197 years ago, Dr. James Parkinson published, “An Essay on
the Shaking Palsy”. Today his former
home is marked with a simple plaque. The
search for that plaque was the focus of run #43/44 in my journey.
In the Preface to the article, Dr. Parkinson
wrote, “The disease is of long duration: to connect, therefore, the symptoms
which occur in its later stages with those which mark its commencement, requires
a continuance of observation…these advantages the writer has had the
opportunities of availing himself, and has hence been led particularly to
observe”. Many times throughout my
travels and since, I’ve been asked what was the most important thing that I
learned along the way. Similar to Dr.
Parkinson’s advantage of observing those with “shaking palsy” over time, the
most important discovery I made was the result of the advantage of observing so
much of the world in such a short time.
Dr. Parkinson’s dedicated Chapter I to providing a definition:
“Shaking Palsy (Paralysis Agitans) -
Involuntary tremulous motion, with lessened muscular power, in
parts not in action and even when supported; with a propensity to bend the
trunk forwards, and to pass from a walking to a running pace: the senses and
intellects being uninjured.” Just as this definition was probably the simplest part of his paper - stating the most important
lesson that I learned is simple as well:
All of us living in different areas around the world have similar needs.
In
Chapter II, Dr. Parkinson leverages the experiences of those that had observed the
disorder prior: “an inquiry into the opinions of preceding
writers respecting them, seem necessary to be attempted”. As we travel we often focus on the unique
characteristics of the people, cultures and sights of the differing countries
and regions we visit. Prior to this journey, I
anticipated that it would be the differences in Parkinson’s awareness, support,
treatment, etc. that would highlight my experience. However, with the wonderful opportunities
that I had to speak to and listen to those affected by Parkinson’s in an almost
uninterrupted continuum of space and time – it was the similarities of the
desires and needs of those affected by Parkinson’s that left the greatest
impression.
Chapter III allowed Dr.
Parkinson to outline the differences between “shaking palsy” and other
disorders marked by the presence of tremor: “particular care is required whilst
endeavouring to mark its diagnostic characters. It is sufficient, in general,
to point out the characteristic differences which are observable between
diseases in some respects resembling each other.” While the underlying similarities in the
needs and desires of those affected by Parkinson’s was the main discovery of my travels – the
differences in which those needs and desires were being met was the other critical
observation.
As he attempts to hypothesize regarding the
cause of "shaking palsy" in Chapter V, Dr. Parkinson is careful to recognize
limitations, “Before making the attempt to point out the nature and cause of this
disease, it is necessary to plead, that it is made under very unfavourable
circumstances.” Similarly, we
must pay particular attention when asking the question “why” as it applies to the
variation in Parkinson’s care and attitudes around the
world, when it seems so evident the basic needs are similar for of those affected. Why
are some cultures much less accepting of the presence of Parkinson’s characteristics? Why are the support systems available
so different from country to country? Why are the efficacious treatments not more uniformly available?
In his fifth and final
chapter, Dr. Parkinson laments the difficult in finding a cure for a disorder with
such variable presentations, but also offers word of encouragement, “But
although, at present, uninformed as to the precise nature of the disease, still
it ought not to be considered as one against which there exists no countervailing
remedy”. Likewise, it was evident during
my travels that many of the limitations and successes in providing Parkinson’s
care have been defined by those trying to meet the needs of those with Parkinson's all around the world. The challenge is to share this information to allow these individual discoveries that occur constantly
around the world to benefit all – as all have these similar needs.
My
final discovery on my trek around the world turned out to be more difficult than I
expected. I felt I had done my homework to allow me to find Dr. Parkinson’s former home without much
difficulty. I had pictures of the plaque
on the building exterior, the address and a local map. Armed with this, I hopped on the tube to take
me to a stop relatively near the address, so I could get in my 4 mile run and stop by Dr. Parkinson's house.
However, when I arrived in the square on which the building wa suppose to sit –
the addresses were a little difficult to determine. I felt confident that I had
located the correct building, but there was no plaque in
sight. In fact the building was a café.
I walked the square a number of times and was about to leave when I saw it – hiding behind the umbrella of one of the outdoor table was the
blue sign I was searching for. Trying not to alarm the wait
staff and diners too much, I made the announcement that I had been to 43
countries in the past 4 weeks with plans to visit this specific site before returning home. This earned
me a polite round of applause and a feeling of accomplishment. It also left me
with the question – how do I use the many personal discoveries I made along the
way to help all of us affected by Parkinson’s address those
needs we all have in common?
Country Sponsors
It is with great
pleasure that I acknowledge the generous donation and support of my World Cup
friends. Sam Gore, Lisa Phillips, Tom
Callas and Brian Kolar traveled to the World Cup in France with me in 1998 and
without that trip I doubt my love for travel would be what is today. We were able to regroup for the next European
World Cup in Germany in 2006. Although I
missed their companionship on my recent trip to support USA in Brazil,
hopefully we will get together again when the Cup returns to Europe in 2018.
Hi Dr. Cranston!
ReplyDeleteIf's me Brenley!
Rishawn relayed me your blog!
She informed me that you just retired!
Good for you Marcus!
Coincidentally, I am involved on a novel and exciting treatment approach and methodology in Glioma and Astrocytoma treatment!
The methodology is quite unique in the annals of Immuno-gene therapy against Brain Cancer. It just hit me that there might just be an application to Parkinson treatment. I am dealing with Neuro-Oncologists and Neuro-surgeons for the past two months (Johns Hopkins, Yale, University of VA, Cleveland Clinic, NYU, Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, University of Rochester, NY, practically 40 leading Neuro Cancer sites and counting!) All of these sites have expressed keen interests in its novel application.
Care to have another round of research adventure in its possible application in combatting Parkinson's disease?
White paper perhaps?
Brenley!
Cell:407-738-3140
Keep it up!! You have done the nice job having provided the latest information.Home Page
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