If I were to say what I thought the biggest challenges for Russ are, they would be 'freezing' and 'festination'. Both are very common Parkinson's symptoms and of course there are no easy answers and every individual struggles in different ways; there is very little constant in this disease. There are no cures and drugs have limited benefits. Basically the basal ganglia part of Russ' brain is affected; it's a neurologic condition. With Atypical Parkinson's, Russ has dopamine, but his brain has lost it's ability to detect it and use it. Dopamine helps an individual have a smooth and coordinated gait and since Russ' body is not able to utilize it effectively, he has episodes of 'freezing' and 'festination'.
Freezing is when you are walking along and suddenly you stop, without warning. You try to get yourself moving again, only you can't. Your torso is ready to move forward, but your legs & feet get stuck to the ground and you must fight to free your feet from the invisible glue. This can happen with a change of floor surface, a narrow hallway, a door, the intimidation of an elevator door closing too soon or even a handicap door closing to soon... the very doors designed to 'help' a handicapped person.
Festination sometimes happens on it's own and sometimes as a result of freezing. Once frozen, every movement must be consciously considered and executed. Festination are short choppy steps that accelerate as you move forward and are often on tip toe. I have to say this is scary to watch and once started very difficult to stop!
Here is where his new neurologist, Dr. Jessica Hannah, comes in. Her PA, Morgan Manulik will actually be more involved with Russ as he has more training in Parkinson's disease, but we did also see Dr. Hannah and she taught us a GREAT trick to release Russ from a freezing episode. Did I say GREAT trick?
She said, "let me try this..." she thrust her foot in front of Russ' frozen feet and said "I am placing my foot in front of you, step over it." Oh my gosh... magic before my eyes! Russ was instantly able to step forward and continue walking. We have used this brain trick many times since she showed us and every time it's worked... Russ is able to move forward. An amazing and wonderful gift for however long it lasts. Thank you Dr. Hannah.