I agree, @A MyParkinsonsTeam Member, and if it turns out to be a better experience than you had expected, it can help to fight the apathy. I think I have been dealing this kind of backwards from most people. I was a shy kid and spent a good part of my life avoiding getting involved in things. I wasn't apathetic, but my hesitance pretty much created the same result. Now, although it may be harder to get going, I am involved in a number of things. I got involved with classes at my local hospital - first Tai Chi, then adding Yoga, and an exercise class. These experiences have been so rewarding, both physically as well as socially, that they have really turned my life around for the better.. I am also in a monthly book club now, and ! volunteer at the local animal shelter. Getting out of the house is key to my well being; I would wish that for all of us with PD.

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A MyParki...

It's a good thing that you are unaffected by Parkinson's related apathy, but for many it is very real. Since PD affects us all differently, some of us are more prone to apathy than others. Patients that are older and have more severe motor symptoms are at higher risk of becoming apathetic. It's linked to the reduction in the "feel good" neurotransmitter dopamine, the reason we're all in this together in the first place. Often, the individual doesn't even realize they are apathetic, and it's his or her family that notices it, and brings it to their doctor's attention.

It's unrealistic to compare a Parkinson's patient to someone without Parkinson's. With us, the apathy is the end result of an idiopathic disease hi-jacking a part of our brain responsible for producing that dopamine, and not as much as finding the strength to motivate yourself or make the helpful behavioral adjustments. While someone without PD can be apathetic, I'd doubt that it would be to the same degree as it is to someone with a very complex neurological disorder.

Fortunately for you, you've discovered a method to overcome it and hopefully you will be an inspiration to others.

My thoughts are with you and your children.

@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member and @ John Plaisted, I thought both of your comments are so vital to this discussion, and they give me new insight. I didn't consider myself having apathy, but in fact perhaps I do. As I am getting ready to go out to my activities (yoga, t'ai chi, exercise class, book club, volunteering at the local animal shelter, I never really have the desire to go - actually I really have no desire to get out of bed in the morning - but I have learned to just ignore that and keep moving because once I get to where I am going, I always have a great time and come home so happy that life can be so good. Have a wonderful time on your trip to Europe, John! My husband and I have done more traveling over the past couple of years than we ever did before PD, and the trips have only brought me joy. I was a little concerned on our first trip - to Great Britain - wondering if I would be able to keep up with the others on our tour. The first couple we met included a husband with PD.... We all had a fantastic time!

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A MyParki...

Yes I must push myself everyday to stay active the gym church my grand kids and it’s so rewarding I am going to Europe this summer PD is not going to define me

Doing something when you don’t feel like it, is a tremendous Victory!