George Daniels has always been a musician. At 73, he still plays guitar and drums, teaches music, and finds joy in the rhythm of a well-played song. But in 2018, Parkinson’s changed the tempo of his life. 

The diagnosis didn’t come as a complete shock. George had noticed symptoms in his early 60s: anxiety, a tremor in his left hand while talking, his right leg shaking. But when the neurologist confirmed it was Parkinson’s, George made a choice. He would educate himself, stay positive, and keep living with optimism. 

When the music had to pause 

George keeps a journal to track his symptoms. He takes Levodopa seven times a day and does everything he can.

His Parkinson’s diagnosis has changed the way he lives his life. There are things he can’t do in the same way, some adjustments he’s had to make. Despite it all, music remains at the centre of his life. When he had the chance to join a senior band, George went down to prepare their song list. His right leg wouldn’t work. He couldn’t drum. It broke his heart. 

“I came to the realization that I wouldn’t be able to drum with a band,” he says. “I was disappointed.” 

Still, George keeps playing. He picks up his guitar and drums at home almost every day. Music may look different now, but it remains a big part of his life. 

Parkinson’s looks like this 

For George, Parkinson’s is more about the invisible struggles than the visible ones. He experiences more non-motor symptoms than motor ones. He can be sitting on his couch and suffering. 

“When the levodopa doesn’t work, I don’t trust myself,” he says. “I put a weighted blanket on and hold on until my next dose.” 

Those moments are hard. But George has learned what works for him: reading, gardening around the house, and playing music. Staying busy keeps him grounded. 

Advice from someone who’s been there 

George’s family treats him no differently. They carry on as normal. Sometimes he can’t go places or do things, and everyone accepts it. It’s part of his new normal. 

His advice to anyone newly diagnosed?

“Don’t give up hope. Stay strong. Find something that works for you and makes you comfortable and makes you believe.” 

He also believes in the power of the mind. “The mind is a powerful tool. You can use it for self-healing. Stay focused on that to try not to let things progress.” 

Parkinson’s may be part of George’s life, but it hasn’t silenced his music or his spirit. He’s still George: a musician, a father, a grandfather, and someone who refuses to let Parkinson’s define him. 

Parkinson’s is hard. We’re here to help. Call Parkinson Canada’s support line at 1-888-664-1974 or visit parkinson.ca/resources/support-line.