Michael J. Fox initially mistook his first Parkinson’s disease symptom for a hangover.
The renowned actor, celebrated for his role as Marty McFly in the Back to the Future series, was diagnosed with the disorder at the young age of 29 in 1991.
Now at 64, he has managed to maintain an impressive career despite the challenges posed by this progressive neurological condition.
In a remarkable feat, the Hollywood icon has raised over $2 billion for Parkinson’s research through his Michael J. Fox Foundation.
In his latest memoir, Future Boy, he provides his most candid account to date of his Parkinson’s journey and its effects on his career.
Within the memoir, he describes how he envisions his life ending after nearly 35 years with this debilitating health issue.
Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the nervous system that affects movement and progressively worsens over time.
The likelihood of developing the condition often increases with age, according to the Mayo Clinic, with factors such as genetics and gender also playing a role.
While currently incurable, medications can alleviate symptoms and make living with the disease more manageable.
The Mayo Clinic notes that symptoms typically begin subtly on one side of the body and worsen over time.
Fox has previously shared how he initially attributed an early Parkinson’s warning sign to excessive drinking.
In 1990, Fox awoke to find his little finger shaking, attributing it to a night of heavy drinking.
During a period of frequent partying, Parkinson’s was far from his mind.
When the symptom persisted, a doctor initially linked it to a Back to the Future III set accident, where Fox had caught his neck in a rope.
A year and numerous tests later, Fox was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease.
His immediate reaction was to ‘hide,’ as reported by the Guardian.
Up to that point, Fox had considered himself fortunate.
The Mayo Clinic identifies eight primary symptoms of Parkinson’s to be aware of.
If you have concerns, it is advisable to contact your doctor.