Living and Loving with Parkinson’s Disease

Our Partnership Through a 45-Year Journey

By: Rolf Lulloff, Mike Dauplaise

Narrated by: Marcus Freeman

Length: 6 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

Annie and Rolf Lulloff were entering an exciting stage of life in 1976 when the first signs of health issues that lie ahead for Annie began to emerge. A sudden loss of sense of smell, severe anxiety attacks, vision issues, and other neurological challenges piled up, eventually culminating in a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease on New Year’s Eve, 1989. But the Lulloffs were not about to let Parkinson’s get the best of them.

They cultivated a special relationship as care partners while enjoying life to its fullest over the next thirty-one years. Their commitment to experiencing all that life has to offer strengthened their bond and established them as examples for others going through similar journeys.

Living and Loving with Parkinson’s Disease is part love story and part how-to guide for all participants in a care partnership. Care persons, their spouses, and extended family and friends will benefit from the tips and care suggestions Rolf has compiled from his front-row seat to the ever-changing road that is a Parkinson’s disease journey.

©2023 Rolf Lulloff (P)2023 Rolf Lulloff

Critic reviews

"The sense of despair that often accompanies the loss of control from Parkinson’s can be overwhelming. Rolf and Annie Lulloff are great examples of how focusing on love and resilience makes it possible to enjoy a fulfilling quality of life." (Ann McKee, MD, director of the Boston University CTE Center and UNITE brain bank)

"The loving journey that Rolf and Annie Lulloff traveled together should be a model for all families dealing with Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases." (Lisa McHale, Director of Legacy Family Relations, Concussion Legacy Foundation)

A Real Life Journey

Rolf Lulloff shares the effects of his wife’s diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease on their time together, their marriage, and the changes in their relationship throughout. Written as a love story and how-to-guide, Rolf shares his experiences.

The authors, Rolf Lulloff and Mike Dauplaise reveal the devastating experiences of Parkinson's Disease. It is the story of Rolf Lulloff and his wife, Annie. The writing style is compelling as it is Rolf’s story told in a down-to-earth style, revealing his experiences in vivid detail but with a level of sincerity that is rich and meaningful to the listener. As the listener, you will smile, cry, and pray alongside Rolf as his and his wife’s experiences are carefully told. Through it all, not only are his personal experiences shared but he provides tips to move through this awful and devastating disease. The storytelling style engages the listener. The writing voice is passionate, caring, and giving from beginning to end.

Marcus Freman, the narrator, genuinely reflects the narrative through his tone and pitch. He speaks clearly and smoothly. He flawlessly reflects the personal feel of the story and relationship.

I am not one prone to listen to books of this genre (mainly because I hate to cry) but I found this book to be moving, captivating and poignant. I admire all of those involved in this venture.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

learned a lot about being a care partner

Since the author is a doctor, he had an enhanced medical perspective. His love for Annie was a big theme throughout the book. I learned a lot about being a care partner.