Finding Relief In a Positive Diagnosis
Sometimes, Parkinson's Disease is a slow go. That's how it's been for Auburn resident Bill Clugston for the last decade since he was initially diagnosed. But Bill hasn't let the disease slow him down.
Retired from his work at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Bill's Parkinson's journey started when he noticed some stiffness in his right side. An avid runner, Bill realized his right side wasn't keeping up with his left, and his right arm didn't swing naturally when he walked. Then, after a slight twitch progressed into a regular tremor in his right hand, Bill was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease.
He was eventually referred to EvergreenHealth's Daniel Burdick, MD, a specialist in Parkinson's and movement disorders. Over the years, Dr. Burdick has helped Bill manage his symptoms and encouraged him to continue exercising and pursuing his hobbies to help with his treatment.
"My Parkinson's was telling me to stop running and take it easy. But Dr. Burdick told me, 'Don't stop. Keep doing what you're doing. Continue running and practicing Tai Chi—exercise slows the disease," Bill said.
Shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, Bill's symptoms were progressing so slowly that he and Dr. Burdick decided it was time, thanks to an innovative screening test, to make sure Parkinson's Disease was the correct diagnosis.
The new screening technique, a skin biopsy test developed by CND Life Sciences, is a minimally invasive procedure identifying a specific protein in the skin that relates to neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's.
"While Parkinson's Disease still requires expert evaluation of clinical signs and symptoms to make a diagnosis, this groundbreaking diagnostic test provides critical new information that can help us diagnose Parkinson's Disease earlier and more accurately," said Dr. Burdick. "Earlier and more accurate diagnosis is essential not only to optimizing current care, but also to developing more effective treatments for Parkinson's."
For Bill, the Syn-One Test was a minor procedure with a quick recovery, and two months afterward, they were positive it was Parkinson's Disease.
"I was relieved when I learned the skin biopsy test helped confirm my diagnosis," Bill said. "It was nice to be certain what caused my symptoms."
Although his runs have become more occasional, Bill still exercises, utilizing weights to improve his strength, elliptical training to continue his cardio, and brain-focused group workouts. He also practices Tai Chi, which he's done for 20 years.
Bill's hobbies have also become even more creative with the Native American flute, an instrument he started playing in 2021 and singing with a Parkinson's group called The Tremolo Singers. Singing keeps his voice strong, and the flute has helped with his handwriting and improved the quickness and accuracy of his finger movements. He's even started making his own flutes.
With his son and daughter leaving the nest, Bill devotes time to his hobbies and continues being involved in the Parkinson's community. In 2023, Bill attended the World Parkinson's Congress in Barcelona, Spain, with his wife Sandy, and he participated in programs developed by the Northwest Parkinson's Foundation.
"I feel very grateful to be in good hands with Dr. Burdick and the rest of my care team," Bill said. "I've discovered a passion for the Native American flute and continue to live life to the fullest with my amazing wife."
