It was a telltale sign of his Parkinson’s disease, and he didn’t try to hide it.
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Muhammad Ali’s daughter Hana has posted the last picture she ever took of her father on Twitter. His charity, his conviction, his confidence, his dedication, respect, most of all his spirituality – those values are why he created the Muhammad Ali Center. “And that is acceptance and acknowledgement and advocacy for someone with Parkinson’s”, executive director Erika Branch said. In a 2013 review study, researchers found that people with head trauma that resulted in a concussion were 57 percent more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease, than people who never experienced such head trauma.
Parkinson’s is a degenerative disease, meaning it gets worse over time. Symptoms can include stiffness, tremors, a shuffling gait and sometimes dementia. Muhammad Ali worked tirelessly as an activist and campaigner to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease. “We do know that our father is known all over the world and revered, but now during these unfortunate circumstances I’m deeply touched by so many millions of people that have reached out”. Ali’s diagnosis came in 1984 at age 42, after retiring from the ring.
Ali planned his funeral meticulously and it is set to be an occasion befitting of the legendary life he lived.
Parkinson’s is a progressive nervous system disorder in which vital nerve cells in the brain malfunction and die, curbing the production of dopamine, the chemical that sends messages to the part of the brain that controls motor skills.
Daniel Novak of Fort Worth, Texas, leads the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation’s People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council.
At 74 and battling Parkinson’s Disease, Ali could still afford a smile and raised his formerly iron fists as he posed for the camera.
“Just knowing you were in the same room as he was, kind of makes you feel that connection”, said Rendon, whose mother also is a patient at the center.
Wednesday marks the start of several days of remembering boxing Legend Muhammad Ali.
“When you have Parkinson’s, you have to have mental attitude to keep going and not let Parkinson’s get to you”.
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While she fights, she’s inspired by one man along the way. “Hopefully it reaches our politicians and business leaders that they will step forward with funding to do the appropriate research”, said Dr. Robert Plunkett, UBNS Neurosurgeon.
