Former US actor Micheal J. Fox spoke about his Parkinson’s disease in a television interview. “It’s getting harder, it’s getting harder every day,” the actor, best known for the Back to the Future film series in the 1980s, told CBS in an interview aired today.
The disease was diagnosed in 1991 in then 29-year-old Fox. “I won’t be 80,” said the 61-year-old. Fox said he broke his arms, elbows, hand and bones in his face as a result of several falls after tumor surgery on his spine. Falls are a common cause of death in Parkinson’s patients.
Possible important step towards early detection
In mid-April, the Parkinson Foundation, founded by Fox, reported success in research into the previously incurable nervous disease. A study initiated and co-financed by the foundation showed that the detection of a protein in the cerebrospinal fluid enables Parkinson’s to be diagnosed long before the onset of the disease. This should significantly improve the development of therapies.
Optimistic through gratitude
The interview revealed that Fox found it difficult to control his movements when speaking. But he still doesn’t let himself be defeated. Optimism can be maintained with gratitude, Fox said in the interview. “If you can find something to be grateful for, something to look forward to, then move on.”
