Ryan Reynolds,  the charismatic star of "Deadpool & Wolverine," recently opened up about his father's battle with Parkinson's disease, shedding light on the early symptoms his family overlooked.

Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, impacts millions of people worldwide. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, over 10 million people globally live with the disease, and about 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with it every year. In this blog, we’ll explore the early signs Ryan Reynolds’ family overlooked, highlight key statistics about Parkinson’s, and discuss the importance of early detection.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease occurs when dopamine-producing neurons in the brain begin to die off. Dopamine is responsible for regulating movement, so as levels decrease, individuals experience tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with coordination. The disease progresses over time, and while there’s no cure, early intervention can help manage symptoms.

For Reynolds and his family, the early stages of the disease were hard to recognize. Reflecting on his father’s journey, Ryan said, “My father was tough. He didn’t show weakness, which made it difficult to know something serious was happening.”

Early Parkinson’s Symptoms the Reynolds Family Missed

 

Reynolds' father, James, was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1998 at the age of 57. While the family was prepared for the well-known motor symptoms like tremors and stiffness, they were caught off guard by the non-motor symptoms that emerged. "You generally know what to anticipate with Parkinson's in terms of physical symptoms. However, nobody prepared us for the hallucinations and delusions," Reynolds shared.

Below are some of the most commonly missed early symptoms:

1. Tremors

One of the most well-known symptoms of Parkinson’s is a tremor, often starting in the hands. Reynolds recalled his father’s shaking hands, but initially, the family chalked it up to stress. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, up to 70% of people with Parkinson’s experience tremors.

2. Slowed Movements (Bradykinesia)

As the disease progresses, it slows down movements, making everyday tasks more difficult. Ryan noticed his father struggling with simple activities, but, as he put it, “We thought he was just getting older. You don’t immediately assume it’s something as serious as Parkinson’s.” Bradykinesia is one of the key diagnostic criteria for Parkinson’s and is often accompanied by difficulty initiating movements.

3. Stiffness and Rigidity

Muscle stiffness is another hallmark sign of Parkinson’s, but it’s often mistaken for aging or arthritis. Reynolds’ family initially attributed their father’s rigidity to joint problems, a common misconception. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, stiffness that doesn’t go away with movement could be an early sign of the disease.

4. Changes in Facial Expressions

People with Parkinson’s may show less emotion through facial expressions, often referred to as “masked face.” Ryan shared that his father’s expressions became more serious over time, a subtle change that the family didn’t immediately recognize as a symptom. Research shows that changes in facial expression can occur years before other motor symptoms become apparent.

5. Shuffling Walk

In the early stages, people with Parkinson’s often develop a shuffling gait, a sign that the disease is impacting their balance. Ryan’s father began to walk with a slight shuffle, but, at the time, the family dismissed it as clumsiness or simply old age.

6. Soft or Muffled Speech

Parkinson’s can also affect speech, causing people to speak more softly or slur their words. In retrospect, Ryan noted his father’s voice had become quieter over time, but no one thought much of it. “We just thought he was tired or didn’t feel like talking,” Reynolds said. Speech changes, along with other early signs, are often ignored or overlooked.

7. Fatigue

Fatigue is a common, yet easily dismissed symptom of Parkinson’s. Ryan has talked about how his father seemed unusually tired. The Michael J. Fox Foundation reports that fatigue impacts over 50% of people in the early stages of Parkinson’s, yet it’s often mistaken for general aging.

8. Decreased or Loss of Sense of Smell (Anosmia)

Anosmia can be one of the earliest signs of Parkinson’s, but because it’s so subtle, it’s often missed or attributed to other causes like allergies or a cold. Research shows that up to 90% of people with Parkinson’s experience some form of smell loss before the onset of motor symptoms.

9. Hallucinations and delusions

Hallucinations in Parkinson’s patients are typically visual, though they can also involve other senses like hearing, smell, or touch. These hallucinations can range from seeing shapes, people, or animals that aren't there to experiencing fleeting shadows or lights in the periphery of one’s vision. 20% to 40% of patients experience these symptoms, according to the Parkinson's Foundation and up to 90% of those experiencing these symptoms don't inform their doctors. This often happens due to the changes in brain chemistry caused by the disease, as well as the side effects of certain Parkinson’s medications, particularly dopamine agonists.

The Impact on Family Dynamics

The onset of these unexpected symptoms had a profound effect on the Reynolds family. Ryan admitted, "It really destabilized my relationship with him because I didn't really know what was happening. At the time I just thought, 'My dad's losing his mind.'"

This misunderstanding led to emotional distance and confusion. "He started to have odd thoughts about our family and our intentions, and it was impossible to dissuade him from some of those beliefs," Reynolds explained. 

 

Ryan Reynolds’ Advocacy for Parkinson’s Awareness

After losing his father to Parkinson’s in 2015, Ryan Reynolds became a strong advocate for Parkinson’s awareness and research. He partnered with the Michael J. Fox Foundation to help raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s research. “Parkinson’s can be devastating not just for the person who has it, but for their families as well,” Reynolds said. “I hope by sharing my family’s experience, we can help others catch the early signs sooner.”

 In 2024, Reynolds partnered with the educational campaign More to Parkinson’s to raise awareness and offer families and caretakers additional resources.

According to the World Health Organization, neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s, are expected to increase as populations age, making early diagnosis even more crucial. Every year, about 60,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but many others live with it undiagnosed due to the subtle nature of early symptoms.

The Importance of Early Detection

Catching Parkinson’s early can significantly improve quality of life. While there is no cure, medications and therapies can help manage symptoms and slow progression. If families are more aware of the early signs, like those the Reynolds family missed, they can seek treatment sooner. Reynolds' experience highlights the critical need for comprehensive education about Parkinson's symptoms. "I wish I'd known Parkinson's disease wasn't limited to only motor symptoms," he stated.

This lack of awareness is not uncommon. Many families focus solely on the physical manifestations of the disease, overlooking the cognitive and emotional aspects that can be equally challenging.

Conclusion

Ryan Reynolds’ candid reflections on his father’s battle with Parkinson’s disease remind us all of the importance of paying attention to subtle changes in our loved ones’ health. The early signs of Parkinson’s can be easily mistaken for normal aging, but recognizing them can lead to an earlier diagnosis and better management of the disease.

If you or someone you know is experiencing early symptoms like tremors, slowed movements, or stiffness, it’s important to seek medical advice. Early detection can make all the difference in managing Parkinson’s and improving quality of life for both the individual and their family.

 

 

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