Micrographia is a handwriting impairment associated with Parkinson’s. It is characterised by a progressive diminution of letter size during writing, producing a noticeable change in handwriting style as well as a shrinking in the script size. Other changes in handwriting may be as a result of shaking at rest, slow movement, or stiffness.
An ultra short version of what Parkinson’s is:
A life with Parkinson’s is a life where every day is challenging. Some days you can walk quickly. Other days you can hardly drag your feet around, and at best you have a shuffling gait. Also your hands do not function well. It is difficult to hit the right computer key; the mouse shakes and your handwriting is almost unreadable. The balance is not so good, especially when you have to stand for a while. To wear a badge that says “I am not drunk, I have Parkinson’s” would be a good idea. This is the motor-side of the disease. The cognitive part is as stressful. But a good rule of life is: give me patience to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Hanne
Aalborg, Denmark
