Johnny Isakson Reveals Parkinson's Diagnosis

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By Justin Ove

A Georgia senator has revealed he is suffering from a neurological disorder, but said the diagnosis will not keep him from fulfilling his duties or running for re-election in 2016.

Sen. Johnny Isakson on Wednesday announced that he has been battling Parkinson’s Disease since August 2013, but only recently decided to disclose his condition to his family and staff.

Isakson said he’s in the early stages of the disease, and his main symptoms include stiffness in his left arm and a slowed, shuffling gait. He also said recovery from the back surgery he underwent in October 2014 also has affected his gait.

In a statement, Isakson said the public announcement was in keeping with “the same transparency that I have championed throughout my career.”

“While I am facing this health challenge head on, I have wrestled with whether to disclose it publicly,” he said. “I recently shared the news with my three grown children and my senior staff a couple of months ago. Their support, along with the steadfast support of my wife Dianne, helped me to take this step today.”

Isakson’s neurologist, Dr. Thomas M. Holmes, said in his own statement that he had been seeing the senator since November 2012. Following the Parkinson’s diagnosis, Holmes said Isakson has been performing daily workouts, attending physical therapy sessions and taking two medications to slow the progression of the disease.

Holmes said that he most recently assessed Isakson in late May and judged him to have Stage 1.5 Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s is generally graded on a 1-5 scale, with 1 being the least progressed stage of the disease with only mild inconvenience to the patient.

“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,” Holmes said.

Isakson stated he intends to do just that. In his statement, the senator noted his busy schedule in Washington has not been affected by his diagnosis; Isakson serves on five Senate committees and chairs two of them.

“I remain devoted to public service, to my state and to my constituents,” Isakson said. “I am eager to take my record of results to the voters of Georgia as I run for re-election in 2016.”

Gov. Nathan Deal also weighed in on Isakson’s diagnosis, adding he believes Georgia’s senior senator will persevere in his battle with the disorder.

“In the 35 years that I’ve known Johnny Isakson, he has risen to meet — and overcome — every obstacle he’s encountered with determination and a smile on his face,” Deal said. “There’s not a doubt in my mind that he and Diane will rise to meet this challenge. As he fights this battle, our distinguished senator will continue representing Georgians’ conservative principles in Washington.”

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