Parkinson's Today Blog

While it’s known as a movement disorder, people who live with Parkinson’s disease (PD) experience many non-movement, or non-motor, symptoms too – though not all of them are related to the disease. Peripheral neuropathy, or nervous system damage, fatigue and GI issues are common PD challenges that can also stem from other causes.

Around the world, more than two million people have died from COVID-19 thus far — with more than 514,000 of those deaths happening here in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. estimated death toll may reach nearly 550,000 by the end of March.   

Join us in celebrating the 100 podcast episodes of our series: Substantial Matters: The Life and Science of Parkinson’s Disease! It’s important to us that we take a pause and celebrate the victories with you, our listeners.

The newest signature initiative from the Parkinson’s Foundation is not only the first bilingual study to offer genetic testing and genetic counseling in English and Spanish at no cost for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), but it is already making waves in the research world.

Life as we knew it changed on January 30, 2020. That was that day when the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the COVID-19 outbreak to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), COVID-19 can result in serious, life-threatening complications, regardless of one’s age, race, health status, geographical location, or socio-economic income and including people with Parkinson’s disease.

Medical cannabis (or marijuana) is a complementary and alternative therapy of high interest for the Parkinson’s disease (PD) community.

Co-Managing Motor Symptoms Can Enhance Well-Being

Shakiness, slowness and stiffness – key Parkinson’s disease (PD) motor symptom challenges – can be frustrating. Your PD doctor and other PD healthcare experts, such as an occupational therapist (OT), can offer management strategies to ease movement difficulties. Addressing movement issues early can keep you living your best life.

“Moving Day funds are essential to launching critical Parkinson’s Foundation research initiatives, and keeping the brightest scientists in the Parkinson’s field,” said James Beck, PhD, Parkinson’s Foundation Chief Scientific Officer.

The Parkinson’s Foundation believes in providing resources that empower and educate the Parkinson’s disease (PD) community. To bring more resources to our Mandarin Chinese-speaking community, we have translated multiple fact sheets:

During the time of COVID-19 are people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) frequently experiencing anxiety? Are they using telehealth services to see their medical team? Are they exercising less or more often than before the pandemic? A Parkinson’s Foundation survey sought to answer these questions and more.