Rendell, ex-Pennsylvania governor, says he has Parkinson’s
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell said Monday that he was diagnosed 3 1/2 years ago with Parkinson’s disease, but said he believes that treatment has stopped the progression of the disease and he has maintained his quality of life.
The 74-year-old Rendell made the announcement at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia with officials and doctors from the University of Pennsylvania as part of a public service message to urge people who suspect they have symptoms to get diagnosed and get treatment early.
He was “stunned and a little bit scared” when he was diagnosed because he had always viewed himself as indestructible, he said.
But Rendell said treatment at the hospital, including medication, has stopped the progression of the symptoms and that he continues to keep a busy schedule, including working out six days a week.