By GORD YOUNG, The Nugget
Doug Billingsley has been fighting Parkinson’s disease for the past 20 years.
And, until recently, his symptoms have only worsened over time.
But Billingsely's quality of life has significantly improved since last year thanks new developments in treatment that have given the 78-year-old back much of the muscle control he had previously lost.
“I'd say there's been a 50 per cent improvement,” said Billingsley, referring to the uncontrollable tremors that used to take over his body.
He underwent focused ultrasound treatment last year as part of a trial and now only suffers mild tremors. The treatment works by targeting brain cells with heat energy from ultrasound waves to break the abnormal circuits within the nervous system causing the tremors. It can be also be used to treat tremors in other conditions.
Unfortunately, the treatment does not relieve other symptoms of Parkinson's such as slowness of movement, rigidity and difficulty with balance.
Although private research is leading the trial in which Billingsley is involved, it's the kind of medical advancements that monies raised during Saturday’s Parkinson SuperWalk in North Bay will go to support.
Billingsley was among dozens of people to take part in the annual fundraiser at the city's waterfront.
It's been organized by his son, Shaun, and daughter-in-law, Wendy Prieur, for the past three years.
“I know that right now 100,000 individuals in Canada are struggling with the stigma and daily challenges of living with this complex neurological disease,” Prieur told participants. “And every hour of each day, another Canadian hears the words, 'you have Parkinson's disease'.”
In its first two years, she said the walk has raised a total of nearly $15,000. And, with donations still rolling in, Prieur said another $4,000 had been raised so far this year.
She said the fund will not only go toward research, but support services, education and advocacy.
“I am so proud to be a part of a caring community today,” said Prieur. “Each and every one of you is truly an everyday hero, inspiring extraordinary hope for those living with Parkinson's in our community.”
http://www.nugget.ca/2017/09/10/parkinsons-patient-relieved-of-tremors
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