My Degeneration: A Journey Through Parkinson’s

Graphic Medicine

by Peter Dunlap-Shohl

How does one deal with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease at the age of forty-three? My Degeneration , by former Anchorage Daily News staff cartoonist Peter Dunlap-Shohl, answers the question with humor and passion, recounting the author’s attempt to come to grips with the “malicious whimsy” of this chronic, progressive, and disabling disease. This graphic novel tracks Dunlap-Shohl’s journey through depression, the worsening symptoms of the disease, the juggling of medications and their side effects, the impact on relations with family and community, and the raft of mental and physical changes wrought by the malady. My Degeneration examines the current state of Parkinson’s care, including doctor/patient relations and the repercussions of a disease that, among other things, impairs movement, can rob patients of their ability to speak or write, degrades sufferers’ ability to deal with complexity, and interferes with the sense of balance. Readers learn what it’s like to undergo a dramatic, demanding, and audacious bit of high-tech brain surgery that can mysteriously restore much of a patient’s control over symptoms. But My Degeneration is more than a Parkinson’s memoir. Dunlap-Shohl gives the person newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease the information necessary to cope with it on a day-to-day basis. He chronicles the changes that life with the disease can bring to the way one sees the world and the way one is seen by the wider community. Dunlap-Shohl imparts a realistic basis for hope―hope not only to carry on, but to enjoy a decent quality of life.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Nonfiction, Memoir, Comics, Health, Science, Medical

108 pages, Paperback

First published October 30, 2015

Reviews

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Talkin' 'bout my generation. " The Who.

Dunlap-Shohl was an editorial cartoonist for 25 years before he retired to battle Parkinson's Disease pretty much full time, blogging and writing this informational and inspirational memoir. I personally know no one with PD, but I saw this at my library and also saw it was a publication out of a new series, Graphic Medicine, which is an attempt to create intimate and personal portraitist/stories of disease that clinical research can't quite capture. Dunlap-Shohl's personal experience is balanced with lots of background about the disease and its earthshaking consequences.

Dunlap-Shohl writes well, and used Photoshop to help him continue cartooning in a manner close to his pre-PD days, so he can illustrate his struggles with the disease. He's insightful, funny, doing the best he can in the face of an incurable devastation. I found lots of it interesting, such as the section on a variety of hallucinatory experiences not uncommon with PD. Dunlap-Shohl's humor makes the story engaging throughout, as is revealed in his play on The Who's phrase, above. Funny, and horrific, and touching, and a must for PD sufferers and their families.

[Stewart Tame · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this fascinating. Dunlap-Shohl, though his personal experiences, gives a picture of the current state of knowledge of Parkinson's and its treatment. This is a measured, nuanced book. He doesn't wallow in self-pity; nor does he view everything through rose-colored glasses and saccharine platitudes. Given the length of time he's lived with the disease, this shouldn't be surprising. Thanks to current understanding and treatment, Parkinson's patients' life expectancy is right up there with everyone else, which means plenty of time to come to terms with everything. While the disease may not yet be curable, there is still the hope of a decent quality of life for those diagnosed with it. Recommended!

[Elizabeth Theiss Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parkinson's disease is a rough diagnosis at any age, but a particularly cruel one when the onset is young. My Degeneration is a graphic memoir of life after Parkinson's by Peter Dunlap-Shohl who was diagnosed at the age of 42, the same age at which my husband was diagnosed. It is funny, honest, ironic, and about as smart a book as I've ever read about the disease (and I may have read them all during the past 23 years of living with Mr. Parkinson). Best of all, Dunlap-Shohl tells his story with engaging cartoons to illustrate the human impact of the disease.

The experience of Parkinson's is very different from the medical community's account of the disease. For example, no one tells you about the crazy, vivid dreams you are going to have, dreams you will often act out by yelling, thrashing, and occasionally punching. Dunlap-Shohl literally provides pictures of it all, including the spouse moving to the couch for her own safety. Been there. Done that.

In a chapter entitled "moping and Coping," the author engages his wife in a conversation about suicide, because why would you not want to avoid "becoming a decrepit, hollow ruin, unable to walk or talk?" This conversation will be very familiar to anyone close to a Parkinson's diagnosis. It's Step One out of the initial pity party and toward a full life with the disease.

My Degeneration is not a depressing book because Dunlap-Shohl has faced the monster and learned to cohabit a pretty happy lifestyle. A talented political cartoonist for the Anchorage Daily News for twenty-five years, he continues to be an active blogger, ride a three-wheeled recumbent badass trike down wooded trails in all weather, and manage Mr. Parkinson reasonably well.

People diagnosed with Parkinson's have wildly varied responses. Some become depressed and hopeless; they don't live long. Most become angry for at least a while. And some, like Dunlap-Shohl become triumphant and wise. So this is a beautiful, witty book, even if you've never had contact with someone with Parkinson's disease. But if you have, this book is essential to understanding their lives.

[Morgan Montgomery · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned new things about Parkinson's Disease through the lens of a dry humored cartoonist. His personal story was the highlight of the graphic novel for me.

[Michelle Adamo #EmptyNestReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Progressive. Disabling. Incurable. These are the facts about Parkinson's Disease (PD). Yet within that dire depiction is a world of knowledge that can both help the patient maintain a reasonable quality of life and help the patient's family and friends understand what their loved one is going through.

Formerly a political cartoonist for the Anchorage Daily News, author Peter Dunlap-Shohl was diagnosed with PD at the age of 43. Dunlap-Shohl's book is well researched yet easy to understand, he uses his cartooning skills and writes from the heart and from personal experience. My Degeneration is full of information. It is a look at Parkinson's Disease in a user-friendly, graphic novel format. From symptoms and diagnosis to strategies for living with PD - emotionally and physically, to medications and side affects to surgical options, Dunlap-Shohl does an excellent job covering the disease with honesty, humility and humor.

My Degeneration is a powerful tool for educating patients, healthcare practitioners, caregivers, family and friends about PD. "Books in the Graphic Medicine series are inspired by a growing awareness of the value of comics as an important resource for communicating about a range of issues broadly termed 'medical’." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

For more of my book reviews follow me on Instagram at #emptynesbookstreader and on Goodreads. #mydegeneration #mydegenerationajourneythroughparkinsons #peterdunlapshohl #pennsylvaniastateuniversitypress #graphicmedicine #graphicnovel #parkinsonsdisease #userfriendly #nonfiction #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramalabama #bookstagrammichigan #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookrecommendation #whatimreading

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great way to explain Parkinson's Disease, the emotions, the treatments, the rollercoaster it sends its patients on. Told in graphic novel format, the author takes the reader on his own personal journey. It's peppered with humor, research, and his personal truth.

We'll done and worth the read.

Woody swear scale-only a couple in there, and I would hardly call them swear words (on the Z swear scale); very mild.

[Liz Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me six weeks to read this short graphic novel because it struck too close to home (I was diagnosed with PD in May 2023). It actually only took two sittings to read it: on Feb 21 I was stopped in my tracks by the bleak beginning, but the book actually ends on a very hopeful note. It is also accurate in its descriptions of Parkinson’s, which is a multi-symptom condition experienced differently by all PD patients. I am fortunate in not having experienced many of PD’s motor symptoms but who knows what the future holds? As Dunlap-Shohl says, “The only way is forward.”

[Jason]

Informative and inspiring. Everyone would benefit from reading this.

[Stephan Benzkofer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another graphic memoir that is masterful in giving the reader insight into the emotional and physical affects of the disease while also relaying a ton of info about the disease itself.

[Matthew Noe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the most "graphic medicine" of graphic medicine comics and I mean that in the best way possible.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A graphic novel about the artist's experiences with Parkinson's Disease, from a diagnosis in middle age through ten years of challenges, medicines, surgery, and coping mechanisms. Doesn't flinch from some of the worst aspects of the disease, but illustrates how a medical condition becomes a part of one's life -- described particularly well in a section where the author imagines Parkinson's as an ominous guest. It's also interesting to see the author learn about the culture associated with the disease, including common symptoms, treatments, drug side-effects, and coping strategies.

[Maya Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the story was not incredibly all absorbing, the information is solid and digestible! Really a wonderful text that I will be sharing with my entire family! Graphic medicine is so important!!

[Agnes Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

i don’t usually put things that i’ve read for uni on here but i wanted to leave a review for this because it was incredibly powerful. it’s left a big impression on me

[Ardene · Rating 3 out of 5]

A graphic novel about the author's experience of Parkinson's disease. (He was diagnosed in his 40s.) I especially enjoyed the chapter Learning to speak Parkinson's, but there were (to me) interesting pieces throughout. I have had several family members diagnosed with Parkinson's, all of them diagnosed in their 60s & 70s from my parents' & grandparents' generation. Some things made me smile in recognition, some were poignant, and some made me wonder, "Did X experience this?"

The book is published by Graphic Medicine, a group that does podcasts and a blog as well as publishing health related comics.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't really have many words for this book. My Degeneration: A Journey Through Parkinson's by Peter Dunlap-Shohl is just one of those 'wow' type of books. The thought and care that's gone into its creation is obvious throughout. Dunlap-Shohl takes the time to explain the disease in an understandable way and the visuals really give the book greater impact. But the most amazing aspect is that fact that there is a constant feel of hope and positivity when the opposite could have easily been the case. Great book. Just, wow!

Note: book received via Amazon Vine in exchange for review.

[Linda Kenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing autobiography of one man's struggle with Parkinson's. It is funny and sad at the same time. He addresses all facets of the disease. For the PD patient it is very real picture of how one emotionally faces the disease. For the caregiver it paints a realistic picture of what we may have to face but also how you can push back on Parkinson's.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very meta: a telling of the scourge of Parkinson’s disease drawn by a patient in the gonzo and shaky-handed style reminiscent of Ralph Steadman, resultant of and exacerbated to a degree by the illness.

The book was published by a Penn State-based house, and is featured on the graphicmedicine.org website which intersects comics and healthcare discourse; making “graphic medicine” a valuable and easy-to-digest info venue and resource list for many diseases.

I imagine this type resource would welcomed by the newly diagnosed needing to know more about their symptoms and diagnosis. Dunlap-Shohl’s journey from diagnosis to treatment of Parkinson’s disease is particularly interesting as he is a former editorial cartoonist for a daily newspaper in Alaska.

[Catherine Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was diagnosed 2011. i was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. My symptoms progressed quickly. Soon i was having difficulty breathing, swallowing and even walking short distances. With the help of Health Herbs Clinic natural herbs I have been able to reverse my symptoms using diet, herbs, which i feel has made the most difference. The Parkinson’s natural formula immensely helped my condition, it reversed my Parkinson’s. my slurred speech, then the tremors, and mobility gradually disappeared, even my handwriting is getting better visit their website at health herbs clinic people are suffering from this horrible disease due to lack of information.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a comic that helped me realize there's a lot I didn't know I didn't know about Parkinson's. (Not to be confused with the things I'm aware that I don't know.) The content was useful, the story/narration was clear & easy to understand, and the illustrations were in an interesting style. This is an insider's view of a diagnosis most of us hope we never receive, and I respect the bravery and effort it took to make this. I'm interested in reading more books in the "Graphic Medicine" series. 4*

Best line: "Lose your quality of life, and your incentive to be a coward goes way down" (59).

[Fern Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book was very informative and also affirming with regards to what I learned about the Parkinson's with which I am also dealing. It made me realize that motion is quite challenging for people with Parkinson's - moving your feet, turning a sharp corner, walking backwards, maybe even trouble getting out of bed ...

And I really enjoyed the graphic novel format (my daughter had to tell me that's what this was). it was enjoyable and easy to read. Maybe I'm a new fan of this genre. I'll have to try another.

[John Wolforth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter takes you through a very personal journey, without fear of how you might judge his inner thoughts. This is not a cold assessment of symptoms, rather it's a walk through his experience, from nightmares to visions, despair to hope. It is a life-changing disease, so "journey" in the title is perfect. And even when he is talking about technical terms and conditions, he does it with humor. I would recommend this for anyone who knows anyone with PD, at any stage, or if you might know someone in the future.

[Sonali Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

March is National Disability Awareness Month, or DDAM, which is also known as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. And I located this book on display at my local Columbus Library in Indiana.
Very well put out by someone in the know. While my heart breaks for Mr. Peter, but his intrinsic humor and the way he ahs taken up the challenge and with a supportive spouse and family, I am reminded of the many things I am grateful for daily.

Do read this book as this did put me out of a dark patch. Thank you so so much

[Madhusree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book- both for its premise and for the bravery in execution. An illness narrative can be fraught with either heroism or stoicism and this story felt real with areas of both struggles and small wins. There is growth and development and resourcefulness despite all that illness takes away from whatever we think is "normal".

A must read book for anyone who is interested in creative non fiction and reading about illness narratives and patient centered care.

[Chelsea Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was illuminating; I don't yet know anyone personally with Parkinson's but as I hit 40 I am sure that I or someone I know will be affected. I was fascinated by how the author worked to adapt his style and his tech skills to continue to work as an artist. I only realized when I was done with the book that he lives in Alaska; I would have been interested to hear more about that (particularly wrt to the element of "exercise is crucial to managing Parkinson's").

[Samah Sharmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book does a fantastic job laying out the neurochemistry, pharmacology, and lived experience of Parkinson’s disease and its current treatments. I love the “monster” imagery; Peter’s creativity shines throughout the work and it’s remarkable how he is able to keep drawing such vivid artwork despite his illness. The book is quite uplifting and positive despite Peter’s serious and early diagnosis, and I hope he is still able to create amazing cartoons!

[David Wisner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stopped most of my Parkinson’s disease medications due to severe side effects and I started on herbal treatments from Natural Herbs Centre (natural herbs centre. com), the treatment has made a very huge difference for me. My symptoms including body weakness and Swallowing difficulties disappeared after few months on the treatment. I am getting active again since starting this treatment.

[Raven Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read via an online reader. One of the most emotional stories I have read. If you or a loved one is living with this illness, you might want to read it. But be in a safe, quiet place. And have a few boxes of tissues (and throat lozenges) nearby as you will laugh, cry, yell and feel all the emotions.

[Jack Vinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up due to the title, but then thought it might be informative. It’s an interesting take on the biographical graphic novel along with being informative about Parkinson’s Disease (without being pedantic, like I imagine from informative pamphlets). The author describes a variation on the stages of grief - largely frustrations and depression. And the book is a form of acceptance.

[Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This graphic memoir details the author's experiences with learning he has Parkinson's at an unusually young age. It's terrifying, inspiring, and very informative. Another enlightening entry in the Graphic Medicine series.

[patricia j patane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Kay for mentioning this book. No two patients with Parkinson's experience are identical. As with most diseases we each have our own path, Still much of the world he described had been mine for the last 23 years. It is comforting to know we are not alone.