Controversial filmmaker Lars von Trier announces Parkinson’s diagnosis

Oscar-nominated director Lars von Trier has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Danish media outlets say Trier’s production company, Zentropa, released a statement about the director’s circumstances on Monday, with the filmmaker’s blessing. Peter Aalbæk Jensen, who co-founded Zentropa with Trier in 1992, says the director is in good spirits and is receiving treatment for his symptoms. Trier will continue to work on his latest feature project, The Kingdom Exodus, the upcoming third and final season of his The Kingdom series.

Zentropa added that von Trier would attend limited press events for the series, with its release later this year. The series follows the staff and patients of a neurosurgical ward in a Copenhagen hospital. In Season 3, sleepwalker Karen seeks answers to the unresolved questions of the series to save the hospital from doom. “The gate to the Kingdom is opening once more…” teases an official synopsis for the series. The new season stars Mikael Persbrandt, Lars Mikkelsen, Nikolaj Lie Kaas and Tuva Novotny, with Alexander Skarsgård and David Dencik guest-starring.

According to MayoClinic.org, Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and body parts controlled by the nerves. Symptoms start slowly. The first symptom may be a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are typical, but the disorder may also cause stiffness or slowing of movement.

In the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, your face may show little or no expression. Your arms may not swing when you walk. Your speech may become soft or slurred. Parkinson’s disease symptoms worsen as your condition progresses over time.

Although Parkinson’s disease can’t be cured, medications might significantly improve your symptoms. Occasionally, your health care provider may suggest surgery to regulate certain regions of your brain and improve your symptoms.

We here at JoBlo wish Trier the best as he continues to navigate life with Parkinson’s.