18 Fox Focus | Living with Parkinson's
Dr. Dolhun
Talks PD
Taking Care of
Parkinson’s Takes
a Team
We often look to different people to help
us with different problems or situations. A
partner or spouse may be our “go-to” for most
scenarios, but we might ask a mentor about
work and a good friend about relationship or
family dynamics. Many of us have a core group
of people — a “team” — to provide support
and varied perspectives. These teams develop
naturally throughout our lives.
When living with Parkinson’s disease (PD),
you want to be more intentional about
building your team. As disease changes over
time, your care and support needs can evolve.
A diverse group of people — both in and
outside the medical community — will
walk the PD journey with you, caring for you
while helping you take care of yourself.
Rachel Dolhun, MD, is a movement disorder
specialist, board-certified neurologist and vice
president of medical communications at MJFF.
Follow her on Twitter @RachelDolhunMD.
Mike Achin, a Parkinson’s community advocate
who has been living with PD since 2008, says,
“I surround myself with people who I know
can and will support me, wherever Parkinson’s
leads.” He goes on, “My daughter, who is a chef
and studying to be a dietitian, keeps tabs on my
diet (whether I want her to or not); my pastor
checks on me regularly, and the people in my
boxing class make sure I not only show up but
give my all each week.”
Because every person and their Parkinson’s
are unique, each team looks different.
Your team members could include loved
ones, close family, and friends both with
and without PD. And a variety of health care
professionals can help with the broad range
of Parkinson’s symptoms.