Exhibit on Parkinson’s

Sports fans are familiar with Parkinson’s disease because it afflicts Muhammad Ali and Freddie Roach. It’s called “pugilistic dementia” when related to fighters. Ali, 74, has battled Parkinson’s since 1984 or 32 years ago while Roach, 56, has been afflicted since 1996 or 26 years ago. They were prizefighters longer than they should’ve persisted in their ring careers.

Ali initially displayed signs of Parkinson’s in 1979 with stutters and trembling hands. But he dismissed the early warning signals and fought twice more, losing to Larry Holmes on an 11th round stoppage in 1980 and to Trevor Berbick on points in 1981. Ali’s last two fights contributed heavily to the onset of full-blown Parkinson’s.

Similarly, Roach exhibited signs of Parkinson’s while still a fighter. His trainer Eddie Futch advised him to retire but he insisted on continuing his career with his father Paul taking over his corner. Roach wound up losing five of his last six outings, the only win a knockout over Filipino Arnel Arrozal, before retiring in 1986. He apprenticed with Futch as an assistant trainer and continued to work in the gym despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Today, Roach takes daily medication for his Parkinson’s. Two years ago, a Harvard neurologist took charge of Roach’s treatment and he now suffers less tremors and doesn’t stutter as much. But Roach’s primary antidote is staying busy in the gym. Despite a slight limp, he still does punch-mitts and wears a body shield for his fighters to pound away. Without the action, Roach would’ve surely deteriorated. With the action, he lives a full life. Roach is a seven-time Boxing Writers Association of America Trainer of the Year and he’s earned the recognition even with Parkinson’s, inspiring those afflicted that they can live a meaningful life without feeling sorry for themselves.

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In relation of Parkinson’s, Makati Medical Center (MMC) chair of the Department of Neurosciences, Section of Neurology, Dra. Regina Macalintal-Canlas said April is the month where the hospital gives special attention to the disease. The dedication is aimed at providing more information about Parkinson’s and updating doctors and patients on treatment innovations.

Last Saturday, MMC opened an exhibit at its lobby showcasing the surgical options on the treatment of movement disorders, particularly Parkinson’s and Dystonia. The surgical procedures for Parkinson’s, such as deep brain stimulation, are being done at MMC. The exhibit will run until April 15.

Today, a symposium is scheduled at MMC with several topics in the agenda, including a Filipino genetic movement disorder (sex-linked Dystonia Parkinsonism, also known as Lubag), the uses of botulinum toxin for movement disorders (not only for aesthetic purposes) and the surgical options for movement disorders.

Dr. Cid Czarina Diesta heads the Movement Disorder Clinics, a specialty referral section of the Department of Neurosciences at MMC. The Clinics offer a base for the diagnosis and treatment of all movement disorders such as Parkinson’s, Dystonia, tremors, tics, Tourette’s syndrome and other abnormal movements. Medical as well as surgical treatment interventions are performed at MMC to address these issues.

Dra. Canlas, who happens to be an avid Manny Pacquiao fan with her husband Dr. Manny Canlas, is inviting everyone to visit the MMC exhibit to know more about movement disorders and learn of the disease that afflicts Ali and Roach.

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Last Thursday, we talked about the “Culture of Violence” in this column. It was a reaction to the unexplained attack on Pacquiao in broad daylight after the fighter treated family and friends to lunch in Los Angeles recently.

Here are final thoughts on the subject.

 When you hear news of gunmen opening fire on innocent students in school or bomb blasts in airports victimizing unknowing bystanders or random killings that take away lives of women and children, you wonder what has happened to mankind? When you hear big countries bullying small countries, you wonder how far will this pushing go before all hell breaks loose?

Now more than ever, the world needs prayers to survive anger, war, strife and pain. Leaders of religious organizations must unite to bring everyone to a common ground where peace and goodwill prevail. If God is at the center of people’s lives, there will be understanding and compassion. Violence, corruption, greed and envy are what we should resist. We want a better place for our children and their children to live in. Let us all take a stand against the evils of society now before it’s too late.