After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Muhammad Ali could have just sat at home, hoping for a cure. Instead, he fought his condition and went out into the world to raise awareness and advocate on behalf of others living with the disease. Mississauga home care professionals discuss the challenges Ali faced and the ways he created awareness for Parkinson’s.
Ali’s Diagnosis Helped Separate Parkinson’s from Alzheimer’s
When people found out Ali had Parkinson’s, some immediately connected the disease to Alzheimer’s. Though the two diseases do share some similarities, they are completely separate illnesses, and the mechanisms, symptoms, and treatments are not the same. A large percentage of people with Parkinson’s will never have memory loss during the course of their illnesses. However, Parkinson’s does lead to the loss of dopamine-producing neurons that enable the brain to control movement and coordination. As people learned more about Parkinson’s because of Ali’s diagnosis, they were able to better distinguish it from Alzheimer’s.
He Created a Research and Treatment Center to Help Others
So far, the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center has helped fund research and treatment for many people around the world. Its programs were created to help people learn more about the disease, including treatment options. People with Parkinson’s and their families can join support groups at the center and spend time in the computer lab, and the center also has playrooms for children who are visiting a loved one.
His Fight Brought Hope for the Future
Prior to Ali disclosing his medical condition, the general public did not know much about Parkinson’s. Today, many famous people with Parkinson’s are in the spotlight, but Ali was the first major celebrity to really bring awareness to the disease and provide a sense of hope that it could be defeated. While starting the conversation about Parkinson’s around the world, Ali was also helping other people face their diseases in the same way he had: like a champion. It was Ali’s hope that his battle with Parkinson’s would bring fresh attention to the disease, and it has. Scientists are now optimistic better treatments for Parkinson’s will be created, and they believe a cure for the disease will eventually be discovered.
Awareness is a small, but important step in creating a better world for seniors with Parkinson’s, and meeting their individual care needs can help them lead happier and healthier lives. If your aging loved one needs help managing Parkinson’s symptoms, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Our hourly and live-in caregivers are expertly trained in Parkinson’s care and can assist with mobility and exercise, provide mental and social stimulation, and help with a wide variety of everyday tasks. For more information on the Parkinson’s home care Mississauga, ON, families trust, call one of our qualified Care Managers at 905-337-1200 to schedule a free consultation.