Don't let Parkinson's drive what you want to do, says NASA astronaut

Apr 6 2012

Former NASA astronaut Michael "Rich" Clifford is calling on fellow patients with Parkinson's disease not to let the disease drive what they do. Clifford's inspiring story and advice for patients is featured as the cover story in the latest issue of Neurology Now®, the American Academy of Neurology's award-winning magazine for patients and caregivers.

Clifford was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1994 during the early stages of the disease, but he didn't allow it to keep him from climbing aboard the shuttle Atlantis and rocketing off into space for the third time. "My NASA medical community knew about my Parkinson's and assumed I wouldn't want to fly again," said Clifford. "But I said 'no, no, no.'"

Until recently, no one other than NASA medical staff and senior management knew how extraordinary his third flight to space had been because Clifford had kept his newly diagnosed medical condition private.

"I didn't want to be identified as the man with Parkinson's flying in space. Plus, I felt the focus should be on the mission, not someone on the mission," said Clifford.

Clifford says he feels the same optimism today as he did when he was first diagnosed with the disease 18 years ago and hopes other Parkinson's patients do too. "Don't let Parkinson's drive what you want to do. Remember that you're in charge of your future."

Source Wolters Kluwer Health.