# Parkinson's Foundation > The Parkinson's Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson's disease (PD) by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. ## Understanding Parkinson's - [Understanding Parkinson's](https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons): Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder with varying symptoms, causes, and treatments that can be better managed through understanding it and expert care. - [What is Parkinson's?](https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons): Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system that leads to movement and non-movement symptoms. - [Types of Parkinsonisms](https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons/types-parkinsonisms): Distinguishes different types of Parkinsonisms and Parkinson's disease from related conditions like Dementia with Lewy Body, PSP, and others. - [10 Early Signs](https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/10-early-signs): Ten warning signs that may indicate Parkinson's, used to encourage timely diagnosis. - [Stages of Parkinson's](https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons/stages): Description of the five stages of Parkinson's disease progression and how it progresses differently in each person. - [Causes](https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/causes): What is currently known about the genetic and environmental factors believed to cause Parkinson's disease. - [Movement Symptoms](https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms): Parkinson's disease causes key movement symptoms like tremor, slowness, and stiffness that can worsen over time but can be managed through exercise and therapy. - [Non-Movement Symptoms](https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms): Parkinson's disease causes a wide range of non-movement symptoms—such as mental health issues, sleep problems, cognitive changes, and digestive or sensory issues. - [Getting Diagnosed](https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/getting-diagnosed): How Parkinson's disease is diagnosed clinically and what to expect from a neurology evaluation, including a DAT scan. - [Young-Onset Parkinson's](https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/young-onset-parkinsons): Information for people diagnosed before age 50 and the unique considerations for this group — also known as early-onset Parkinson's. - [Statistics](https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/statistics): Prevalence, incidence, and demographic data on Parkinson's in the U.S. and globally. ## Living With Parkinson's - [Living With Parkinson's](https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons): Guidance on how people with Parkinson's can manage daily life through treatment, lifestyle changes, emotional support, and access to care.- [New to Parkinson's](https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/new-to-parkinsons): Guidance for the newly diagnosed and their families, outlining what to expect, how to build a care team, and practical steps to manage the condition - [Finding Care](https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care): How to find and build a Parkinson's care team, including specialists and support resources. - [Treatment](https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/treatment): Overview of medications, surgical options, and supportive therapies for managing Parkinson's disease symptoms. - [Levodopa](https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/prescription-medications/levodopa): Levodopa is the most effective Parkinson's disease medication — how it works, dosing considerations, and common side effects. - [Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)](https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/surgical-treatment-options/deep-brain-stimulation): Surgical treatment that uses implanted electrodes to ease motor symptoms in eligible patients. - [Exercise](https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/exercise): Evidence-based exercise recommendations for slowing progression and managing symptoms of Parkinson's disease. - [Diet & Nutrition](https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/management/diet-nutrition): Eating guidance to support Parkinson's disease symptom management and medication effectiveness. - [My PD Story](https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/stories): First-person stories from people living with Parkinson's,their care partners and more. ## Resources & Support - [Resources & Support](https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support): the Parkinson's Foundation offers a wide range of free resources and support—such as the Helpline, education, community programs, and care tools—to help people with Parkinson's, caregivers, and professionals. - [Helpline](https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/helpline): 1-800-4PD-INFO line staffed by specialists in English and Spanish for free, personalized support and local referrals. - [Hospital Safety Guide](https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/hospital-safety-guide): Tools and checklists for safe hospital stays, covering information to advocate for safe, consistent care and prevent complications. - [In Your Area](https://www.parkinson.org/your-area): Find local chapters, support groups, and events near you. - [PD Library](https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/pd-library): Searchable library of videos, fact sheets, books, and educational materials. - [Blog](https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/blog): Articles on Parkinson's news, research updates, and practical tips for living with the disease. - [Events](https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/events): Upcoming in-person and virtual Parkinson's Foundation events that offer education, support, exercise, and community engagement opportunities. - [PD Health @ Home](https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/online-education/pdhealth): Free virtual programming on movement, mindfulness, nutrition, and education. - [For Care Partners](https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/carepartners): Resources for family members and friends supporting someone with Parkinson's disease. - [For Professionals](https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/professionals): Specialized Parkinson's education, clinical tools, and resources for healthcare providers. ## Advancing Research - [Finding A Cure](https://www.parkinson.org/advancing-research/finding-cure): The Foundation's research strategy and ongoing research aimed to find better treatments and a cure. - [Our Research](https://www.parkinson.org/advancing-research/our-research): Overview of funded studies, Centers of Excellence, and research priorities that aim to understand how Parkinson's works so we can cure it. - [Join A Study](https://www.parkinson.org/advancing-research/join-study): How people can participate in clinical trials to help advance understanding of the disease and improve future treatments. - [PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson's Foundation](https://www.parkinson.org/advancing-research/our-research/pdgeneration): International study offering genetic testing and counseling at no cost for people with Parkinson's disease. - [For Researchers](https://www.parkinson.org/advancing-research/for-researchers): How researchers can apply for Parkinson's Foundation grants, collaborate on studies, and access funding and support. ## How You Can Help - [How You Can Help](https://www.parkinson.org/how-to-help): Ways to support the Parkinson's Foundation through fundraising, advocacy, and volunteering. - [Why Support Us](https://www.parkinson.org/how-to-help/why-support-us): How donations to the Parkinson's Foundation help fund research, improve care, expand resources, and support programs that make life better for people living with Parkinson's. - [Fundraise](https://www.parkinson.org/how-to-help/fundraise): Programs and tools for hosting fundraising events such as Moving Day walks, runs, events and DIY campaigns. - [Volunteer](https://www.parkinson.org/how-to-help/volunteer): Volunteer opportunities including events, outreach, education and fundraising. - [Policy & Advocacy](https://www.parkinson.org/how-to-help/policy-advocacy-priorities): The Foundation's federal policy priorities and how to advocate for the Parkinson's disease community. ## About - [About Us](https://www.parkinson.org/about-us): The Parkinson's Foundation mission, vision, history, leadership, financial reports, and press room.