“It’s getting harder and harder” – Michael J. Fox speaks on American television about Parkinson’s disease

Former American actor Micheal J. Fox spoke about his Parkinson’s disease in a television interview. “It’s getting harder, every day it’s getting harder,” the actor, best known for the “Back to the Future” film series in the 1980s, said on CBS in the interview that aired Sunday.

The disease was diagnosed in 1991 in the then 29-year-old Fox. “I’m not going to be 80,” said the 61-year-old. Fox said he broke his arms, elbows, hand and bones in his face as a result of several falls following tumor surgery on his spine. Falling is a common cause of death in Parkinson’s patients.

In mid-April, the Fox-founded Parkinson Foundation reported success in research into the previously incurable nerve disease. A study initiated and co-funded by the foundation found that the detection of a protein in the cerebrospinal fluid makes it possible to diagnose Parkinson’s disease long before the onset of the disease. This should significantly improve the development of therapies.

The interview revealed that Fox found it difficult to control his movements while speaking. But he still won’t let himself be defeated. Optimism can be maintained with gratitude, Fox said in the interview. “If you can find something to be thankful for, something to look forward to, then move on.”

Apple TV has announced a documentary about the life of Michael J. Fox titled “Still” for mid-May. It is said to be about his meteoric rise as an actor in the 1980s, as well as his diagnosis of Parkinson’s and how he coped with the disease. (sda/dpa)