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Else's Story


Else ManzWhen fatigue strikes, Else Manz has to stop what she’s doing and take a rest, even if she’s in the midst of entertaining company.

“It seems that I have a limited amount of energy and when I come to the end of that it’s mandatory that I stop,” says Else. “That’s difficult because once I get into a project I have to complete it. My husband says I’m mission-driven.”

Else, 68, has Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects about 100,000 Canadians. The most common symptoms are tremor, slowness and stiffness, balance problems and muscle rigidity.

There is no cure to date. But there are medications that can manage the symptoms.

When the level of medication in Else’s system drops, her symptoms become more noticeable – the tremor returns, along with the slow movement and joint stiffness.

Also, Else notes, “There is not as much expression in my face or voice. When I’m struggling with that, people become conscious of it. I don’t want to put them ill at ease, so I find it’s a good time to remove myself from the situation and return later.”

Diagnosed 10 years ago, Else works hard to “defy the prognosis.” She participated in a clinical trial of a drug which has since been approved by Health Canada for treating Parkinson’s symptoms.

She also attends an exercise program, led by a registered physiotherapist, that helps people with Parkinson’s disease regain stability, strength and balance. It is sponsored by Parkinson Society Saskatchewan.

A former registered nurse and instructor, Else volunteers as education coordinator for the Parkinson Society’s Regina Support Group, “making sure that people have access to current information.”

Her husband, Floyd, is president of Parkinson Society Saskatchewan. “It was the diagnosis that brought us into the group and the diagnosis that has kept us working in it,” says Else. “When you have Parkinson’s, it’s very easy to isolate yourself because of the effects Parkinson’s has on your mobility and energy but it’s important to stay involved in your community and not withdraw.”