Fox Symptoms Displayed In Ad Typical

When actor Michael J. Fox appeared in a TV political ad supporting stem cell research, a flurry of controversy erupted around his Parkinson's disease symptoms.

Was he exaggerating, as one radio commentator suggested?

Many people don't realize how severe Parkinson's disease can be. This is largely because most of us have never witnessed these symptoms unless we personally know someone struggling with this disabling condition.

Fox has a very severe form of Parkinson's that affected him at a young age. And he's been through many aggressive treatments, including brain surgery.

The symptoms he displayed on the commercial are common Parkinson's disease symptoms.

In the past we've witnessed his tremor that's so characteristic of Parkinson's. And his uncontrolled body movements that appeared during the commercial are also typical of Parkinson's — and also possibly a side effect of one of his medications.

Despite all his treatment, Fox continues to have severe Parkinson's symptoms that are likely getting worse over time.

Unfortunately, medications often may not work that well, especially as the disease progresses. That's why researchers are working furiously to find new and improved treatments for Parkinson's.

More information on Parkinson's disease symptoms and treatment can be found in WebMD's Guide to Parkinson's disease.

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SOURCE: WebMD Medical Reference in collaboration with The Cleveland Clinic: "Parkinson's Disease." Wire reports.

By Michael Smith
Reviewed by Louise Chang

[debrasimons]

I seriously doubt that the number of pregnant women who request abortions will increase because of their desire to help further scientific research. A 12 week old embryo will never sustain life on its own. What is important is there are many unwanted children inhabiting the world now and I am not seeing too many of you trying to take care of them nearly as much as you are the unborn embryos that are not viable outside of a host. I find that remarkable but across the board with the right to lifers the compassion ends where the actual child begins. Embryonic stem cell research is a necessary step in abating and stopping many of these diseases in their tracks. It is a no-brainer. Unless someone is well-versed in understanding the scientific mechanism behind the research they should keep their own ignorance out of the argument. Stupidity only allows more stupidity to breed and then it writes letters which lend further credence to my argument. I was appalled when Rush Limbaugh dared to make fun of symptoms he knows nothing about. I have seen many patients with Parkinson's Disease exhibit far worse symptoms in their disease than seen on this commercial.He seems to forget what cesspool he crawled out of and needs to get back in there before he makes anymore fun of people and their diseases. Diseases follow no political lines and do not play favorites, unlike politicians...and overfed gluttons like Limbaugh. I've restated my case here for you with inability to get it the first time.

[debrasimons]

As an RN working with leukemia patients and watching my mother die from the disease and seeing my own stepfather ravaged by Parkinson's Disease, I think I can offer a bit of expertise on the subjects. Stem cell research is a necessary step in abating and stopping many of these diseases in their tracks. It is a no-brainer. Unless someone is well-versed in understanding the scientific mechanism behind the research they should keep their own ignorance out of the argument. It is like refusing to believe the Green House Effect or refusing to believe the polar ice caps are melting. Stupidity only allows more stupidity to breed and then it writes letters. I was equally appalled when Rush Limbaugh dared to make fun of symptoms he knows nothing about. I have seen many patients with Parkinson's Disease exhibit far worse symptoms in their disease than seen on this commercial
and it is truly a sad horror to live with day in and day out. Perhaps the old adage, "never trust anything a drug addict says" should be applied to big fat Rush. Can you tell when a drug abuser is lying?? He's moving his lips!!! Like Rush does day in and day out. He seems to forget what gully he crawled out of and needs to get back in there before he makes anymore fun of people and their diseases. Diseases follow no political lines and do not play favorites, unlike politicians... Thank God for Jerry Lewis- that is the only way all the money is raised each year for the Muscular Dystophy Assoc. Asheville,NC

[mtredhawk200]

It's upsetting to watch MJ Fox living with the symptoms of an incurable progressive disease, so let us respond to our own discomfort by minimizing what he has to live with by making ridiculous claims. I'm sure he wishes he was just "acting"! Stem cell research has great potential to cure many horrible diseases. Yes, ethics are difficult, but to ban the research entirely makes as much sense as refusing to let surgeons operate because they might remove a healthy organ. Face it folks, our world is complicated. Is it ethical to let people suffer? There are no easy answers, and "sound byte" journalism evades the real issues. Religion has no place in politics or medicine.

[curlygirl16]

My father developed young adult Parkinson's disease when he was 32. He suffered with the disease for over 30 years until the disease finally came to an end. During all those years, he never got his meds "right". That's because PD is a progressive disease. He "acted" the same as Fox. Unless you:

Have Parkinson'Disease
Take care of a loved one with the disease
Are a neurologist

keep your ignorant comments to yourself!
Stupidity does nothing for PD research....

[bttf4444]

Dear Michael,

My heart really goes out for you. Just keep your faith. I hope that one day a cure for PD can be found. I really enjoy watching you in the Back to the Future Trilogy. I feel so bad that Rush Limbaugh and some of the others feel the need to take shots at you. You are such a sweet man, and you do exude peace and harmony. You definitely have my support.

Hugs! :)

[Geneius]

frbruce: Do you have any idea what happens to embryos at fertilization clinics that are no longer needed? They are discarded, thrown away, flushed down the drain. Is this better than using them for research? A lot of them are still alive. I'll bet that you are even against organ donation.

[cntrygrllst]

If you were to read most of the comments here are in complete agreement, that MJF and people who suffer from such things are to be cared for and helped in anyway possible. Comments made by myself and several others were aimed at Rush LImbaugh who was the commentator who blasted MJF on his radio program

[cindysue7]

My father suffered from Parkinson's disease for 20 years before he died six years ago. There is nothing fake or false in Michael J. Fox's actions -- shame on everyone who is saying such stupidity. Start reading, stop making jokes about people with the shakes and maybe get involved in helping instead of simply standing back and criticizing. The lack of compassion is disgusting and appalling.

[cindysue7]

My father suffered from Parkinson's disease for 20 years before he died six years ago. There is nothing fake or false in Michael J. Fox's actions -- shame on everyone who is saying such stupidity. Start reading, stop making jokes about people with the shakes and maybe get involved in helping instead of simply standing back and criticizing. The lack of compassion is disgusting and appalling.

[cntrygrllst]

Rush's spasms are coming from the wrong end at least if they were from the other end we could flush them.