You’re driving a car then suddenly you freeze. You run over a curb then into a house. You are afraid that you may have hurt somebody. This is a symptom of Parkinson’s disease. My grandfather has this disease.

I have researched some famous people that have Parkinson’s . Michael J. Fox has Parkinson’s. Most people know him as the teenage boy named Mourty McFly in the movie Back to the Future. On Thursday, may 8, the Michael J. Fox Foundation raised $600,000 for Parkinson’s research at “Paying to Win the Fight against Parkinson’s.” (Fact Monster)

The Encyclopedia told me facts also. This disease is a disease that causes muscular control to reduce because of a disorder of the nervous system. People usually are at least 50 years old before this happens. They tremble and shake in the hand, leg, or arm. Then the muscles stiffen and weaken. Most peoples’ sides are affected one at a time. They can’t fasten buttons because of their weak muscles. They shuffle when they walk. It rarely causes death. Most people can’t drive because their leg or foot can’t control its self. Sometimes their leg jerks around by its self uncontrollably. Most people take the Medical bus. People with Parkinson’s have mask like facial expressions. This disease also includes much medication.

I went on to interview my grandfather. When I asked him the question, what is it like having Parkinson’s, he said, “It makes you forget what you’re going to say. It makes your writing smaller and harder to read. When we walk, most of the time we shuffle our feet. There is no cure. I, myself, take 2 tablets four times a day. I sleep late. Sometimes I shake my hands from side to side. I especially stutter when I talk. Some people can’t walk. Some people can’t be still. I was 75 when I discovered I had the disease. It gets worse when you get older which means you must have more medication. The disease affects our strength. Parkinson’s sort of happens upon you in the world. People with Parkinson’s fall very often.

Then, I learned the medications Parkinson’s people must have. When drugs such as Levadopa (L-Dopa) are taken orally, many of the worst symptoms are lessened. New drugs such as pramipexole (Mirapex) and repinirole (Requip) can delay the need for levadopa. Apomorphine (Apokyn) is used to treat episodes of reduced mobility in patients with advanced Parkinson’s who respond less effectively to Levadopa. (Fact Monster)

In conclusion, Parkinson’s disease is very tragic. It is hard to live with. Michael J. Fox is a role model to all people with Parkinson’s. Even my grandfather has Parkinson’s. Now you can see, Parkinson’s could happen to you.

Herren, Emily. Face to Face. Monday, May 12, 2008