Objective: As an inspirational patient speaker who has lived, really lived, with Parkinson’s disease for over 20 years, my first objective is to give the reader insight into what those diagnosed with Parkinson’s beyond shaky hands and a shuffling gait including mind freeze-up, memory difficulties, destruction of self-image, inability to multi-task and other stress-related problems.

As a patient advocate, my second objective is to provide a plan of action for those diagnosed with a chronic illness to live their best possible life including positive attitude, exercise, nutrition, staying engaged, and uncovering your purpose.

As a care receiver, my third objective is to demonstrate and explain how caregivers are appreciated though they are RTBDA (Rarely Thanked But Definitely Appreciated).

Background: John Baumann had experience as a caregiver before he himself was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. John’s daughter, Katie, overcame life-threatening birth defects which resulted in cerebral palsy. After transforming himself into an inspirational speaker, joining the faculty of the University of Louisville, and writing a book (Decide Success), John has been the inspirational speaker at over 100 conferences.

Method: Self observation. Discussions with various Parkinson’s patients. Attendance at over 100 Symposiums and Conferences.

Results: A full explanation of the broad range of non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease to prepare, to the extent that one can prepare, for the possible manifestations of this debilitating disease. Parkinson’s effects people in different ways and I will describe as many of the non-motor aspects of the disease as possible. For caregivers, my goal is to renew their commitment to us patients through awareness of what they have to deal with and appreciation for all they do. Finally, provide ideas for lifestyle changes that may be beneficial for the patient as well as the caregiver.

Conclusion: Every person with a chronic illness experiences their disease differently. In fact, even when diagnosed with a specific condition ( or me, Parkinson’s), each patient with Parkinson’s experiences their disease differently. Despite the differences and changing manifestations of the disease, a thorough list of all possible non-motor symptoms is beneficial. Both patients and caregivers would benefit from a positive change to their lifestyle. Finally, caregivers will know that they are appreciated.

References: Dr. Samuel Dyer CEO / Chairman of the Board Medical Science Liaison Society m: +1-561-221-9934 w: www.themsls.org e: [email protected]

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/parkinsons-disease-the-unseen-side-of-neurologic-chronic-illnesses-the-non-motor-world-of-our-existence/