Alan Alda, the renowned Hollywood veteran famous for his role as a wartime doctor on MASH, made a revelation in 2018 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease three years earlier. Now, at 86, he speaks out about his condition and how it has altered his life’s outlook but not his objectives. In this article, we will learn about his most significant challenge in living with Parkinson’s disease and what he is doing to slow its progression.
Alda was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015 after reading a story about a group of clinicians who encountered a strange Parkinson’s symptom in some patients, known as REM sleep behavior disorder. After realizing that he had experienced this symptom, he insisted on a brain scan, despite not exhibiting typical symptoms. The diagnosis was a significant challenge for Alda.
Despite his diagnosis, Alda continues to live a fulfilling life, performing, and even starting a popular podcast. He also cherishes the extra family time he gained during the pandemic’s quarantine period. When asked about the most challenging aspect of living with Parkinson’s disease, Alda humbly stated that tying shoelaces with stiff fingers is a challenge, like playing the violin while wearing mittens.
Alda deals with his issues by not imposing happiness or wallowing in pessimism. He says it’s pointless to be optimistic or pessimistic about anything, as you must surf uncertainty, which is all we have. He’s becoming more sure that he’ll always find a solution, and he’s more confident than ever that life is continually evolving, changing, and reinventing itself. Alda believes his Parkinson’s disease can be slowed.
Alda exercises and undergoes physical therapy to maintain his well-being, focusing on walking, biking, jogging, and boxing instruction specifically for Parkinson’s disease. He wants people to know that a Parkinson’s diagnosis is not a death sentence and to eliminate some of the stigmas around it. Alda maintains a positive outlook on life by laughing as much as possible.
In summary, Alan Alda’s experience living with Parkinson’s disease is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite the challenges he faces, he remains positive and active, showing that a Parkinson’s diagnosis does not have to be the end of the world.