Parkinson's Today Blog

Last month, I raised money for our Parkinson’s community through a Parkinson’s Foundation Champion fundraiser called “Pars for Parkinson’s” where I played 100 holes of golf over two consecutive days with family and friends. In this article, my daughter, Anna, interviews me about the event. My name is Mike DeBartolo, 58, and I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) four years ago.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is usually described as a movement disorder of the nervous system that worsens over time.

Did you know that shopping on Amazon can help us beat Parkinson’s disease (PD)? Shop on Amazon using AmazonSmile and a portion of your purchase will be donated to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

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Curled, clenched toes or a painful cramped foot are telltale signs of dystonia. Dystonia is a sustained or repetitive muscle twisting, spasm or cramp that can occur at different times of day and in different stages of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Dystonia can also be the result of brain trauma, a stroke, a reaction to a medication or other causes.

People living with Young Onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) ― those diagnosed before age 50 ― are often managing careers, raising families or juggling both at the time of diagnosis. Finding time to take an early, active approach to YOPD care can seem daunting, but it is essential.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). They are generally described as self-limiting and on the less-severe end of the brain injury spectrum. It is estimated that as many as 3.8 million concussions occur in the U.S. every year during competitive sports and recreational activities. That number may be even higher ― research shows that upwards of 50 percent of concussions may go unreported. What does a concussion have to do with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia? Possibly a lot.

The top minds, experts and organizations in the Parkinson’s disease (PD) field gather annually at the International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders. During the Congress, they share knowledge and collaborate on ideas to advance the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s. 

The Parkinson’s Foundation is dedicated to helping keep our Parkinson’s disease (PD) community safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic that has disrupted so many of our daily routines. Access to gyms and exercise classes have been limited or entirely inaccessible. In-person gatherings are no longer encouraged. Even certain nutritious food items have been harder to find.

For many, it is embarrassing to bring up taboo topics with your doctor ― from sexual dysfunction to incontinence. However, when it comes to living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), sometimes these topics can be connected to the disease itself or side effects to PD medications.

No topic should be considered off limits to discuss with your healthcare team. The more we normalize and bring awareness to these issues, the less taboo they become. Scroll down to view some of these topics and their connection to Parkinson's, or click to jump straight to a specific topic.

There are many factors to consider when a trip to the hospital is necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic. One important suggestion we have heard from our Parkinson’s disease (PD) community is to make sure to update your Advanced Directives if you have not already. This includes your health care power of attorney (or health care surrogate).