Wow, it has been an interesting journey!  I started writing this blog in March, 2015, as a way to share my experience with Parkinson’s Disease with others.  I never imagined that I would still be writing almost 2 years later, with this my 100th post!  15 people read that first post when it was published.  Now my subscribed readers number several hundred, with many more just checking in, coming from 76 different countries.   I want to thank all of you for your support over the last 2 years.

Looking back on the past year, there have been many exciting findings in Parkinson’s research.  The most important is the change in thinking about how Parkinson’s gets started.  Research now points to changes in the microbes in the gut as the trigger for setting off Parkinson’s symptoms.*  What this means for us:  a possibility for earlier detection with a screening test, and new treatment options that begin before damage to the brain occurs.  To learn more about it, register for Michael J Fox Foundation’s next webinar  on January 19, titled  Gut (Bacteria) Check on Parkinson’s: Role of the Microbiome.   Maybe this will be the year………

There has also been a world-wide effort to change the image of Parkinson’s from the stooped over, shuffling person to someone who is actively enjoying life with PD. Photographer Anders Leines‘ photo exhibit at the World Parkinson’s Congress was highly successful.  There is also a Facebook page, Many Faces of Parkinson’s that is working to change that image.  The World Parkinson Coalition has just published a book Faces of Parkinson’s: Global Reflections of PD which can be ordered through their website.

Exercise has also been a positive force this year for PwP.  Many studies have shown that exercise can be more beneficial in relieving Parkinson’s symptoms that anything else. See Exercise May Be Real Medicine for Parkinson’s Disease.  Yoga, boxing and tennis keep me going.  If you are not exercising, 2017 is the year to get moving.  There are so many options, either in group exercise classes, online videos or just walking.  Just check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

I was fortunate to attend the World Parkinson Congress in Portland in September.  This amazing conference brought together over 4300 people from around the world, People with Parkinson’s and their caregivers, doctors, scientists, and many others in related fields for 4 fabulous days. I am so glad that I met many of you there.  I hope that we can all meet in Kyoto in 2019 at the next WPC!

My Parkinson’s resolutions for 2017:

1. Keep on moving:  exercise every day.
2. Keep a positive attitude.  Look in a mirror and smile – it will brighten your day.
3. Participate in PD research.  PwP’s are an important part of finding the cure,
4. Get more sleep.
5. Hug my grandchildren as much as possible for they are the best medicine! (Thank you Linda B for saying that).

Have a wonderful and healthy 2017!

Some photos from 2016

• http://www.pdf.org/en/science_news/release/pr_1481317516
• http://www.sciencealert.com/new-evidence-suggests-parkinson-s-might-start-in-the-gut-before-spreading-to-the-brain