Parkinson disease is a part of Michael J. Fox's life now and this movie shows how he deals with it in real time. The movie begins with a re-enactment of Michael J. Fox waking up in the morning and noticing one of his fingers twitching. The sunlight spotting the finger with dramatic effect as he holds it up and peeks at it through his bed covers. From there the movie goes forward with Michael's voice over explaining what he was thinking and feeling specific times in his life and movie career.
The history of his life is presented in such a way where the audience can easily comprehend the unique character of Michael J. Fox. There are many movie moments in his Hollywood career that are edited together really good and I found myself wondering if that was actual behind the scenes footage or just a moment in a movie. Modern day Michael J. Fox, can walk down the sidewalk with the assistance of a guide. He is so eager to be himself while at the same time fighting a disease that really changes his true personality. Michael speaks to the camera in an honest way about his life, bringing to life the drama of starting out as a struggling actor to being a well know celebrity after the hit movie Back to the Future and the TV show Family Ties. During his time while working in the industry he fell in love with actress Tracy Pollan, a very true woman who was not afraid to tell Michael where the limit is on his joking behavior. She was a serious actor at the time and grounded Michael in a way that was healthy for his personality. They both were in love with each other and her compassion has been a huge help to him while battling Parkinson's disease.
Although the disease really changed Michael's career path it has highlighted a reality that so many others people are going through in their own life. His struggle is the same as many others. Discovering a cure for the illness would be a work worthy of pursuing.
What are the indicators?
There are a few signs that indicate the early stages of developing Parkinson's disease. One of them is Dysautonomia. That is when the nervous system does not work properly. Heart beats, bladder, sweat glands, blood vessels can all be irregular if dysautonomia occurs. Wikipedia has more information about it. (source)
The diagnosis of dysautonomia depends on the overall function of three autonomic functions – cardiovagal, adrenergic, and sudomotor. A diagnosis should, at a bare minimum, include measurements of blood pressure and heartrate while lying flat, and after at least 3 minutes of standing. The best way to achieve a diagnosis includes a range of testing, notably an auto nomicreflex screen, tilttable test, and testing of the sudomotor response(ESC,QSART or thermoregulatory sweat test).
Although the disease drastically altered Michael's career trajectory, it has underscored a reality that countless others are experiencing in their own lives. His struggle parallels that of many others; discovering a cure for the illness would indeed be a pursuit worth undertaking.
Function of Three
The diagnosis of dysautonomia depends on the overall function of three autonomic functions – cardiovagal, adrenergic, and sudomotor. At a minimum, a diagnosis should include measurements of blood pressure and heart rate while lying flat, and after at least 3 minutes of standing. The most comprehensive approach to diagnosis includes a range of tests, notably an autonomic reflex screen, tilt table test, and sudomotor response testing (ESC, QSART or thermoregulatory sweat test).
