Hollywood actor Michael J. Fox (61), the protagonist of the movie ‘Back to the Future’ series, spoke about his 30-year-long experience of fighting Parkinson’s disease.
In an interview with CBS on the 30th of last month (local time), Fox said, “This (Parkinson’s disease) is a gift I keep taking.”
Parkinson’s disease is a central nervous system disease that occurs when cells that secrete dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain, are destroyed. Dopamine plays a role in regulating motor skills and emotions, and when secretion decreases, lethargy and depression may appear. In addition, symptoms of reduced motor skills such as tremors in limbs, body rigidity, unstable gait or posture, and slow movements follow.
Interviewer Jane Foley, who has known Fox for a long time, said, “Every time I see you, I can tell that you’re getting a little bit sicker.” Fox was even shown crouching and shivering during the interview.
Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 29 after visiting a hospital with hand tremors while filming the movie ‘The Hollywood Doctor’ in 1991, which was at its peak of popularity. He founded a foundation named after him in 2000 to support Parkinson’s disease research.
“I don’t think many people have had this disease for over 30 years,” Fox said in an interview. “Having Parkinson’s is really annoying.” “It’s a nightmare for some families and people, it’s like a living hell,” he explained, “because you have to face a reality that other people can’t understand.”
He said, “Recently, I often fall and break my bones. His face, arms, elbows, and hands were broken,” he said.
“Food gets stuck in my throat easily, and I get pneumonia. These things hold my ankle,” he said. “You don’t die because of Parkinson’s disease, you die with Parkinson’s disease. I don’t think I will be able to pass the age of 80.”
Nevertheless, Fox said that the foundation had recently made research achievements such as discovering biomarkers (biological indicators) that could predict and diagnose the onset of Parkinson’s disease early. “Within five years, we will be able to find a cure.”
Fox appeared in the documentary ‘Still’ (Still · Still or Still), which will be released through Apple TV Plus from the 12th. Regarding the meaning of filming the documentary, he explained, “It is impossible to stay still,” and “It is still here, and still has passion.”
The interviewer referred to a documentary in which Fox said, “You tripped me,” after collapsing on a New York street while greeting a passer-by. Fox replied cheerfully, “It’s all for laughs.”
“If you can find something to be grateful for, if you can find something to look forward to, you can move forward,” Fox said. “My life is set up to move forward with Parkinson’s disease.”
“It’s a very good life,” he said of his life. “It may sound a little perverted, but it’s kind of a fascinating life.”
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.