Judith Roberson is a speech pathologist living with Parkinson’s disease in Delaware.
When I was first diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD) two years ago, I tried my best to begin this new journey by expressing optimism. I had been living with symptoms for nearly a decade and searching for a definitive answer for nearly two years. My medical training gave me a unique understanding of changes in speech that many living with PD experience, and also the importance of addressing these issues with a specialist.
The symptoms of Parkinson's disease are a part of a fluctuating condition that alters day to day. It causes a great shift in the lives of those who have it, and can be isolating. I was not expecting to find anything positive, but I have found that Parkinson’s can be manageable with the right tools and the right people. I also realized that my professional background could help others living with PD.
I began seeing a physical therapist, Jay Kogon, who began LSVT BIG therapy with me as well as other techniques that he has learned. Jay is outstanding not only as a PT, but he has also encouraged me to reach out to others living with PD.
Jay collaborated with a dance choreographer and designed aerobics for a 15-person, hour-long PD dance class, utilizing the concepts of LSVT BIG. I’ve discovered that movement is my joy and exercising is now a central part of my life; it has become my daily dopamine-builder. I now teach Taiji/Qigong to a small group of PD patients. I’ve found that all of these activities are essential to both maintaining skills and building positivity through the social support they provide.
I had planned on retiring at age 65, but the diagnosis and my work with Jay inspired me to instead incorporate my health challenges into my work. I trained in LSVT LOUD and started working with other Parkinson’s patients and was surprised by how much I loved serving others that were working through similar challenges. I reduced my caseload to half pediatrics and half adults with PD, working part time. Recently I have completed nine online courses for the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and I look forward to updating my work with concussion and traumatic brain injury. I am a part of Jay's dream to develop a center for neurodegenerative diseases focusing on speech, occupational and physical therapy as well as counseling.
By adjusting to the changes that the condition carries, I have created a new normal for myself. It is because of Parkinson’s that I have become more spiritual and have learned to appreciate life and those around me. I continue to face challenges daily, but I am motivated to continue my work and my life with my loved ones and the PD community, knowing we can live well and support others in doing so too.