Diagnosis Information

Captain William Watt Jr was diagnosed with Parkinson´s disease in 2018, then in 2025 it was confirmed that he has it combined with Multiple Sclerosis.

Parkinson’s Disease

What it is:

A brain condition that affects movement. It happens when certain nerve cells in the brain stop making enough dopamine — a chemical that helps control movement and coordination.

 

Common symptoms:

  • Tremors (shaking) in the hands, arms, or legs
  • Stiffness in muscles
  • Slower movements
  • Trouble with balance or walking
  • Softer or quieter speech

 

Diagnosis:

There’s no single test for Parkinson’s. Doctors usually:

  1. Review medical history and symptoms.
  2. Do a physical and neurological exam (checking movement, reflexes, balance).
  3. Sometimes order brain scans to rule out other conditions.
  4. Look for improvement with Parkinson’s medications — this can help confirm the diagnosis.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

What it is:

A condition where the immune system attacks the protective coating (myelin) around nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This causes communication problems between the brain and the body.

 

Common symptoms:

  • Muscle weakness or spasms
  • Numbness or tingling in arms, legs, or face
  • Trouble with balance or coordination
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Fatigue
  • Memory or thinking difficulties

 

Diagnosis:

Doctors use several tools to diagnose MS:

  1. Medical history & exam – checking for symptoms that come and go over time.
  2. MRI scans – to look for damage or “lesions” in the brain and spinal cord.
  3. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) – to check fluid for signs of immune activity.
  4. Evoked potentials – special tests that measure how quickly nerves send signals.

Key point:

Both conditions affect the nervous system but in different ways — Parkinson’s mainly impacts movement control due to dopamine loss, while MS disrupts the brain-body communication through nerve damage.

Medical Planning: How Parkinson’s/MS symptoms are managed on the water.

Managing Parkinson’s disease (PD) and multiple sclerosis (MS) on the water requires anticipating fluctuations in strength, coordination, fatigue, and cognition — and then building medical routines, vessel adaptations, and safety systems around them.

1. Daily Operational Safety

    • Medication Alarms: Set multiple reminders (phone, smart watch, First Mate) to avoid missed doses.
    • “Fit for Helm” Check: Before each cruise leg, quick assessment — is Captain Watt steady enough to helm? If not, First Mate takes helm.
    • Short Cruise Windows: Limit travel to morning or early afternoon, when fatigue and heat stress are lower.
    • Mandatory Rest Days: At least 2–3 per week, and more during challenging stretches (locks, rivers).

 

2. Onboard Physical Safety

    • Grab Rails Everywhere: Helm, galley, head, passageways, and cockpit.
    • Non-Skid Flooring: Inside and out; reduces falls.
    • Harness & Tether (if topside): If outside the helm while underway, Captain Watt should clip into jacklines — same as offshore sailing safety.
    • Accessible Cabin Layout: Wide passageways, roll-in shower, adjustable berth, no tripping hazards.
    • Service Dog Support: “Blue” aids balance and can alert the First Mate during a medical event.

 

3. Emergency Preparedness

    • First Aid & Medical Gear: AED, advanced first aid kit, oxygen concentrator (if prescribed), spare meds, cooling vests, heated blankets.
    • Redundant Communications: VHF radio, cell booster, plus satellite communicator (Garmin inReach/Iridium).

 

Emergency Handoff Protocol: If Captain Watt becomes incapacitated:

    • First Mate takes helm immediately (already trained).
    • Service dog guided to safe position.
    • Radio call to nearby vessels/marina/Coast Guard if needed.
    • Pre-written medical summary kept at helm for responders (diagnoses, meds, emergency contacts).

 

4. Docking & Lock Safety

    • First Mate Primary on Lines: To avoid fall risk for Captain Watt.
    • Communication Headsets: So Captain and First Mate can coordinate without shouting in stressful docking/locking.
    • Marina Requests: Call ahead for side-tie or ADA-friendly docks where possible.
    • Lock Protocol: Notify lockmasters of mobility needs; many are accustomed to assisting.

 

5. Community & Support Safety Net

    • Looper Flotillas: Travel with buddy boats where possible — instant backup in emergencies.
    • AGLCA Alerts: Use Looper network to identify accessible marinas and supportive stops.
    • Telemedicine Access: Subscription to marine telehealth service for real-time medical guidance.

 

6. Mental & Emotional Safety

    • Cognitive Backups: Written checklists for procedures (engine start, docking, navigation) reduce stress if MS brain fog or PD “off” periods occur.
    • Fatigue Flexibility: Culture onboard = no pushing through symptoms. If Captain Watt is fatigued, day off is mandatory.
    • Crew Care: First Mate must also have recovery breaks — rotating duties when possible, or using buddy boats for support.

 

The protocols combine prevention (grab rails, meds on schedule, rest days) with preparedness (emergency handoff, telemedicine, buddy boats). With these in place, Captain Watt can cruise the Loop with confidence while managing Parkinson’s and MS safely.