## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons) # New to Parkinson's The community, resources and advice you need to build a better life with Parkinson’s. ![New to Parkinson's](/sites/default/files/styles/1902x600/public/images/newtoparkinsons.jpg?h=83615a45&itok=Av4tgyCj) IN THIS SECTIONIN THIS SECTION - [Understanding Parkinson’s](/understanding-parkinsons) View Menu - [Understanding Parkinson’s](/understanding-parkinsons) - [What is Parkinson's?](/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons) - [10 Early Signs](/understanding-parkinsons/10-early-signs) - [Causes](/understanding-parkinsons/causes) - [Movement Symptoms](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms) - [Non-Movement Symptoms](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms) - [Getting Diagnosed](/understanding-parkinsons/getting-diagnosed) - [Statistics](/understanding-parkinsons/statistics) - [Living with Parkinson’s](/living-with-parkinsons) View Menu - [Living With Parkinson’s](/living-with-parkinsons) - [New to Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons/new-to-parkinsons) - [Our Care Programs](/living-with-parkinsons/care-programs) - [Finding Care](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care) - [Treatment](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment) - [Management & Lifestyle](/living-with-parkinsons/management) - [Emotional & Mental Health](/living-with-parkinsons/emotional-mental-health) - [Legal, Financial & Insurance](/living-with-parkinsons/legal-financial) - [My PD Story](/living-with-parkinsons/stories) - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) View Menu - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) - [Helpline](/resources-support/helpline) - [In Your Area](/your-area) - [PD Library](/resources-support/pd-library) - [Hospital Safety Guide](/resources-support/hospital-safety-guide) - [Online Education](/resources-support/online-education) - [Events](/resources-support/events) - [Community Grants](/resources-support/community-grants) - [For Care Partners](/resources-support/carepartners) - [For Professionals](/resources-support/professionals) - [Find Your Chapter](/resources-support/find-your-chapter) - [Blog](/resources-support/blog) - [Advancing Research](/advancing-research) View Menu - [Advancing Research](/advancing-research) - [Finding A Cure](/advancing-research/finding-cure) - [Our Research](/advancing-research/our-research) - [Understanding Research](/advancing-research/understanding-research) - [Join A Study](/advancing-research/join-study) - [Advocate for Research](/advancing-research/advocate-research) - [For Researchers](/advancing-research/for-researchers) - [Drug Discovery and Development](/advancing-research/parkinsons-drug-discovery) - [How You Can Help](/how-to-help) View Menu - [How You Can Help](/how-to-help) - [Donate Now](/how-to-help/donate) - [Why Support Us](/how-to-help/why-support-us) - [Make a Tribute Gift](/how-to-help/tribute) - [Fundraise](/how-to-help/fundraise) - [Volunteer](/how-to-help/volunteer) - [Corporate Sponsors](/how-to-help/corporate-sponsors) - [Planned Giving](/how-to-help/more-ways-to-give/planned-giving) - [More Ways to Give](/how-to-help/more-ways-to-give) - [Policy & Advocacy](/how-to-help/policy-advocacy-priorities) ## 💡 Quick Summary - Newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s? The Parkinson’s Foundation offers guidance, emotional support and resources to help you and your loved ones navigate the [diagnosis](/understanding-parkinsons/getting-diagnosed "Getting Diagnosed"). - Early exercise, wellness programs and care partner support are key for maintaining mobility, balance, and overall well-being. - Connect with [local chapters](/resources-support/find-your-chapter "Find Your Chapter"), join online communities and access educational tools like the Newly Diagnosed Guide and [PD GENEration genetics study](/advancing-research/our-research/pdgeneration "PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation"). ![Logo - Newly Diagnosed](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/newly_diagnosed_logo.png?itok=jJsAqFu4) ## Newly Diagnosed For some, a Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis comes as a relief; an explanation for previously unexplained symptoms. Others may be stunned, struggling with what the future may look like. As you begin processing your emotions, which can be wide-ranging, it’s important to know you are not alone. [CONNECT WITH US](https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/new-to-parkinsons#signup) ![Newly Diagnosed](/sites/default/files/styles/820x460/public/images/video-newlydiagnosed.jpg?h=17c3cd98&itok=KBBt_mJC) ![Newly Diagnosed: Living Your Best Life](/sites/default/files/styles/820x460/public/images/LivingYourBestLife-Video.png?h=17c3cd98&itok=zaCuBcMF) Previous Next Explore our [virtual educational and wellness programs](/resources-support/online-education/pdhealth "PD Health @ Home"). ## 3 Key Resources ### 5 Steps to Living Well Taking control of the things you can will minimize stress and improve well-being. These five steps, in any order, can help you begin to live well with PD. [READ 5 STEPS](/living-with-parkinsons/new-to-parkinsons/5-steps) ### Helpline Contact our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) or Helpline@Parkinson.org for answers to your Parkinson’s questions, in English or Spanish. [LEARN MORE](/resources-support/helpline) ### Newly Diagnosed Guide Designed to help people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones get started on their PD journey, learn more about PD and prepare for a doctor's appointment. [ORDER NOW](/library/book/newly-diagnosed-guide) ### Was your loved one recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s? We are here for you. PD impacts each person in a different way, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach to caring for a loved one. Allow yourself time to adapt to the diagnosis and to define [caregiving](/resources-support/carepartners "For Care Partners") for yourself, especially early on, when you might not feel like you are giving care. [Explore our care partner resources](/resources-support/carepartners "For Care Partners") ### Exercise Exercise is medicine for people with Parkinson’s. Research shows that exercise and physical activity can not only maintain and improve mobility, flexibility and balance but also ease non-movement PD symptoms such as [depression](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/depression "Depression") and [anxiety](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/anxiety "Anxiety"). Establishing early exercise habits is essential to overall disease management. [Learn more about exercise and PD](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/exercise "Exercise") ![Margrethe Hansen in pier by boat](/sites/default/files/styles/620x620/public/images/margrethe_hansen.jpg?h=18ceee18&itok=LWeNbJHd) ## Five Honest Reactions to a Parkinson’s Diagnosis Nothing can prepare you for hearing the words, “you have Parkinson’s.” Everyone reacts differently — from confusion to relief. Check out five common and honest reactions people have after receiving the life-changing news, along with the resources that can help. [READ NOW](/blog/awareness/5-diagnosis-reactions) ## Related Pages ### [ Chapter Network ](/resources-support/find-your-chapter) Through Parkinson’s Foundation Chapters, we provide people with Parkinson’s and their care partners access to local resources and services, such as: • Support groups • Health and wellness classes • Education programs ### [ PD GENEration ](/advancing-research/our-research/pdgeneration) Our global initiative offers genetic testing for Parkinson’s-related genes and genetic counseling at no cost for people with Parkinson’s. ### [ PD Conversations ](https://www.pdconversations.org/) As you learn more about Parkinson’s, start building your support network. Sign up for our online community of people living with PD, care partners and people who are newly diagnosed. ### We're Here For You The Parkinson’s Foundation is here for you at every stage of your journey. We offer the community, resources and advice to support you — and your family – as you begin to build a better life with Parkinson’s. | | \* Indicates mandatory fields\| \| \|--:\|---\| \| \\| First Name\*Required \\| Last Name\*Required \\| \\| \\| \\| \| \|---\| \| Email\*Required \| \| \| \| \\| City \\| State \\| ZIP\* \\| \\| \\| AKALARAZCACOCTDCDEFLGAHIIAIDILINKSKYLAMAMDMEMIMNMOMSMTNCNDNENHNJNMNVNYOHOKORPARISCSDTNTXUTVAVTWAWIWVWYASFMGUMHMPPRPWVIAAAEAPABBCMBNBNLNSNTNUONPEQCSKYTNone Required \\| \\| \| \|---\| \| Phone Number \| \| \| | |---| | | Question - Not Required - What is your Parkinson's connection? Please select responsePerson with PDSpouse/PartnerParent has / had PDOther family of person with PDFriend of person with PDHealthcare ProfessionalOther | | | Question - Not Required - Please share the year of Parkinson's diagnosis. | | | Question - Not Required - Are you involved with the person with Parkinson's care? Please select responseYesNo | | | Question - Not Required - Are you a veteran? Please select responseYesNoMy loved one with PD is a Veteran | | | Question - Not Required - Which language would you prefer to hear from us in? Please select responseEnglishSpanishBoth English and Spanish | | | Spam Control Text: Please leave this field empty ### Learn, Share and Network Join our Newly Diagnosed Community Network to connect with other people recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s. [LEARN MORE](/how-to-help/volunteer/community-networks/newly-diagnosed) ## Related Materials Books ### [ Newly Diagnosed Guide ](/library/book/newly-diagnosed-guide) [Read Now](/library/book/newly-diagnosed-guide) Podcasts ### [ Episode 91: The Newly Diagnosed Experience ](/library/podcast/91) [Listen Now](/library/podcast/91) Books ### [ Living Your Best Life: A Guide to Parkinson’s Disease ](/library/books/living-your-best-life) [Read Now](/library/books/living-your-best-life) ## Related Blog Posts ![Woman reading on her tablet](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/pdqanda-infoafternewdiagnosis-blog.jpg?h=c12e0b96&itok=-u1OelF-) Tips for Daily Living ### [ Parkinson’s Q&A: How do I find information after a new diagnosis? ](/blog/tips/information-after-diagnosis) READ NOW ![grandparent helping grandchild ride bike](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/newlydiagnosed-blog.png?h=ed9ce7df&itok=StJ6PG3x) Raise Awareness ### [ Newly Diagnosed: Building a Better Life with Parkinson's ](/blog/awareness/newly-diagnosed) READ NOW ![Couple sitting on a dock looking out on to the water](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/livingyourbestlife-blog.jpg?h=9d96f97f&itok=PYzdCE1o) Tips for Daily Living ### [ Newly Diagnosed: Living Your Best Life with Parkinson’s ](/blog/research/newly-diagnosed) READ NOW - Share on Facebook - Share on X - Share on LinkedIn