Despite these challenges, Simon continued to work on music.
Her new album "Comes in Waves" features songs written over several years and gives structure to days affected by her illness.
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"Working on the music gave shape to days that did not always have much shape. It gave me somewhere to go without having to leave the room.
It reminded me that illness can change your life without becoming the whole of your life," Simon said.
Simon addressed the emotional impact of Parkinson's, particularly the apathy it causes, which she described as distinct from sadness or laziness.
"The apathy is particularly strange.
You can find yourself lying there like a starfish drying in the sun, arms pointing in all directions, while nothing inside is telling you to get up, read, watch, write, sing, call someone, or do much of anything at all.
That has been one of the hardest things to explain," she said.
She emphasized that Parkinson's is difficult and frustrating but does not define her. "I do not consider Parkinson's a gift or a blessing.
It is neither. It is difficult, frustrating, and sometimes frightening," Simon said.
She concluded by thanking her family, friends, caregivers, and medical professionals for their support and affirmed that she is still very much present despite moving more slowly and leaning on others more than before.
"These days I move more slowly, I lean on others more than I once did, and I have learned to accept that every day will look a little different.
But I am still very much here," Simon said.
Parkinson's disease affects an estimated 1.1 million Americans and is characterized by tremors, stiffness, slowed movement, and balance issues.
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It can also cause non-movement symptoms such as depression and cognitive changes, according to the Parkinson's Foundation.
