Understanding Parkinson’s

There is a lot to know about Parkinson's disease. Learn about symptoms, how it is diagnosed and what treatment options are available.
Living with Parkinson’s

While living with PD can be challenging, there are many things you can do to maintain and improve your quality of life and live well with Parkinson's disease.
Resources & Support

Living well with Parkinson’s disease (PD) means getting the support you need — from tools that help you work alongside your care team to resources that empower you.
Advancing Research

Our research has led to breakthroughs in treatment and improved care that bring hope to the entire Parkinson's community.
How You Can Help

There are many ways you can support the fight against Parkinson’s. Whatever form your gift takes, you can be confident that it goes toward providing crucial resources for those affected by this disease.

Podcasts

Episode 145: Treating Depression

Parkinson’s disease (PD) depression may be a biological part of the disease itself, resulting from PD-related changes in brain chemistry. Untreated depression and other mood disorders can have a greater impact on well-being than even common motor symptoms.

Depression affects at least 50 percent of people with PD sometime in the course of their disease, but it is often under-recognized and, therefore, under-treated, even though effective treatments exist, both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic. Treating depression can be a significant way to improve quality of life.

Veronica Bruno, MD, MPH, a neurologist specializing in movement disorders at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence, discusses depression, the problem of under-diagnosis, and the benefits of recognition and treatment.

Released: February 7, 2023

Dr. Veronica Bruno, MD, MPH is a neurologist with a subspecialty in movement disorders. She received her medical degree and neurology residency in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She completed her fellowship in Movement Disorders at the University of Toronto and a Master of Public Health degree at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.

Dr. Bruno was recognized with different international awards including the American Academy of Neurology and American Brain Foundation Clinical Fellowship and the Argentine Presidential Fellowship in Science and Technology, part of the U.S. State Department’s ‘100,000 Strong in the Americas’ initiative.

Dr. Bruno’s primary interest is the treatment of advanced Parkinson’s disease, with a particular research interest in the non-motor symptoms of the disease. She has also a special interest in Global Neurology and the search for innovative solutions to improve the quality of neurological care in low and middle-income countries.

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For all of our Substantial Matters podcast episodes, visit Parkinson.org/Podcast.

About Veronica Bruno, MD, MPH

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Depression and PD: A Non-Drug Treatment Option

Expert Briefing: Depression and PD

Combatting Depression

Parkinson’s Q&A: How do I manage my time and mental health?

Advancing Mental Health Care in Parkinson’s

How to Advocate for Your Mental Health with Parkinson’s