Tag: parkinsons disease
Senator Johnny Isakson Announces Parkinson’s Diagnosis

Senator Johnny Isakson Announces Parkinson’s Diagnosis

Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) announced in a statement Wednesday morning that he is being treated for Parkinson’s Disease, after having been diagnosed with the degenerative illness two years ago.

“I am in the early stages of the disease, and my main symptoms are the stiffness in my left arm and a slowed, shuffling gait,” Isakson said. “The recovery from the back surgery I had in October 2014 also has affected my gait. I have undergone rigorous physical therapy; I do exercises every morning and evening; and I take two Parkinson’s medicines.”

“My diagnosis has not impacted my ability to represent the state of Georgia in the U.S. Senate,” Isakson also added. “I am serving on five Senate committees and am the only Republican serving as chairman of two Senate committees. I am busier and have more responsibility today than ever before in my political career, and I couldn’t be happier about that. I remain devoted to public service, to my state and to my constituents. I am eager to take my record of results to the voters of Georgia as I run for re-election in 2016.”

Isakson’s press release also included a statement from his neurologist, Dr. Thomas M. Holmes, MD, of the Marietta Neurology & Headache Center, attesting to the senator’s continued overall health and capability.

Photo: Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA), via Senate.gov

Quick & Healthy: Is There Anything Green Tea Can’t Do?

Quick & Healthy: Is There Anything Green Tea Can’t Do?

“Quick & Healthy” offers some highlights from the world of health and wellness which you may have missed this week:

  • One day your phone may be able to sniff out the onset of Parkinson’s Disease, based solely on the way you type. Researchers are currently developing software that can monitor the rate at which users tap on their keyboards and make assessments as to how well a typist’s central nervous system is functioning. It’s an exciting development, but for now, anyway, the software cannot distinguish between someone with Parkinson’s and someone who’s simply sleep deprived.
  • Green tea is the gift that just keeps on giving. The antioxidant-loaded, bacteria-battling, fat-burning substance just got yet another boon: According to a new study, a regular green tea habit correlates to a lower risk of dementia. The study found no such link with black tea and coffee, although those drinks have plenty of well-known health benefits on their own.
  • And we have a winner! Researchers have amassed results from several studies conducted on commercial diet and weight-loss programs, and have determined that Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers are the most effective.
  • A new startup is setting its sights on revolutionizing in-home health care for seniors. The Silicon Valley-based service is called Honor, and it’s designed to bring seniors the best in in-home care, while also allowing family members to stay in close contact, even and especially while they’re remote.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Robin Williams Was In Early Stages Of Parkinson’s Disease, Wife Says

Robin Williams Was In Early Stages Of Parkinson’s Disease, Wife Says

By Veronica Rocha, Los Angeles Times

Robin Williams, who was found dead from an apparent suicide earlier this week, was battling the “early stages” of Parkinson’s disease at the time, his wife said in statement Thursday.

Susan Schneider also said Williams’ sobriety was intact as “he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson’s Disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly.”

“It is our hope in the wake of Robin’s tragic passing, that others will find the strength to seek the care and support they need to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid,” she stated.

Williams was found dead by his personal assistant Monday inside his home in the San Francisco Bay Area community of Tiburon. Authorities said it appeared the cause of death was “asphyxia due to hanging,” although toxicology reports for a final report will take weeks.

The full statement reads as follows:

“Robin spent so much of his life helping others. Whether he was entertaining millions on stage, film, or television, our troops on the frontlines, or comforting a sick child — Robin wanted us to laugh and to feel less afraid.

“Since his passing, all of us who loved Robin have found some solace in the tremendous outpouring of affection and admiration for him from the millions of people whose lives he touched. His greatest legacy, besides his three children, is the joy and happiness he offered to others, particularly to those fighting personal battles.

“Robin’s sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson’s Disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly.

“It is our hope in the wake of Robin’s tragic passing, that others will find the strength to seek the care and support they need to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid.”

AFP Photo/Tiziana Fabi

Interested in national news? Sign up for our daily email newsletter!

British Actor Bob Hoskins Dies, Aged 71

British Actor Bob Hoskins Dies, Aged 71

McClatchy Tribune News Service

LONDON — British actor Bob Hoskins, who starred in films such as “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” has died of pneumonia at age 71, his family said Wednesday.

“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Bob,” his wife, Linda, and children Alex, Sarah, Rosa and Jack said in a statement. “Bob died peacefully at hospital last night surrounded by family, following a bout of pneumonia.

“We ask that you respect our privacy during this time and thank you for your messages of love and support,” they continued.

The actor had retired in 2012 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Denis Paul via Flickr