation, and a balance of rest/work will prolong the medications' effective window. Although unfortunately DBS Deep brain Stimulation has already raised its head in a few consultations.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>O60: What’s next for you after<span> </span></strong><strong><em>Making It</em></strong><strong>?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Keep showing my wife, Kye, that I love her! And developing the OCG (Obsessive Compulsive Garden) and I [am] hopeful I can complete my Electric Hotrod by March 2022. Work wise I've been making deliberate choices to consolidate and focus on what makes me happy. This has inspired me to launch<strong><span> </span>DeleurDesign</strong>. In order to combine, my passion for the environment and minimising our impact, making skills, knowledge of a broad and growing array of materials and ability to design and create unique practical and beautiful solutions to problems for waste management in particular. Lastly, I am going to raise some funds for Parkinson's Disease Research. If you are familiar with the #CARBAR I Created while on Making It Australia? IT WILL SOON BE COMPLETED AND UP FOR GRABS!!!</p> <p dir="ltr">I encourage you to join me on this journey<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/deleurdesign/" target="_blank">@DeleurDesign</a><span> </span>on Instagram or find me on Facebook.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>O60:<span> </span></strong><strong><em>Making It</em></strong><strong><span> </span>seems to be challenging the idea that eliminations mean you no longer appear on the show, can you give us an insight into what’s been happening behind the scenes with the eliminated Makers?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">They did an amazing job of selecting Makers! Assembling a group of Makers that became instant family! We still chat and create every day!</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>O60: Last but not least, if you had the chance, would you do it again?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Yes!</p> <p dir="ltr">Starting this weekend,<span> </span><em>Making It Australia</em><span> </span>will air on Saturdays at 6 pm on Channel 10.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @deleurdesign / Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

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Study finds dancing to music can slow progression of Parkinson’s disease

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 49, J.M. Tolani’s life was thrown upside down. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He had to quit his job as a photojournalist and learn to cope with a new physical and emotional struggle. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I felt as though I had been hit by a truck. Everything felt like it came to a standstill. My life was altogether changed,” he said to WebMD.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He was then introduced to a unique program called Dance for PD, which was recommended to him by a member of a support group he attended.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dance for PD is a specialised dance program for people with Parkinson’s disease, their families, friends, and care partners.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The company was founded in 2001, with program director David Leventhal saying the program is designed to inspire.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“[I] wanted to commit energy and time to working with people with Parkinson’s and sharing what we had learned with teaching artists around the world,” he says.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After attending classes, Tolani felt his condition, and his emotional state, improve drastically.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I found I could move, and the dancing seemed to provide a replacement for the dopamine lost in the brain. Dancing motivates me and makes me happy, flexible, and mobile,” Tolani says.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tolani’s claims have been backed up by scientific research that shows individuals diagnosed with mild to moderate Parkinson’s had the progression of the disease slowed down by participating in regular dancing. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Senior investigator Joseph DeSouza PhD said, “The classes were very beneficial for these individuals with PD, and we know that dance activates brain areas, even in people without PD.” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Following an in-depth study, research showed that those with a mild condition who danced for an hour per week had a slower loss of their motor neuron function to those who didn’t. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tolani was able to return to his passion for photography, as he continues to move to the beat. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I take three to four classes a week, and they allow me to get out and meet people and interact with them. They put me in a good, positive state of mind,” he says. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I wake up and look forward to enjoying myself, and dancing with others in the Parkinson’s community, where I feel I’m allowed to completely be myself.”</span></p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p>

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Billy Connolly quits stand-up comedy amid Parkinson’s diagnosis

<p>Sir Billy Connolly has confirmed his career as a stand-up comedian has ended due to his Parkinson’s diagnosis.</p> <p>The 77-year-old made his diagnosis public in 2013 and retired five years later, but said last year he had hoped to continue performing in some way.</p> <p>“I’m finished with stand-up – it was lovely, and it was lovely being good at it,” he told <em><a href="https://news.sky.com/story/sir-billy-connolly-comedian-says-im-finished-with-stand-up-as-he-talks-about-his-new-career-as-an-artist-11950537">Sky News</a></em>.</p> <p>Connolly, who now works as an artist, said he does not want Parkinson’s to define him.</p> <p>“I’m always being asked to go to Parkinson’s things and spend time with Parkinson’s people, having lunch or something like that. And I don’t approve of it,” he said.</p> <p>“I don’t think you should let Parkinson’s define you and all your pals be Parkinson’s people. I don’t think it’s particularly good for you. So I don’t do it.”</p> <p>He said living with the condition was difficult at times.</p> <p>“Certain things go wrong, your brain goes adrift and affects your body, and so you walk differently, you walk like a drunk man sometimes. And you’re frightened you’ll be judged on it. And you shake sometimes.”</p> <p>However, he said he had “no regrets at all” and urged more people to “listen to comedians and poets”.</p> <p>“More people should listen to comedians, and fewer people should listen to politicians,” he said.</p> <p>“People should listen to comedians and poets, they’re telling the truth.”</p>

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8 early Parkinson’s disease symptoms that are too easy to miss

<p>This movement disorder is more treatable when caught early, but Parkinson’s disease symptoms can appear quite differently from one person to another. Talk to your doctor if you’re worried about any of these signs.</p> <p><strong>Changed handwriting</strong></p> <p>If your handwriting starts to go from big and loopy to small and cramped, this could be one of the earliest Parkinson’s disease symptoms. “Teachers with Parkinson’s will notice students complaining that they can’t read their handwriting when they write on the blackboard,” says Deborah Hall, MD, a neurologist. Look for letters getting smaller and words crowding together. Many patients have slower movement and trouble with repetitive tasks, like handwriting.</p> <p><strong>Reduced sense of smell</strong></p> <p>If you’re having trouble smelling pungent foods or no longer pick up your favourite scents, see a doctor. It’s not the most common symptom of Parkinson’s, but Dr. Hall says patients who suffer a loss of smell report it being the earliest sign they experience. The link between reduced sense of smell and Parkinson’s isn’t clear, but one theory is that the clumps of the protein alpha-synuclein, found in the brains of all Parkinson’s patients, may form in the part of the brain responsible for smell before migrating to other areas and affecting motor function.</p> <p><strong>Trouble sleeping</strong></p> <p>If you were once a peaceful sleeper, but now toss and turn, flail your limbs, or even fall out of bed, those sleep problems could be Parkinson’s disease symptoms. It’s normal to have an occasional restless night, but talk to your doctor if you or your partner notices extra movement when you’re in a deep sleep, or if you start sleep-talking. More research is needed to discover why disturbed sleep and Parkinson’s are related, but one theory is that the degeneration of specific regions of the brain stem that can cause disordered sleeping may play a role in other Parkinson’s disease symptoms.</p> <p><strong>Constipation</strong></p> <p>If you’re not moving your bowels every day, or are increasingly straining, this can be an early sign of Parkinson’s. The disease alters the body’s autonomic nervous system, which controls processes like digestion and bowel function. Constipation on its own isn’t unusual, but if you’re experiencing other symptoms like difficulty sleeping and trouble moving or walking, talk to your doctor.</p> <p><strong>Depression</strong></p> <p>Sometimes patients can develop depression after learning they have Parkinson’s, but it’s also common for people to be depressed years before they start to exhibit physical symptoms, says Michele Tagliati, MD, director of the Movement Disorders Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in California.</p> <p>“Parkinson’s is characterised as a movement disorder because of a lack of dopamine in the brain, but there are also low levels of other neurotransmitters like serotonin, which are intimately related to depression,” he says.</p> <p>Parkinson’s patients who are depressed tend to feel apathetic and generally disinterested in things they used to enjoy, compared to feeling intensely sad or helpless, as is common in primary depression. “They lose pleasure in the simple things of life, like waking up in the morning and buying the paper,” says Dr. Tagliati. Treatment for depression includes counselling, antidepressant medication, and in the most extreme cases, electric shock therapy.</p> <p><strong>Tremors or shaking when relaxed</strong></p> <p>Shaking can be normal after lots of exercise or if you’re anxious, or as a side effect of some medications. But a slight shake in your finger, thumb, hand, chin, lip, or limbs when your body is at rest and your muscles are relaxed could signal Parkinson’s disease symptoms, according to the National Parkinson Foundation. About 70 percent of people with the disease experience a resting tremor, and it can become more noticeable during stress or excitement. These are the most common symptoms and often tip people off to the disease, but when Parkinson’s patients think back they realise they experienced loss of smell, disturbed sleep, or anxiety before the tremors began.</p> <p><strong>Stiffness and slowed movements</strong></p> <p>Watch for an abnormal stiffness in your joints along with muscle weakness that doesn’t go away and makes everyday tasks like walking, teeth brushing, buttoning shirts, or cutting food difficult. If you no longer swing your arms when walking, your feet feel “stuck to the floor” (causing you to hesitate before taking a step), or people comment that you look stiff when you haven’t been injured, the National Parkinson Foundation suggests seeing a doctor.</p> <p><strong>Softer voice, or masked face</strong></p> <p>Doctors say that a softer voice or masked, expressionless face is a common sign of the disease. Some patients with Parkinson’s disease symptoms may also talk softer without noticing or have excessively fast speech or rapid stammering. Parkinson’s causes disruption of movement, including facial muscles.</p> <p><em>Written by Alyssa Jung. This article first appeared in </em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/conditions/8-early-parkinsons-disease-symptoms-that-are-too-easy-to-miss/" target="_blank"><em>Reader’s Digest</em></a><em>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, </em><a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRA93V"><em>here’s our best subscription offer.</em></a></p> <p><img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" /></p>

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An all-time low for Centrelink? Man with Parkinson’s disease denied disability support

<p>Jamie Tartoosie, a man suffering from Parkinson's Disease, says he is “not getting better”. </p> <p>For the past 11 years, Mr Tartootise has been an employee with Woolworths but eventually was left no choice but to resign when his condition became so intense, he physically could not complete the required tasks asked of him after collapsing. </p> <p>“I’m not going to get better, it’s gradual, I’ll go downhill, bit by bit. Getting out of bed or up, out of a chair – that’s a struggle,” he told<span> </span>A Current Affair.</p> <p>The man said it was suggested he look into receiving a Disability Support Pension - however, Centrelink firmly denied the request.</p> <p>“It’s at least 18 months, or even up to two years sometimes before I even get considered for the DSP and until then I’ve got to go on Newstart,” he said.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">TONIGHT. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9ACA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9ACA</a>.<br />Jamie suffers from Parkinson's. <br />So how come he can't get the disability support pension? <a href="https://t.co/A9fRxbBTiy">pic.twitter.com/A9fRxbBTiy</a></p> — A Current Affair (@ACurrentAffair9) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACurrentAffair9/status/1176357502323056641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>Despite his crippling disability and employer support stating it was unsafe for him to work, Centrelink did not approve his application. </p> <p>The welfare department stated he would have to complete workplace training for a minimum of 18 months to be considered eligible. </p> <p>Tartootise said he was placed into “job support training”, and is now on a newstart allowance of $250 a week. </p> <p>The lowly-paid welfare payment is a controversial topic among many who are divided on whether it is a fair amount to give any unemployed person. </p> <p>“Who’s going to employ someone with Parkinson’s, knowing that they’re only going to get worse and not better?” he said. </p> <p>Since speaking with<span> </span>A Current Affair,<span> </span>Tartootise had support  to convice Centrelink to assist him financially. </p> <p>He has now been placed on the Disability Support Pension after further investigation determined he was, in fact, too ill to work.</p>

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