Jonesboro, AR – JonesboroRightNow.com – Around 40 community members gathered Thursday afternoon to hear a presentation from Dr. John Morgan about new treatment options for Parkinson’s disease.

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Morgan has a 25-year career helping patients with Parkinson’s and was also diagnosed with the disease in 2020. However, he still sees 40-50 patients a week. During his virtual presentation, Morgan talked with attendees about the new Parkinson’s treatment CREXONT, as well as other ways to help delay the disease’s progression, such as through physical therapy, and answered any questions they had.

“They need to know what’s out there, what’s new, what’s innovative,” said Melanie Fires, coordinator of Rock Steady Boxing. “[Having that information] coming from a physician who also has Parkinson’s is gold. The importance of this, the word needs to be spread.”

Rock Steady Boxing is an exercise program for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s designed to maintain and possibly regress symptoms.

| READ MORE: Jonesboro program helps Parkinson’s patients stay active with boxing gloves

According to the Mayo Clinic, Parkinson’s is a movement disorder affecting the nervous system. It can result in tremors, difficulty balancing, stiffness, and slowed movement, with symptoms worsening over time. There is no cure, although various steps can be taken to manage symptoms.

“You have Parkinson’s, but Parkinson’s doesn’t have you,” Morgan told attendees. “It’s just part of your life, and you’re going to keep going and keep fighting.”

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