Don was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in November 2005. Since then his condition has been deteriorating rapidly. His main symptoms showed tremors on the left side, muscle tightness, balance problems and weakness.

Before the treatment Don was suffering from tremors in his left hand, left leg and face muscles. His speech was fast and unclear; his eyes were dry because he could not blink frequently enough. His muscles were tight and weak and he tended to shuffle and drag his legs rather than to walk. He used to freeze up in the middle of a movement. He was tiring very quickly, and felt dull and lifeless.  

Don could hardly get out of a bed, he could not button or fasten his clothes, and he could not towel himself, lace his shoes or brush his teeth. His handwriting was unreadable, and he could not sign his name.

Don was taking Parkinson's medications that helped reduce the tremors to a certain extent yet did not reduce the extreme weakness he felt. During the last year he increased his medication dosage twice.