Experts: Parkinson's disease shouldn't keep Kirk Gibson from managing again

Less than seven months after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, Kirk Gibson interviewed for the Los Angeles Dodgers' managerial opening this week.

There are several factors that make Gibson a perceived long shot to land the position, but his diagnosis, according to experts in the field, should not be one of them.

"I have patients who are teachers, professors, lawyers, doctors, bankers who are actively doing well with Parkinson's," said Dr. Michael Kaplitt, a neurosurgeon and associate professor of neurological surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York. "They're actively productive, and it doesn't prevent them from doing a variety of professions.

"You have to understand your limitations, but patients can do a variety of professions where their expertise and their mind are very valuable and the disability they have from the disease is well-enough controlled where they can be extraordinarily productive."

Gibson, 58, announced his diagnosis in April. He has been calling Detroit Tigers games for Fox Sports Detroit and has previously stated his desire to manage again. He was fired by the Arizona Diamondbacks in September 2014 after finishing the season with a record of 64-98. He was Arizona's manager from 2010 to 2014 and was named the National League Manager of the Year in 2011 after the Diamondbacks won 94 games.

When Gibson announced he had Parkinson's disease he said, "I have faced many different obstacles in my life and have always maintained a strong belief that no matter the circumstances, I could overcome those obstacles. While this diagnosis poses a new kind of challenge for me, I intend to stay true to my beliefs."

Symptoms of Parkinson's include tremors, slowed movement, impaired posture and balance and slurred speech.

"Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive movement disorder, meaning symptoms worsen over time," said Dr. Beth Vernaleo, associate director of research programs at the Parkinson's Disease Foundation. "Although each person's experience with the disease is unique, Parkinson's typically progresses slowly. Many people will experience a 'honeymoon period' in which symptoms are well-managed by available medications. Though there is no cure, there are treatments and resources that can help people with Parkinson's continue to lead full, productive lives."

Surgery to regulate certain regions of the brain is also an option in advanced stages of the disease when medication and therapy is no longer as effective.

One million individuals in the United States live with the disease, according to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation. While approximately 4 percent of people with Parkinson's are diagnosed before the age of 50, incidence increases with age. Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1991 when he was 29 years old, and he continued acting for more than 20 years.

Gibson spent three years as a player with the Dodgers, and his walk-off home run in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series is one of the greatest moments in baseball and Los Angeles sports history. While he may be a popular choice to succeed Don Mattingly as the team's next manager among nostalgic fans, sources told ESPN's Mark Saxon as many as 10 candidates are expected to interview for the job.There is a feeling the Dodgers will stay in house and go with Gabe Kapler, who has been their director of player development. That, however, shouldn't prevent other teams from considering Gibson for manager openings, and neither should his disease.

"The mere fact that you have a diagnosis of Parkinson's and some symptoms does not automatically mean you're going to have to withdraw from society and not be productive and not be employed," Kaplitt said. "I have had many examples of patients who are employed and successful in their professions. It's not a diagnosis where people need to feel like they can't be hired and be productive in their jobs."