Parkinson's disease can be a debilitating medical condition that leaves a person without total control over his or her muscles and movements. Residents of Charleston with Parkinson's may find themselves forced out of their jobs and hobbies, living on disability benefits and trying to cope with this progressive disease.

Much like anyone in West Virginia with Parkinson's, one man has had to learn how to move forward after being diagnosed with this neurological condition. In 1971, the man first noticed a trembling of his pinkie finger. It started to move up and down on its own, and then his whole body started to tremble. His condition has only worsened in the past 41 years.

While the man used to be a chef and an owner of an antique shop, he has had to give it all up because of his condition and now relies on Social Security disability benefits to cover his rent and bills. Each month he makes $700 in disability benefits and is expected to pay $400 in rent and use the remaining $300 for his other costs in the month. Money has been tight: his cellphone provider has shut off his phone and he has a few past due bills.

What may be even worse than the money problems, however, is the taunting and staring he receives when he's in public. While it still gets to him at times, the man has gotten used to avoiding the stares and negative comments. Not only does he continue to improve his life by developing a new technique to increase how far he can walk, he also would like to start teaching culinary arts.

It is true that many people with Parkinson's disease may be unable to work, but there are options available to West Virginia residents living with this condition. Working with an experienced Social Security Disability Insurance attorney can help someone with Parkinson's to secure government benefits.

Source: Casa Grande Dispatch, "Living and learning with Parkinson's," Bill Coates, Jan. 27, 2012