Writing and Parkinson’s Disease by Peculiar Medinus
Writing is an essential skill that many of us take for
granted. However, if you have Parkinson’s disease, writing can be a difficult
task that requires extra effort. This blog post will discuss how Parkinson’s
disease affects the act of writing and offer some strategies to help those with
Parkinson’s disease write more easily.
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that
affects movement and coordination. It can interfere with writing in several
ways. People with Parkinson's may experience tremors in their hands or arms,
which can make handwriting difficult. They may also have difficulty
concentrating or organising their thoughts, making it hard to write clearly and
coherently. Additionally, people with Parkinson's often experience fatigue or a
lack of motivation, which can make the act of writing seem like too great a
challenge.
Fortunately, there are several strategies that can help
people with Parkinson's write more easily. For example, using a computer rather
than pen and paper can reduce the impact of tremors on handwriting while also
allowing for easier editing and corrections. Additionally, using dictation
software allows people to bypass the physical act of writing entirely by
speaking aloud what they want to say instead. For those who need extra support
getting started, mind mapping techniques allow them to organise their thoughts
into categories before beginning to write so they don't get overwhelmed by all
the ideas in their head at once. Finally, taking frequent breaks throughout the
process is essential for managing fatigue and maintaining focus on the task at
hand.
By utilising these tips, people living with Parkinson's can
still find joy in expressing themselves through words, despite any challenges
they may face due to their condition.
This is very encouraging news for Parkinson's sufferers. I am so impressed by the opportunities technology affords to help those whose medical conditions may have held them back in the past. To be quite honest, I think dictation software appeals even to those of us who may not have those disability issues. I have often wondered about using it myself, especially in view of the fact that we cannot really tell how good a piece of writing is until we have read it aloud.
ReplyDeleteThat's so true! I thought dictation software was unnecessary for me, but I am now contemplating its use.
DeleteLovely post! This is very useful. Thanks for this. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found it useful. Many thanks for your comment.
DeleteOne of my friends has Parkinson's disease, and life is so difficult for her. One of the things she struggles with is a very quiet voice, which gets even quieter when she gets tired. I watched an inspiring TV documentary some time ago about Barbara Thompson, a gifted saxophonist with Parkinson's. Commenting on her Parkinson’s in a blog post, she said, “I decided earlier on that the only way to cope was not to make it the main point of my life, but treat it as an unwelcome visitor.” How brave she was. She died in July 2022.
ReplyDeleteYour comment is really inspiring and will encourage anyone with a connection to Parkinson's disease. True! The key to overcoming this challenge is to focus on the passion and not the problem. It's sad that Barbara passed on. Rest in peace, beautiful soul.
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