‘Parkinson’s has made my life smaller’
A BANGOR man, who has lived with Parkinson’s for over a decade, has told of how the condition has been life-changing, impacting on his daily life in countless ways.
Diagnosed in 2014, Albert Kirkwood was referred to a consultant when his doctor recognised the tremor most commonly associated with the condition, and also that he couldn’t smile as naturally as before.
The referral came after Albert noticed a few changes. “My friend asked about the tremor which brought it to my attention, and my wife Jan had also noticed that my handwriting had changed, and that I was no longer swinging my right arm,” he said.
“I still hold that arm behind my back, and my smile has never really returned to full capacity.”
This symptom, facial masking, is common in Parkinson’s patients. That’s because Parkinson’s is caused by a lack of dopamine in the brain, and dopamine is what helps your facial muscles to give various expressions.
Along with facial masking, there are over 40 symptoms of Parkinson’s, and unfortunately Albert has a few to contend with.
“I deal with general stiffness, sore back and muscles and find it hard to get in and out of bed and most chairs,” he said.
“I also have real difficulty walking any distance and have a stooped posture. As well as having no facial expressions I also have speech difficulties and drooling. There’s also dyskinesia, nocturia and poor sleep, which leaves me quite sleepy during the day, and I can forget to take my pills, so Jan helps with those.”
To counteract the symptoms Albert takes eight medications daily, which have to be administered at the exact same time every day. They are keeping him functioning but they should be reviewed on a regular basis.
Unfortunately Albert hasn’t seen his consultant for almost two years, so he has to hope that they’re working to help him for the better.
“I think they’ve slowed down the deterioration and I’m thankful to still be mobile, but I do see my mobility starting to decline, and thinking and speaking is becoming more difficult,” he continued.
“I have trouble doing everyday tasks like shaving, and when dyskinesia is at its worst people think I’m drunk as I can’t walk in a straight line.
“I’m definitely more anxious and my life is smaller – I’m afraid to go on holiday and there are many hobbies that I no longer participate in.”
But despite living with Parkinson’s, Albert has still found the time to volunteer for Parkinson’s UK, steering the ship for the North Down Group in 2023 while they searched for a new lead volunteer, and remains a member of the committee, which he’s been in since 2016.
He said: “During Covid I wrote newsletters to entertain and inform members about what was happening, keeping up contact with the Group. I like to get involved and help other people.”
He also enjoys beer and wine making, and going to a local choir in Bangor once a week.
Albert added: “I was also in the Parkinson’s Choir, Parsonik, before Covid, but when it started back up in Lisburn, I found I could no longer make the journey. But I have been able to continue wine making at home and have won many trophies over the years.”
Regarding research, Albert said: “Finding a cure would mean a more carefree life. I would be able to have a more social life, with Jan, my family and my friends, and most of all, I would have more freedom of movement.”
But that lack of movement isn’t stopping Albert from pushing on with his love of caravanning.
“We have always been keen campers and for the last 14 years have been enthusiastic caravanners. We have caravanned in all parts of the UK and Ireland, as well as France and Italy in the past. This year we hope to continue despite the difficulties, perhaps staying closer to home, in Donegal or Scotland.”
Seána Talbot, NI director at Parkinson’s UK, said with over 40 different symptoms, Parkinson’s is often different from one person to the next. And as Albert’s story demonstrates, they can have a devastating impact on day to day life.
“Parkinson’s UK is here for everyone affected by Parkinson’s. Whether it’s offering advice through our helpline – 0808 800 0303, information to help manage life with Parkinson’s, or connection with people in the same boat, we are here to ensure that no one faces Parkinson’s alone.”
