David Probst, and his cat. Probst was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease four years ago. (Photo Courtesy, David Probst)

By Veronica Beltran

Parkinson's Awareness

TYH: Living with Parkinson’s Disease

Apr 28, 2020 | 8:30 AM

The month of April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month—what is Parkinson’s you ask?—Let me tell you.

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, meaning it targets your nervous system depleting your ability to move as smoothly as you used to.

David Probst, of Prince George was diagnosed with PD four years ago and says the disease has taken a toll on his body.

“I have tremors on my left arm and my left leg doesn’t work so well, balance issues.”— David Probst

“I do yoga, I do elliptical, and I do Tai Chi and I try to keep fairly active but I do get tired too,” he told me in an over the phone interview.

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There is no cure to PD, however, keeping active is a recommendation to help alleviate some symptoms.

“I don’t suffer too much from (those) one(s).”

Probst says that PD can affect people mentally as well, with cases of anxiety and depression—which he says he doesn’t suffer from too much.

Parkinson’s Org. says that up to 50% of people with PD experience some form of depression during their course with the disease.

Another side-effect from PD are sleep issues, which Probst says he has and are very common.

Probst says that there are several support groups locally that allow those living with Parkinson’s to find information and interact with others who are sharing a similar experience.