State Rep. John Robinson (D-Scottsboro) said on Thursday he is in the early stages of Parkinson's Disease.

Robinson said he was diagnosed in January, shortly before the start of the 2012 Alabama Legislative Session.

"I'm on medication," said Robinson. "It's not a death sentence. It's treatable, but not curable."

Currently serving his fifth term in office after first being elected in 1994, Robinson said he only missed two days of the legislative session this year.

Parkinson's Disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that affects one in 100 people over age 60. It leads to shaking (tremors) and difficulty with walking, movement and coordination.

Robinson said he's had no problems with shaking.

"It gets my voice," he said. "And my coordination when I'm walking."

Robinson said he is going this summer to see a special neurologist in Chicago, one who has treated Muhammed Ali and Michael J. Fox.

Robinson, who retired from the Jackson County District Attorney's Office after entering politics, will complete 20 years in office when his current term ends. His five terms as state representative is the most for a person from Jackson County.

"I'm proud of that," he said.

Originally posted here:
Robinson diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease