Muhammad Ali's Battle with Parkinson's Disease and Activism

Muhammad Ali and His Journey with Parkinson's Disease

Muhammad Ali was one of the most legendary boxers of all time. He had an illustrious career spanning over two decades, but he also faced health issues like Parkinson's disease later in life. Though he eventually passed away from septic shock, Ali lived for over 30 years with Parkinson's and became an influential advocate for research and raising awareness.

Muhammad Ali's Background and Boxing Career

Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. in 1942. He began boxing at age 12, when his bike was stolen and a police officer suggested he learn how to box.

Ali went on to have an incredibly successful career in boxing. He won gold at the 1960 Summer Olympics and made his professional debut later that year. Ali became a world heavyweight champion in 1964 at just 22 years old.

He was known for his quick footwork, powerful jabs, and showmanship in the ring. His catchphrases like "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" became iconic. Ali fought in some of boxing's most legendary matches and his rivalry with Joe Frazier was renowned.

Muhammad Ali's Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis

In 1984 at age 42, Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's is a brain disorder that leads to shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination as it progresses.

It is thought that head trauma can increase the risk of Parkinson's disease. Given Ali's lengthy boxing career and the sheer number of hits he sustained, doctors believe the head injuries incurred likely contributed to development of Parkinson's later on.

Ali continued participating in public events for years following his diagnosis. But his condition worsened over time, resulting in slurred speech and limited mobility. He passed the torch at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, lighting the cauldron to open the event.

Life After Boxing and Advocacy

After retiring, Ali focused much of his efforts on charitable work. A few years after his Parkinson's diagnosis, he helped establish the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona.

This state-of-the-art center aimed to provide comprehensive care as well as gain a better understanding of Parkinson's through research programs. Ali helped bring visibility to the little-known center for years after its opening.

In 1997, Ali teamed up with couple Lonnie and Muhammad Ali to create Athletes for Hope, an organization that encouraged philanthropy among professional athletes. The group later became the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky focused on promoting peace and social responsibility around the world.

The Muhammad Ali Cookbook and Food Activism

In 2018, Ali's widow Lonnie and daughters Maryum and Hana published “Muhammad Ali’s Healthy Feast for Everyone". This cookbook shared over 50 of Ali's favorite healthy recipes and advice from doctors on managing Parkinson’s with proper diet and nutrition.

The cookbook reflected Ali's passion for food justice issues and her mission of providing access to nourishing fare. Sales from the book supported the Muhammad Ali Center's food security initiatives in Louisville to expand sustainable community gardens and provide nutrition education.

Lonnie highlighted how issues like food deserts disproportionately impact marginalized groups, much like her late husband faced discrimination growing up in segregated Louisville. She noted the cookbook brought his activism full circle by addressing systemic barriers that exacerbate health problems like malnutrition.

Managing Parkinson's Disease Through Lifestyle Factors

While there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, making certain lifestyle adjustments can help minimize symptoms.

Following an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Eating an anti-inflammatory diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and omega-3s may benefit those living with Parkinson's disease. Diets high in processed and fried foods tend to promote inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory nutrients like healthy fats, plant compounds and antioxidants can help regulate inflammation levels already elevated by Parkinson’s. This protects neurons and may slow symptom progression.

Incorporating Regular Exercise

Research shows that regular cardio and strength training exercise helps preserve motor function in those with Parkinson's disease. It seems to improve neurotransmitter activity and oxygen delivery to the brain.

Aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate activity like walking, swimming, stationary biking or gentle yoga. Also do muscle-strengthening moves 2-3 times per week. But check with your doctor before significantly increasing physical activity levels.

Quitting Smoking and Limiting Alcohol

If you smoke, quitting can help slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. Smoking is linked to faster motor and cognitive decline in Parkinson's patients.

Heavy alcohol consumption is also tied to more rapid progression of Parkinson's signs and symptoms. Men should limit alcohol to 1-2 drinks per day, and women should have no more than one drink a day.

Stimulating the Mind

Engaging in regular mentally stimulating activities can preserve brain volume and cognitive skills. Read books, work puzzles, learn a language, practice mindfulness or take up new hobbies to keep the mind sharp.

Social interaction is also tied to slower cognitive decline. Surround yourself with a solid support system and interact regularly with friends and family.

Famous People with Parkinson's Disease

Muhammad Ali is one of many celebrities and public figures who have battled Parkinson's disease.

Michael J. Fox

In 1991, popular actor Michael J. Fox announced he had early-onset Parkinson's Disease at just 29 years old. He experienced symptoms during the height of his acting career and eventually retired from acting due to declining health.

Fox has actively advocated and raised substantial funds for Parkinson's research. The Michael J. Fox Foundation has led the way in pushing progress on better treatments and working toward a cure.

Johnny Cash

Legendary musician Johnny Cash disclosed his Parkinson's diagnosis in 1997 after having symptoms for over 12 years prior. He dealt with complications from Parkinson's disease as well as from diabetes late in life before passing away in 2003 at age 71.

Billy Graham

Renowed Christian evangelist Billy Graham was a spiritual adviser to over a dozen U.S. presidents. He announced he had Parkinson's disease in 1992 at 73 years old after showing visible signs of tremors and shaking for several years.

Graham passed away at age 99 in 2018. While the tremors and bradykinetic symptoms of Parkinson's left him less mobile later in life, he continued his spiritual work as long as health allowed.

Other famous men and women impacted by Parkinson's disease include actor Alan Alda, artist Salvador Dali, Olympic cyclist Davis Phinney, former Attorney General Janet Reno, photographer Linda McCartney, and Pope John Paul II.

Innovations in Parkinson's Disease Treatment

Doctors and scientists are making promising strides in better managing and slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

New Medications

After the initial dopamine-enhancing drug levodopa was introduced in 1970, the '90s and '00s saw Parkinson's meds focused on dopamine agonists, and MAO-B inhibitors. The 2010s welcomed drugs called nonergot dopamine receptor agonists and also multifunctional drugs.

Current areas of pharmaceutical research include optimizing levodopa delivery, developing neuroprotective therapies to slow neuronal damage, identifying new drug targets, and exploring the potential of immunotherapy.

Deep Brain Stimulation

In the 1990s, research with deep brain stimulation began. This surgically implanted device transmits electrical pulses to targeted areas deep within the brain impacting motor function and movement. DBS provides therapeutic benefits rivaling medication for motor symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and mobility problems.

Doctors today are studying ways to fine-tune DBS technology. Goals include improving targeting, developing minimizeally invasive insertion techniques, and innovating adjustable, closed-loop systems that can be tailored to individual symptoms.

Stem Cell Applications

Stem cell therapy aims to heal damaged neurons, regenerate new dopamine-producing neurons, and protect deteriorating cells. Research continues, but

FAQs

How did Muhammad Ali get Parkinson's disease?

Doctors believe the repeated head trauma Ali endured over his boxing career increased his risk for developing Parkinson's later in life.

What charity work was Muhammad Ali involved in?

Ali helped establish the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center for care and research. He also founded Athletes for Hope to encourage philanthropy among athletes, which became the Muhammad Ali Center promoting social causes.

What can you do to manage Parkinson's disease symptoms?

Living an anti-inflammatory lifestyle with proper diet, exercise, not smoking, and limiting alcohol can help slow Parkinson's progression. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities is also beneficial.

What promising treatments are being researched?

Parkinson's disease treatment innovations include new medications, advancements in deep brain stimulation technology, and stem cell therapy applications to regenerate neurons.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.