In a heartfelt and courageous revelation, Rebecca King Crews, wife of actor and host Terry Crews, shared her battle with Parkinson’s Disease on the TODAY show. Speaking candidly about her journey, she disclosed that she has been living with the health condition since 2015. “I feel good,” King Crews said. “I’m able to write my name and my dates, and I’m able to write with my right hand for the first time in probably three years.”
Her openness not only sheds light on the personal struggles faced by those with chronic illness but also highlights the importance of understanding and raising awareness about Parkinson’s Disease. “Just keep going. And that’s what I’m going to keep doing,” she said. “I believe that you don’t lay down and die because you got a diagnosis.”
Her bravery in sharing her story has now opened a new conversation and awareness across the timeline. As she now seeks to inspire others and debunk the stigma surrounding the disease, a new generation can understand why there needs to be greater awareness of it.
What Should I Know About Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, which can lead to various physical and mental challenges. It occurs when nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine begin to die. This leads to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with coordination and balance.
What Symptoms are Indicators to See a Doctor
Look for signs like a resting tremor, changes in handwriting (micrographia), difficulty with balance, slow movement (bradykinesia), and changes in speech. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, an estimated 1.1 million people in the U.S. are living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), with nearly 90,000 new diagnoses annually.
What to Know When Diagnosed
According to the National Library of Medicine, routine clinical practice rarely uses gold standard diagnostic procedures such as postmortem neuropathologic examination or evaluations by movement disorder specialists. For King Crews, those symptoms she developed were brushed off as anxiety by a neurologist until she finally got a second opinion, leading to clear answers. A Parkinson’s specialist recognized that she had the condition.
How Can I Continue to Manage in My Day-to-Day Life?
While there’s currently no cure, treatments include medication to manage symptoms, physical therapy, and intentional routine changes that promote overall better wellness. For King Crews, she received a procedure that used a focused ultrasound, which is an alternative option for people who can’t or don’t want to pursue deep-brain stimulation. “Part of the procedure is improved symptoms, so you’re improved on one side (but) not on the other,” she said. “However, each day that I do things, I’m aware of the benefit that’s already been to me on one side of my body. So, I’m looking forward to doing the left side.
Rebecca King Crews’ candidness about her experience with Parkinson’s Disease brings greater awareness around the chronic illness. As conversations about Parkinson’s continue to grow, it’s essential to recognize the importance of early diagnosis and care.