Michael J Fox flashes peace sign from wheelchair amid devastating Parkinson's battle
Michael J Fox was spotted enjoying a night out in London (Picture: Splash)
Michael J Fox flashed a peace sign as he made a very rare public appearance in London, amid his ongoing health issues.
The Back to the Future icon was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 29, in 1991 – and has taken a back seat from the spotlight to focus on his condition.
The 63-year-old was spotted heading out for a very swanky dinner with pals at Chiltern Firehouse in London on Wednesday.
He was pictured in a wheelchair, flashing the gesture as he enjoyed a night out in the capital, donning a red patterned shirt for the occasion, paired with a brown jacket.
Michael completed the look with dark blue jeans and mint green trainers.
The Hollywood legend spoke publicly about his battle with Parkinson’s in 1998 – the illness affects the brain and causes problems like tremors and stiffness, which worsen over time.
The actor was seen at Chiltern Firehouse with pals (Picture: Splash)
He took a step back from the spotlight in recent years(Picture: Splash)
There is currently no cure for the condition, and symptoms also include slow movements, insomnia, depression anxiety and a loss of the sense of smell.
In a heartbreaking interview from last year, he made a huge prediction that he may not live to see 80 after he was left with broken bones from multiple falls.
He made headlines when he opened up about how his ordeal has impacted him physically, explaining that he almost lost his hand at one point.
What are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease?
The NHS lists the three main symptoms of Parkinson’s as:
- Slow movement
- Inflexible and stiff muscles
- Involuntary tremors of particular parts of the body
Someone with Parkinson’s can also develop other symptoms, such as:
- Problems with memory
- Problems with balance
- Insomnia
- Depression and anxiety
- A loss of sense of smell
Most of those who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s are aged 50 or older, but younger people have been known to suffer from it as well.
There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease.
Treatment can typically involve medication, supportive therapy like occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and in some cases brain surgery.
Michael was then forced to undergo surgery and grueling physical therapy after he was almost paralyzed by a spinal tumor, that was unconnected to Parkinson’s.
‘That was nothing,’ he told Town & Country Magazine, revealing another broken arm and shoulder, as well as a smashed cheek, orbital bone and hand.
‘My hand got infected and then I almost lost it,’ he continued. ‘It was a tsunami of misfortune.’
Michael was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991 (Picture: Getty)
‘One day I’ll run out of gas,’ he said, vowing that he doesn’t fear dying. ‘One day I’ll just say, “It’s not going to happen. I’m not going out today.” If that comes, I’ll allow myself that. I’m 62 years old.
‘Certainly, if I were to pass away tomorrow, it would be premature, but it wouldn’t be unheard of. And so, no, I don’t fear that.’
Despite the issues, the Family Ties actor has previously described his diagnosis as a ‘gift’ as he has been able to help others, while also raising awareness.
He received the diagnosis when he was 29 years old (Picture: Getty)
‘I would say it’s a gift. People would look at me and go, “It’s the gift that keeps on taking,” but it’s a gift,’ he said during an appearance on BBC Breakfast.
‘I realized I had to turn it into something and make it some positive thing that affected other people in a positive way. So I did, I started a foundation, but it took me a long time to get there.’
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