“I started this new podcast. And I noticed that — I had been on television a lot in the last couple of weeks talking about the new podcast — and I could see my thumb twitch in some shots and I thought, it’s probably only a matter of time before somebody does a story about this from a sad point of view, but that’s not where I am.” 

Here’s me trying to do a cartwheel for no reason last year at the age of 80. Pathetic. I’ll try again when I’m 85. pic.twitter.com/zM5STtFaKE

— Alan Alda (@alanalda) February 11, 2017

He may no longer be doing cartwheels, but don't count it out: he says that his diagnosis could help others with Parkinson’s disease realise that there are things they can still do, and he's actively encouraging them to “take action”.

“If you get a diagnosis,” he wrote on Twitter, “keep moving!”

“I take boxing lessons three days a week, play singles tennis twice a week, and take a mild pill — all Dr recommended. I even juggle a little. And I’m not entering dementia. I’m no more demented than I was before. Maybe I should rephrase that.

"Really. I'm good."

I decided to let people know I have Parkinson’s to encourage others to take action. I was Diagnosed 3 and a half years ago, but my life is full. I act, I give talks, I do my podcast, which I love. If you get a diagnosis, keep moving!
More>> pic.twitter.com/zHrNxvlwcS

— Alan Alda (@alanalda) July 31, 2018