Michael J. Fox’s health: all about the actor’s battle with Parkinson’s disease

• Michael J. Fox is an actor best known for his work in back to the Futurehowever, his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis has become a bigger topic for the star in recent years.
• The actor was diagnosed with the disease more than 30 years ago, in 1991, however, he didn’t reveal it to the public until 1998.
• Michael will release a revealing documentary titled, Stillabout his life and battle with Parkinson’s on Apple TV+ on May 12, 2023.

back to the Future star michael j fox, 61, has been a household name for decades. The longtime Hollywood heartthrob has won the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 2023 Academy Awards, five Emmy Awards, and many other accolades. Despite being a successful actor, the 61-year-old has also dedicated his life to researching Parkinson’s disease after being diagnosed more than thirty years ago. Michael founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2000 and continues to advocate for people with the disease today. Most recently, the proud father of four announced his latest film, Still, which is a documentary about her life and living with her condition. Here’s everything you need to know about your chronic illness, how you’re doing today, and more.

Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease

Michael was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991, according to his organization’s website. It wouldn’t be until 1998 that the Oscar winner would be ready to announce his diagnosis to the world. He was only 29 at the time, which means he has now been living with Parkinson’s for more than half his life. Since he revealed to the world that he has the disease, he has publicized his disease advocacy work, including starting the Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2000.

In 2022, Michael opened up about the moment he told his wife: Tracy Pollan62, about his diagnosis during an interview with CBS on Sunday mornings. “We had just gotten married when I was diagnosed,” she explained at the time. “We have been married for 32 years, I was diagnosed for 30 years. Very early in the marriage, she took it from him. She noted that the “last time” they cried for her her diagnosis was the first time she told them, more than three decades ago. Since then, they have adopted four children: sam michele33, frances schuyler28, Kathleen Aquinnah28, and Annabelle Esmetwentyone

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that can cause “involuntary or uncontrollable movements, such as tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination,” according to the National Institute on Aging. The condition progresses slowly and can often make it difficult for a person to talk and walk. The same organization points out that, although it is not known why, Parkinson’s tends to affect more men than women. Other symptoms of the disease include “behavioral changes, sleep problems, depression, memory difficulties and fatigue.”

Diagnosis is usually made by neurological examination, as no blood or laboratory tests can diagnose nongenetic cases of Parkinson’s. There are medications that are used to treat the condition however there is no known cure for the condition. Other alternatives to medicine include surgery and therapies.

How long has Michael J. Fox been sick?

As mentioned above, Michael has been battling Parkinson’s since he was 29 years old. He recently received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 13th Governors Awards in 2023. During his acceptance speech (watch here), Michael clarified his illness and expressed gratitude for those who struggle with the same condition.

“I am so grateful to all of these people and the thousands of others who will make this world without Parkinson’s a reality. I’m not sure I communicated well, but it’s humbling to be here and accept your kindness and admiration, when in reality the effort is being driven by others who deserve that attention,” he said at the time. “I am grateful to them and to you because my optimism is fueled by my gratitude.And with gratitude, optimism is sustainable.

How is Michael J. Fox today?

Michael recently shared a health update with Statistics on April 12, 2023. “It’s been a terrible year,” she told the paper, before adding that she “feels better” after new research funded by her foundation brought celebratory news. News that could change things for many was published in The Lancet Neurology, found that early intervention with Parkinson’s can now occur following “examination of cerebrospinal fluid from living patients,” according to PEOPLE.

“That’s the point,” Michael said. Statistics earlier this month. “This is OR big reward This is the big trophy”. With new science, it is possible to discover the condition many years earlier. “Everything has changed. It can be recognized and treated early. It’s huge,” she joked. And in October 2022, Michael said PEOPLE who also suffered several fractures in the midst of her illness. “I am passing where my last wounds have healed; my arm feels good. Life is interesting. He treats you with these things,” he recalled at the time. “It got worse,” she continued. “I broke my cheek, then my hand, then my shoulder, they put in a replacement shoulder and I broke my head. [right] arm, so I broke my elbow. I’m 61 and I feel a little more”.

In addition to the new science, Michael will release his documentary, Still, on May 12, 2023. “Heavy. “A Michael J. Fox film. #Still releases May 12 on @appletv apple.co/stillfilm,” he captioned the official trailer via Instagram on April 6. Fans will not only get an up-close look at the star throughout his impressive career, but will also learn in-depth details about his Parkinson’s disease. “To deny that part of me that wants to go on and get things done is to give up,” he said. “I’m a tough son of a bitch.”

Click to sign up for our free daily HollywoodLife newsletter for the hottest celebrity news.