To talk of me, I remained complacent for the initial eight years after having diagnosed with YOPD. I was having a dopamine agonist, and that was treating me sufficiently – so I never felt there is a need to read about the disease or the drug and understand their implications. I was also low on fitness and exercise. But the onset of OCDs and sudden sleep attacks with increase in dosage of the agonist, was a warning bell for me.

I realized I am to live with the disease and must do my best to fight it out. I started reading everything that I found on YOPD or Parkinson per se. Changed my medication, started going out, started walking and running, tried to do everything that would bring positivity. We adopted a dog, and believe me, Leo (the Yorkie) brought in a lot of positive energy. It is a researched fact that ‘exercise’ slows down the progression. Do regular exercise.

Giving Up is easy but holding on and fighting it out is what will make us win over the disease.