We all fondly remember actress Lea Thompson from the iconic Back to the Future series, where she played the role of Lorraine, mum to Michael J. Fox’s character Marty McFly.

However, recently, the talented actress made headlines, not for her incredible acting skills, but due to a deeply personal and heart-wrenching revelation.

The actress, who is 62, disclosed that her two elder brothers were both diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in a short span of time.

‘Both of my beloved exceptional big brothers have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s within a few months of each other,’ Thompson wrote in a social media post.

‘It was such a devastating blow.’

Although the family had observed a noticeable slowdown in her brothers’ movements, they never suspected Parkinson’s to be the reason.

‘Back to the Future’ actress Lea Thompson shared that her two older brothers were diagnosed with Parkinson’s in quick succession. Image source:nstagram/@lea_thompson

We noticed that they were slowing down but never thought it could be this.’

‘But because of the efforts of so many researchers funded through Real Mike J Fox (@realmikejfox) and Team Fox MJ FF (@teamfoxmjff) foundation, there are drugs and tools for an early diagnosis that have really, really helped them,’ she continued, referencing the actor Michael J Fox and The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Disease in her post.

Thompson posted a photo of herself and her two brothers enjoying a day of golf, followed by another image of her brothers embracing each other.

The actress expressed feeling ‘honoured’ to shoot a ‘Public Service Announcement’ (PSA) for The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s gala and provided a glimpse with a behind-the-scenes snapshot from the campaign.

‘Thanks to the work of so many scientists and philanthropists and my movie son, there is hope.’

‘Thank you, Marty,’ she wrote.

Thompson’s admirers and followers quickly filled the comments section of her post with messages of support.

‘Lea, sending love to your family,’ one follower shared.

‘Sending you hugs full of hope that the research helps your brothers and many others more and more,’ wrote another.

Someone else shared: ‘Fingers are forever crossed for a cure.’

‘My dad has Parkinson’s, so I can relate. I’m so sorry, Lea,’ added a third.

‘They have found numerous aids, though!’ One more chimed in.

‘My dad had DBS (deep brain stimulation) and HIFU (high intense focused ultrasound) and has eliminated tremors!’ Another responded.

‘Will be praying for your family,’ one social media user commented.

Lea Thompson recorded a ‘PSA’ for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Image source: Instagram/@lea_thompson.

What is Parkinson’s?

Parkinson's disease is a progressively worsening neurological ailment defined by a range of symptoms.

It ranks as the second most prevalent neurological condition, affecting over 100,000 Australians.

Typical symptoms encompass tremors, slowed movements, and stiffness.

‘People with Parkinson’s don’t have enough of the chemical dopamine because some of the cells that produce dopamine have died,’ the Parkinson’s Australia website reads.

‘It is not easy to diagnose Parkinson’s.’

‘There are no laboratory tests (such as a blood test or brain scan).’

‘Often a diagnosis is made by a specialist, such as a neurologist, based on clinical signs and symptoms.’

Michael J. Fox and Parkinson’s

Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991 when he was just 29, notably younger than the average diagnosis age of 65 for most people.

He has since become one of the most prominent figures associated with Parkinson’s, playing a pivotal role in elevating awareness and setting up a foundation dedicated to researching its causes and potential treatments.

Despite his high-profile advocacy, Fox revealed that he hid his diagnosis for seven years and faced challenges with alcohol overuse.

Video Source: Facebook/@appletv​

He made this confession in Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, showcased for the first time at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.

In the movie, Fox discussed his prolonged struggle with Parkinson’s, mentioning that even with the diagnosis, he's had an ‘amazing life.’

Yet, during a recent conversation with Jane Pauley on CBS Sunday Morning, the 62-year-old acknowledged that each day is becoming more challenging.

‘I’m not gonna lie,’ Fox said.

‘It’s getting harder.’

The actor shared that he recently had spinal surgery to remove a benign tumour. He also endured two fractured arms, a broken hand, and facial bone injuries due to falls.

‘(Falling) is a big killer with Parkinson’s,’ Fox said.

‘It’s falling, and aspirating food and pneumonia — all these subtle ways that (it) gets you.

‘You don’t die from Parkinson’s, you die with Parkinson’s.’

However, the actor noted that he's lived with the disease for ‘30 plus years’ and has structured his life in a way that allows him to ‘pack Parkinson’s along with me if I have to’.

‘I recognise how hard this is for people, and I recognise how hard it is for me, but I have a certain set of skills that allow me to deal with this stuff,’ he said.

‘And I realise, with gratitude, optimism is sustainable.’

‘If you can find something to be grateful for, then you can find something to look forward to, and you carry on.’

Key Takeaways

• Back to the Future’s actress Lea Thompson revealed that her two older brothers were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease within months of each other.
• Thompson’s online post mentioned there are drugs and tools available for early diagnosis, thanks to the efforts of many researchers and the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
• The actress filmed a public service announcement for the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s gala and expressed hope through the continued efforts of scientists and philanthropists.
• Michael J. Fox, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 29, is one of the best-known figures with the condition, and his foundation aims to raise money for research into its causes and treatment.

Members, what are your thoughts on this story? Do you have any words of encouragement, advice, or support for those with Parkinson’s and their families? Share your sentiments in the comments below!

 

[cheza1603]

We all fondly remember actress Lea Thompson from the iconic Back to the Future series, where she played the role of Lorraine, mum to Michael J. Fox’s character Marty McFly.

However, recently, the talented actress made headlines, not for her incredible acting skills, but due to a deeply personal and heart-wrenching revelation.

The actress, who is 62, disclosed that her two elder brothers were both diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in a short span of time.

‘Both of my beloved exceptional big brothers have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s within a few months of each other,’ Thompson wrote in a social media post.

‘It was such a devastating blow.’

Although the family had observed a noticeable slowdown in her brothers’ movements, they never suspected Parkinson’s to be the reason.

View attachment 33198

‘Back to the Future’ actress Lea Thompson shared that her two older brothers were diagnosed with Parkinson’s in quick succession. Image source:nstagram/@lea_thompson

We noticed that they were slowing down but never thought it could be this.’

‘But because of the efforts of so many researchers funded through Real Mike J Fox (@realmikejfox) and Team Fox MJ FF (@teamfoxmjff) foundation, there are drugs and tools for an early diagnosis that have really, really helped them,’ she continued, referencing the actor Michael J Fox and The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Disease in her post.

Thompson posted a photo of herself and her two brothers enjoying a day of golf, followed by another image of her brothers embracing each other.

The actress expressed feeling ‘honoured’ to shoot a ‘Public Service Announcement’ (PSA) for The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s gala and provided a glimpse with a behind-the-scenes snapshot from the campaign.

‘Thanks to the work of so many scientists and philanthropists and my movie son, there is hope.’

‘Thank you, Marty,’ she wrote.

Thompson’s admirers and followers quickly filled the comments section of her post with messages of support.

‘Lea, sending love to your family,’ one follower shared.

‘Sending you hugs full of hope that the research helps your brothers and many others more and more,’ wrote another.

Someone else shared: ‘Fingers are forever crossed for a cure.’

‘My dad has Parkinson’s, so I can relate. I’m so sorry, Lea,’ added a third.

‘They have found numerous aids, though!’ One more chimed in.

‘My dad had DBS (deep brain stimulation) and HIFU (high intense focused ultrasound) and has eliminated tremors!’ Another responded.

‘Will be praying for your family,’ one social media user commented.

View attachment 33199

Lea Thompson recorded a ‘PSA’ for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Image source: Instagram/@lea_thompson.

What is Parkinson’s?

Parkinson's disease is a progressively worsening neurological ailment defined by a range of symptoms.

It ranks as the second most prevalent neurological condition, affecting over 100,000 Australians.

Typical symptoms encompass tremors, slowed movements, and stiffness.

‘People with Parkinson’s don’t have enough of the chemical dopamine because some of the cells that produce dopamine have died,’ the Parkinson’s Australia website reads.

‘It is not easy to diagnose Parkinson’s.’

‘There are no laboratory tests (such as a blood test or brain scan).’

‘Often a diagnosis is made by a specialist, such as a neurologist, based on clinical signs and symptoms.’

Michael J. Fox and Parkinson’s

Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991 when he was just 29, notably younger than the average diagnosis age of 65 for most people.

He has since become one of the most prominent figures associated with Parkinson’s, playing a pivotal role in elevating awareness and setting up a foundation dedicated to researching its causes and potential treatments.

Despite his high-profile advocacy, Fox revealed that he hid his diagnosis for seven years and faced challenges with alcohol overuse.

Video Source: Facebook/@appletv​

He made this confession in Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, showcased for the first time at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.

In the movie, Fox discussed his prolonged struggle with Parkinson’s, mentioning that even with the diagnosis, he's had an ‘amazing life.’

Yet, during a recent conversation with Jane Pauley on CBS Sunday Morning, the 62-year-old acknowledged that each day is becoming more challenging.

‘I’m not gonna lie,’ Fox said.

‘It’s getting harder.’

The actor shared that he recently had spinal surgery to remove a benign tumour. He also endured two fractured arms, a broken hand, and facial bone injuries due to falls.

‘(Falling) is a big killer with Parkinson’s,’ Fox said.

‘It’s falling, and aspirating food and pneumonia — all these subtle ways that (it) gets you.

‘You don’t die from Parkinson’s, you die with Parkinson’s.’

However, the actor noted that he's lived with the disease for ‘30 plus years’ and has structured his life in a way that allows him to ‘pack Parkinson’s along with me if I have to’.

‘I recognise how hard this is for people, and I recognise how hard it is for me, but I have a certain set of skills that allow me to deal with this stuff,’ he said.

‘And I realise, with gratitude, optimism is sustainable.’

‘If you can find something to be grateful for, then you can find something to look forward to, and you carry on.’

Key Takeaways

• Back to the Future’s actress Lea Thompson revealed that her two older brothers were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease within months of each other.
• Thompson’s online post mentioned there are drugs and tools available for early diagnosis, thanks to the efforts of many researchers and the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
• The actress filmed a public service announcement for the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s gala and expressed hope through the continued efforts of scientists and philanthropists.
• Michael J. Fox, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 29, is one of the best-known figures with the condition, and his foundation aims to raise money for research into its causes and treatment.

Members, what are your thoughts on this story? Do you have any words of encouragement, advice, or support for those with Parkinson’s and their families? Share your sentiments in the comments below!

What a remarkable mind-set Michael has dealing with Parkinsons Disease. He is such a lovely courageous human being.❤

 

[Bridgit]

My husband has advanced Parkinson's - every day we find that laughing, talking, doing what you love, trying to be positive helps.
Mind you we have down days as well but tomorrow may be better - my husband has a goal to make wooden toys for children and he is achieving this - slowly. He has to keep his mind active even if his body is not playing the game.

 

[Clancieblue]

My husband has advanced Parkinson's - every day we find that laughing, talking, doing what you love, trying to be positive helps.
Mind you we have down days as well but tomorrow may be better - my husband has a goal to make wooden toys for children and he is achieving this - slowly. He has to keep his mind active even if his body is not playing the game.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Not being too conversant with all things Parkinsonism, but just one question.

If researchers are aware of dopamine deficiency with Parkinson's, why isn't there a diagnostic test to determine its blood levels?

 

[Bridgit]

Not being too conversant with all things Parkinsonism, but just one question.

If researchers are aware of dopamine deficiency with Parkinson's, why isn't there a diagnostic test to determine its blood levels?

Good question and one I have asked - it took me over 5.5 years to get our stupid GP to open his eyes and get the wax out of his ears to get my husband to a Neuro to be assessed. All the signs were there and he continuously missed them - as a consequence he was started on a high dose of Madopar to control what symptoms he had on his first visit. Then 6 months later we went back to the Neuro so he could see if the dosages were adequate and not causing problems - for the most part we adjust up or down or stretch out dosage times to give him the best we can get from the drugs. This means I have to be watching and asking questions and then sit and talk about what is happening to him - I have gotten quite good at seeing whether or not he is getting enough but not too much. Funnily enough both can cause the same issues but with slight differences in speech and gait, which most people would not notice. I don't think a blood test would tell us much as to measurement of dopamine brain scans tell a bigger story as the disease advances.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Good question and one I have asked - it took me over 5.5 years to get our stupid GP to open his eyes and get the wax out of his ears to get my husband to a Neuro to be assessed. All the signs were there and he continuously missed them - as a consequence he was started on a high dose of Madopar to control what symptoms he had on his first visit. Then 6 months later we went back to the Neuro so he could see if the dosages were adequate and not causing problems - for the most part we adjust up or down or stretch out dosage times to give him the best we can get from the drugs. This means I have to be watching and asking questions and then sit and talk about what is happening to him - I have gotten quite good at seeing whether or not he is getting enough but not too much. Funnily enough both can cause the same issues but with slight differences in speech and gait, which most people would not notice. I don't think a blood test would tell us much as to measurement of dopamine brain scans tell a bigger story as the disease advances.

I might have to do some research on the pharmacology of Madopar. Thanks!

 

[Veggiepatch]

Just did some quick reading on Madopar. Its active ingredient is levodopa which is then converted into dopamine by an amino acid carboxylase which then does the job on most Parkinson's symptoms. Is hubby on pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) as well?

That made interesting reading!