Actor Alan Alda has recently opened up about his secret to living well with Parkinson’s disease in an interview with AARP. In addition to talking about dealing with polio as a child, he explains that acting out his dreams helping him realize he had Parkinson’s disease.
“A lot of people hear they have Parkinson’s and get depressed and panicky and don’t do anything, just hoping it’ll go away. It’s not going to, but you can hold off the worst symptoms,” Alda says.
How Alan Alda copes with Parkinson’s disease
I decided to let people know I have Parkinson’s to encourage others to take action. I was Diagnosed 3 and a half years ago, but my life is full. I act, I give talks, I do my podcast, which I love. If you get a diagnosis, keep moving!
More>> pic.twitter.com/zHrNxvlwcS— Alan Alda (@alanalda) July 31, 2018
It was back in 2018 that Alda announced he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He admitted that the diagnosis was difficult to cope with, but he’s taking action to live his life to the fullest. Alda now accepts the diagnosis and doesn’t let the degenerative disease stop him. “I decided to let people know I have Parkinson’s to encourage others to take action. I was Diagnosed 3 and a half years ago, but my life is full. I act, I give talks, I do my podcast, which I love. If you get a diagnosis, keep moving!” he says in a 2018 tweet.
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Fans call him an inspiration to many for his strength
I take boxing lessons 3 days a week, play singles tennis twice a week, and take a mild pill – all Dr. recommended. I even juggle a little. And I’m not entering dementia. I’m no more demented than I was before.
Maybe I should rephrase that.
Really, I’m good.— Alan Alda (@alanalda) July 31, 2018
Alda then details exactly what he does to stay active and make the most of life. “I take boxing lessons 3 days a week, play singles tennis twice a week, and take a mild pill – all Dr. recommended. I even juggle a little. And I’m not entering dementia. I’m no more demented than I was before. Maybe I should rephrase that. Really, I’m good.” Sounds like he’s using a little humor to cope with it as well!
In response to these tweets, fans came to his side to praise him and wish him well. “You’ve had polio, you’ve undergone life-threatening surgery in Chile, and now Parkinson’s. You’ve always been a fighter and that’s what makes you the best grandpa!” one fan says. Another writes, “What an INCREDIBLY positive and inspiring message, @alanalda. Thank you for sharing this. We’re all with you, Hawkeye.”