Living Life on One’s Own Terms: A Parkinson’s Journey

(BPT) - Jeffrey, a 65-year-old longtime chiropractor and professor from Texas, has always approached life with a good sense of humor and an unwavering dedication to helping others in his community. He is passionate about connecting with students, encouraging empathy and reminding them that every patient is more than just a diagnosis.

"I tell my students that you're not treating a disease, you're treating a person trying to live their life. That perspective matters," he says.

Recognizing the Signs

Jeffrey's life took a turn a few years ago when he began experiencing unexplained tremors, issues with coordination and non-motor signs. At first, he didn't acknowledge or recognize the signs. Like many people and some doctors unfamiliar with Parkinson's disease (PD), he couldn't piece his symptoms together.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system. It affects the dopamine-producing neurons in the brain that control movement, resulting in the characteristic slowness of movement, stiffness, resting tremors, and impaired balance so often associated with the disease.

PD has become the fastest-growing neurological disorder worldwide, with approximately 1 million patients diagnosed in the United States.^1,2 According to some studies, the prevalence of PD may be higher - nearly 50% higher than the current estimate.³

Navigating a New Diagnosis

After a series of tests and visits with his neurologist, Jeffrey finally received a diagnosis: Parkinson's disease. "I went through all the stages of grief. Anger. Denial. I remember thinking, 'Why me?'" Jeffrey recalls. "But after some time, I got into the mindset of, 'Put one foot in front of the other and just live.'"

Jeffrey noticed how PD started impacting his day-to-day life, particularly his movement and mood. Teaching, which was once a joy for him, became a struggle. He felt he wasn't himself with his students. That's when he knew something had to change.

After exploring a few different treatment options, Jeffrey and his doctor decided it was time to try a new approach. Earlier this year, with support from his care team, he began taking CREXONT^® (carbidopa and levodopa) extended-release capsules, approved for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Within weeks, he noticed changes in how he moved around his home, especially his walking.

"Being able to walk… that was a big deal for me," he shares. "I don't want people looking at me and seeing someone who's sick. I don't want pity. I just want to live my life."

Leaning Into What Brings Joy

Today, as an avid bowler, he competes several times a week with friends to socialize and hone his skills. "I found something that helps me feel more like my old self again," he says. While every person living with PD has a unique journey, for Jeffrey, consistency in care and treatment has been key.

Jeffrey knows that his Parkinson's diagnosis isn't something he can control, but he has a choice in how he reacts to it - and he continues to lean on the love and support of his wife of 35 years, Yvonne. "I'm fortunate to have her by my side. I don't know if I could do it alone," he says.

For Jeffrey, sharing his story is part of his journey - a way to show others what's possible. "I want people to know that you can still live a full life with Parkinson's. It's not easy. It takes work, patience and support. But finding something that helps you feel more like yourself again - that's powerful. This works for me, and that means everything."

Jeffrey's experience with CREXONT is his own and may not reflect the experience of every patient. For some people, CREXONT may cause falling asleep during daily activities. Side effects may include nausea and anxiety. Individual results will vary. Always speak with your doctor to determine if CREXONT may be right for you. Only a healthcare provider can assess your condition and guide you to the appropriate treatment options.

To hear more real patient experiences like Jeffrey's and for more information about CREXONT, visit https://crexont.com/crexont-stories/.

CREXONT^® Important Safety Information

INDICATION

CREXONT^® (carbidopa and levodopa) extended-release capsules is a prescription medication for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, Parkinson's disease caused by infection or inflammation of the brain, or Parkinson's disease-like symptoms that may result from carbon monoxide or manganese poisoning in adults.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not take CREXONT with antidepressant medications known as nonselective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.

Do not take CREXONT with other carbidopa-levodopa preparations without consulting your healthcare provider.

CREXONT may cause falling asleep during activities of daily living, somnolence, or dizziness. Avoid activities that require alertness such as driving and operating machinery until you know how CREXONT affects you.

The most common side effects that may occur with CREXONT are nausea and anxiety.

It is important to avoid sudden discontinuation or rapid dose reduction of CREXONT. If you are discontinuing CREXONT, work with your healthcare provider to taper the dose over time to reduce the risk of fever or confusion.

You may take CREXONT with or without food, but taking it with food may decrease or delay its effect. Consider taking the first dose of the day about 1 to 2 hours before eating.

Swallow CREXONT whole. Do not chew, divide, or crush the capsules.

Do not take CREXONT with alcohol.

Tell your healthcare provider if you:

• Have any heart conditions, especially if you have had a heart attack or irregular heartbeats
• Experience hallucinations or abnormal thoughts and behaviors
• Have an inability to control urges to gamble, have increased sexual urges, or experience other intense urges
• Have thoughts of suicide or have attempted suicide
• Have abnormal involuntary movements that appear or get worse during treatment
• Have ever had a peptic ulcer or glaucoma
• Become or intend to become pregnant. Based on animal data, CREXONT may cause fetal harm
• Are breastfeeding during therapy

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Amneal Specialty, a division of Amneal Pharmaceuticals, LLC at1-877-835-5472or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 orwww.fda.gov/medwatch.

Please read the full Prescribing Information. For more information talk to your healthcare provider.

CREXONT^® is a registered trademark of Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC. © 2025 Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC. Distributed by Amneal Specialty, a division of Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC. All rights reserved.

References

1. Dorsey ER et al. JAMA Neurol. 2018;75(1):9-10.
2. Marras et al. NPJ Parkinson's Dis. 2018;4:21.
3. Willis AW, Roberts E, Beck JC, et al. Incidence of Parkinson disease in North America. NPJ Parkinsons Dis. 2022;8:170. doi:10.1038/s41531-022-00410-y

PP-ADW-CREX-US-0088 7/2025

The news, reports, views and opinions of authors (or source) expressed are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of CRWE World.