U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson on Wednesday announced he has been diagnosed as being in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, but said the illness would not affect his 2016 bid for re-election — nor would it jeopardize his ability to serve a full six-year term.
“Parkinson’s gives you two choices. It can control you or you can control it. I’m hitting on all cylinders and plan to be in charge of it. Once you find out, that’s the worst day. It’s not a debilitating situation,” the 70-year-old Isakson said in a well-orchestrated Washington session with reporters. Local reporters were connected via a conference call.
The senator said he also personally called Gov. Nathan Deal, U.S. Sen. David Perdue and former U.S. senator Saxby Chambliss to give them the news.
In his session with reporters, Isakson opened by pointing two recent victories — a trade agreement with South Africa involving Georgia exports and movement on legislation to compensate hostages in the 1979 Iran embassy takeover — as proof that he hasn’t lost a step.
Isakson’s announcement goes directly to worries over his health that have quietly accompanied his bid for a third term. The senator said he was informed of the diagnosis two and a half years ago. He told his children about a month ago and his staff this morning.
Isakson said he had no physical limitations, but said he occasionally has trouble multi-tasking — talking and walking at the same time, for instance. Isakson said he sought help after a friend noticed that he wasn’t swinging his left arm as he walked. From a press release just issued:
"[M]y main symptoms are the stiffness in my left arm and a slowed, shuffling gait. The recovery from the back surgery I had in October 2014 also has affected my gait. I have undergone rigorous physical therapy; I do exercises every morning and evening; and I take two Parkinson's medicines."
In that same press release, Isakson included a lengthy statement from his neurologist, Thomas M. Holmes of Marietta:
"I have been seeing Senator Isakson as a patient since November 2012. He first came to see me with a symptom of rigidity in his left arm. After several additional visits, I diagnosed him as having Parkinson's disease in August of 2013.
"My most recent assessment of Senator Isakson was on May 27, 2015. Using physical examination and several accepted Parkinson's disease rating scales, I have concluded that Senator Isakson is in Stage 1.5 of 5 accepted stages of Parkinson's disease. This staging is indicative of his mild symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Senator Isakson has been treated with medication since August 2013 to assist his body's naturally occurring dopamine and to limit symptoms of Parkinson's disease. In addition, I have Senator Isakson doing daily exercises every morning and evening, and I had him undergo a rigorous physical therapy regimen tailored to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
"Senator Isakson has been dedicated to performing the physical therapy and maintaining the daily exercise routine, and he has been compliant with his medication treatment. He has continued to maintain his rigorous Senate schedule without difficulty since 2012. I believe he is fully capable of continuing to perform his duties as a U.S. Senator, and I believe he is fully capable of running for re-election and serving for another term.
"As a practicing neurologist, I have treated many patients with various chronic neurological diseases, and I encourage all them to pursue their livelihoods with vigor and enthusiasm. With this in mind, I have encouraged Senator Isakson to do the same."
Isakson invited reporters to call his neurologist with any questions they have.
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