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SIERRA VISTA — Six years ago when Bernice Williams was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, she wasn’t sure what was in store for her.
Since her diagnosis, Williams researches the disease extensively, participates in a monthly support group, has joined the Sierra Vista Community Chorus and is a member of a six-women singing group called the Treble Makers. The singing is an effort to keep her vocal chords strong, as Parkinson’s can weaken them over time.
“I feel as though I’m one of the more fortunate ones with this disease,” Williams said. “I’m on medication that controls my tremors, and I haven’t had the bad side effects that some people go through.”
During times when she becomes overly stressed, Williams said the troublesome tremor on her left arm returns. She tries to stay as active as possible, while striving to maintain a stress-free lifestyle.
 Bernice and Henry Williams sit in their Sierra Vista home recently. Despite suffering from Parkinson’s disease, Bernice is an artist and sculptor. (Mark Levy-Herald/Review) |
“I’ve developed little compensations to help me live with my Parkinson’s,” Williams said.
Bernice and her husband, Henry Williams, revitalized the community’s Parkinson’s support group. The sessions had been meeting regularly for a number of years, but then stopped for two years. The couple felt the meetings, which were always well attended, provided a valuable service to the community.
So, they started them up again. Held the second Wednesday of every month at 1:15 p.m. in the Sierra Vista Public Library’s Mona Bishop Room, the sessions typically draw about 20 people. During times when guest speakers are scheduled, it’s not unusual for the meetings draw as many as 50 attendees.
The support group is designed for those with Parkinson’s disease, their family members and spouses, as well as anyone interested in learning more about Parkinson’s.
At a meeting on Wednesday, the session will feature a guest speaker, Brian McKay, Ph.D., a University of Arizona assistant professor who is researching promising cell transplantation procedures that could benefit those with Parkinson’s disease.
McKay is studying the transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial cells of the eye in an effort to find a treatment for age-related macular degeneration. The dopamine-rich cells support the neurons of the retina, which is connected to the brain. Researchers are now investigating the retinal pigment epithelial cells to see if they might help treat Parkinson’s disease by slowing the death of the neurons and helping them function.
McKay’s presentation will be about the UA research efforts and hopes for finding ways to replace dopamine in the brains of Parkinson’s patients.
Bernice and Henry Williams attended a tour of the UA lab where the Parkinson’s research was being done.
“Three doctors gave the tour,” Bernice Williams said. “The research involved dopamine production in the brain, and how they were able to control some of the tremors. We thought it was valuable information that people in this area should know about.”
The couple invited McKay to Sierra Vista to discuss the research and answer questions, which he agreed to do.
“My husband and I were very impressed when we went on the tour,” Bernice Williams said. “You never know when this disease will hit harder, so people with Parkinson’s are always dealing with the unknown. Parkinson’s is progressive and can be very unpredictable. This new research has been very successful, and now it’s at the clinical study level. The company that is funding the research is looking for study participants and we wanted people in Sierra Vista to know about it.”
At this point, Bernice Williams will not be participating in the study, as her tremors are under control.
“I do want people to know about this opportunity, though.”
HERALD/REVIEW reporter Dana Cole can be reached at 515-4618.
RESERVE A SEAT
Seating is limited for Wednesday’s meeting involving a presentation on University of Arizona research on Parkinson’s, so those planning to attend should call Bernice or Henry Williams at 458-5870.
PROJECTS
The following information is from the University of Arizona College of Medicine newsletter, “Parkinson’s: Participating in Progress.”
The University of Arizona Clinical Neuroscience Lab at the College of Medicine has two investigations under way. The lab needs subjects with Parkinson’s disease, as well as healthy adults 40 to 75 years old.
One project is a one-year commitment to an early wellness intervention program and the other is a one-day investigation of dual-task function.
For information and eligibility, contact Becky Farley, Ph.D., MS, PT at (520) 626-8773.
ABOUT THE DISEASE
Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder that is chronic and progressive, meaning the symptoms worsen over a period of time. As many as one million Americans suffer from Parkinson’s disease. While approximately 15 percent of people with Parkinson’s are diagnosed before the age of 50, incidence increases with age. The cause is unknown, and although there is presently no cure, there are many treatment options to manage the symptoms.
Parkinson’s disease occurs when a group of cells in an area of the brain called the substantia nigra begin to malfunction and die. These cells produce a chemical called dopamine, a neurotransmitter — or chemical messenger — that sends information to the parts of the brain that control movement and coordination. A person with Parkinson’s disease has a decrease in dopamine production, leaving the person incapable of initiating and controlling movements in a normal way.
The specific group of symptoms that an individual may experience can vary from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms are:
• Tremor of the hands, arms, legs, jaw and face
• Rigidity or stiffness of the limbs and trunk
• Bradykinesia or slowness of movement
• Postural instability or impaired balance and coordination
Source: Parkinson’s Disease
Foundation Web site
