by Dr. Ariel Arieli
"In one of our Parkinson's support group meetings in Israel, a public figure bitterly remarked that we live in a 'dog eat dog world'. He complained that since he contracted Parkinson's, his old friends treat him with disdain and seemed to take vicious pleasure in his deterioration. This comment provoked debate amongst members of the group. They reported that, while they also felt mistreated on rare occasions, in general, they had the opposite experience. Contrary to his opinion, the other members of the group claimed that people regarded them with the utmost compassion, empathy, willingness to help and generosity of spirit."
The purpose of this article is to describe the various perspectives regarding the conflict between altruistic and egoistic behavior, according to the following professionals: philosophers, psychiatrists and psychologists, and neuroscientists. Finally, it is the author's aim to connect these points of view with the typical characteristics of a Parkinson's patient, and to draw conclusions about the influence of such traits on this conflict.
Published 20 October 2008
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Ranging from the complex and cleverly observed to simple yet inspiring the 36 short stories, Tulip Tales is an initiative of the Parkinsonism Society of Kapiti and Horowhenua whose members have contributed to the book. All proceeds from sales will go towards the local Society, and the on-going need to develop education, information and support for people living with Parkinson’s.
Visit www.parkinsons.org.nz to order.
by Melanie Maar
Melanie Maar is a dancer, choreographer and yoga teacher living in New York City. Parkinson's and her father has been and still is an omnipresent fact of life; longer than Melanie can remember. Her struggle to overcome her initial embarrassment towards her father's condition when she was very young, is a testament to her strength that she has excised her own demons to accept her father for who he is and not the condition that has encroached upon both their lifes.
The article describes her fight to overcome strongly personal and emotive conflicts, to portray both her love for her father and her father's plight, in her dance and work.
Revised May 2006
by Tom Isaacs
Presentation at the EPDA 5th multidisciplinary conference ‘ Working in Harmony – The Team Approach,' Lisbon, Portugal May 2004.
May 2004
by Svend Andersen
Svend Andersen has Parkinson's disease. Based on his personal experiences and his professional background as a Psychologist he shares his thoughts on the grief that follows having a chronic debilitating disease.
November 2002
