PARKINSON ASSOCIATION OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
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The Parkinson’s Thief
by Dr. Beverly Chang, Geriatric Psychiatry Direct
At times it seems that Parkinson’s is like a thief, robbing individuals of their identities.    I have cared for triathletes, car enthusiasts, physicians, lawyers, and culinary experts, who have all grieved the loss of certain defining aspects of themselves.  Some patients admit that they expend energy trying to cover their tremor due to perceived stigma.  Some feel guilt and shame in having to receive more assistance from others. A few are wary of support groups due to the worry about seeing how Parkinson’s may progress.  And ALL despise how their lives have been built around a medication schedule.

Parkinson’s additionally affects families and spouses who find themselves also feeling robbed – of intimacy, of the sharing of household duties, of the future they anticipated.   Sometimes these thoughts are fleeting, but in cases they begin to occupy much
of the day.  

Depression and anxiety, if left unaddressed, lead to worsened health outcomes. Sometimes a medication will help, since Parkinson’s
​can deplete the brain of chemicals that make us happy.  Many times, a supportive ear is just as effective.  Emotions cannot be denied, and rather than “stuffing them,” perhaps we can learn to acknowledge and validate. By allowing ourselves to seek support, we may learn healthy ways of letting the unhelpful thoughts go.  
​
Now more so than ever in the current COVID19 pandemic, I try to remind patients that we are all making lifestyle adjustments and we are all in it together. 


             Parkinson’s changes how we live our life, but it does not rob us of a future. 

COVID-19: There is still limited information about the effects of COVID-19 specifically regarding Parkinson’s disease, having said that, given the frailty associated with Parkinson’s disease, it would be prudent to be cautious, prepared and follow the precautions recommended by public health departments/ CDC.   During these challenging times, it cannot be emphasized enough the need for all, PD community specifically and the
​community at large, to reach out to each other, offer support and assistance to those most vulnerable and share our resources.

​Our Mission

​​The Parkinson Association of Northern California is an organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with Parkinson's, their families, and care partners throughout our region. 
La Asociación de Parkinson del Norte de California se dedica a mejorar la vida de las personas con Parkinson, sus familias y los compañeros de cuidado. 

​Contacts

Email: panc@panctoday.org
Mailing Address:
Parkinson Association of Northern California
1024 Iron Point Road, #1046
​Folsom, CA 95630
​

Phone: (916) 357-6641
If you'd like more information please call the office 
Si le gustaría obtener más información por favor llame ​a la oficina.
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Copyright © 2020 Parkinson Association of Northern California. All rights reserved.
​PANC is a 501(c)(3)   Tax ID #68-0372037
  • PANC Home
  • About Us
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • Medical Advisory Panel
    • Privacy Policy
    • Annual Report & 990's
  • Contact Us
  • About Parkinson's
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Recently Diagnosed
    • PD Carepartners
    • Clinical Trials
    • Exercise!
    • Helpful Resources
    • PD Webinars & Classes
    • Guide to Specialist
    • Articles
  • Ways to Support
    • Donate Online
    • Donate by Mail or Phone
    • CAREPARTNER RESPITE SUPPORT
    • Be A Sustaining Donor
    • Planned Giving
    • Donate a Vehicle
    • AmazonSmile
    • Become a Support Group Facilitator
    • Other Ways to Give
  • Español
    • Sobre PANC
    • Clases y recursos
  • Programs/Support Groups
    • Support Groups
    • Respite Care
    • Parkinsonwise
    • Parkinsonwise Trained Professionals
    • Rebuilding Together
  • Newsletter
  • PD classes/events
    • Brian Grant Foundation December 2022 Classes
    • Davis Phinney Foundation -PD self 2023, Webinair series , Every Victory counts & many more
    • Family Caregiver Alliance Webinairs - Dec 22--Jan 23
    • Michael J Fox Foundation -1/19/23 Eating to Boost Brain Health
    • Parkinson 's Foundation Webinars, and events
    • Parkinson Voice Project - Speech exercises Daily 8 AM Info session 2nd Tu
    • PD Active Calendar of exercise, dance, singing & speech classes and support groups
    • PMD Alliance - Online and In person classes and support groups
    • World Parkinson Coalition Research spotlight 22, Sing-A-Long 12/14 WPC 23-7/4-7/7
  • DONATE