U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., announced late Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The senator stressed that while the neurological disease is incurable, he is in the early stages of the illness and fully intends to run for re-election in 2016.
“My diagnosis has not impacted my ability to represent the state of Georgia in the U.S. Senate. I am serving on five senate committees. I am busier and have more responsibility than ever and I couldn’t be happier about that,” Isakson said in a statement.
Isakson has been seeing neurologist Thomas M. Holmes since his diagnosis in 2013. Holmes believes that Sen. Isakson is fully capable of performing his duties in elected office and serving another term, adding that Isakson is in Stage 1.5 of the 5 accepted stages of Parkinson’s disease, according to a statement by Holmes.
“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,” Holmes said. “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.”
Isakson struggled over publicly disclosing information about his disease for many years, even waiting until April 2015 to tell his children, according to his statement.
The senator stressed that transparency with his disease was a paramount concern in moving forward with his career. The support of his family, according to Isakson, has given him the strength to speak openly about his battle with Parkinson’s disease.
“I remain devoted to public service, to my state and to my constituents,” he said.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that results in the deterioration of motor functions. Isakson exhibits mild symptoms, including stiffness in his left arm and a slowed shuffling gait, according to a report by NBC.
Sen. Isakson was honored on Wednesday as Legislator of the Year by the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine, which recognizes legislators who have made a significant commitment towards regenerative medicine and advanced therapies in the preceding year.
Isakson took to twitter on Wednesday to thank his constituents for their kind words of support and encouragement.
Isakson: "I am overwhelmed, moved & more energized than ever by so many positive & encouraging words on today's news. Dianne & I thank you."
— Johnny Isakson (@SenatorIsakson) June 10, 2015
Other legislators with Parkinson’s disease include U.S. Rep. Lane Evans, who was re-elected five times before retiring in 2007.