For the first time, the Parkinson’s Foundation is connecting its mission and vision to policy and advocacy work that drives change at the federal and state levels. Through this work, the Foundation aims to shape a future where Parkinson’s disease (PD) research is steadily funded, every person with PD has access to the care and support they deserve, and fewer people develop PD in the first place.

Leading these efforts is Andi Lipstein Fristedt, Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy and Policy Officer. Andi leads the Foundation’s strategic direction and policy initiatives. Andi brings nearly 20 years of leadership experience to the Parkinson’s Foundation. In this interview, Andi shares how she views policy as an opportunity and powerful tool to accelerate progress and create meaningful change — starting now.

1. Can you tell us about your prior policy experience in the health space?

Before joining the Parkinson's Foundation, I spent most of my career in government. Most recently, I served as Deputy Director at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) where I led the agency’s global health work, as well as its cross cutting offices related to policy, budget, communications and congressional engagement. Before that I was at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as Deputy Commissioner for Policy, Legislation & International Affairs where I advanced key policies to strengthen the agency’s regulatory agenda. I previously served on Capitol Hill for almost a decade with the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and as Chief of Staff in the Oregon State Legislature.

These diverse experiences fuel my passion to bridge the gap between Parkinson’s research, care and policy at both the state and federal level.

2. Why bring your talents to the Parkinson’s community?

Like so many others, Parkinson’s disease has impacted people I care deeply about. I am excited about the opportunity to come to an organization that understands the people it serves, centers them in the work, and is positioned to drive progress alongside them. I’m here to lead change for people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners. These are challenging times in public policy, but there's a real opportunity to reimagine what’s possible. The federal and state policy landscape gives us opportunity to make short- and long-term changes to strengthen public health and health care for years to come.

3. What are the top policy issues for people with Parkinson’s? How is the Parkinson’s Foundation addressing them?

Right now, the Foundation is advancing a number of policy priorities:

• Protecting and advancing the National Parkinson's Project. The National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act was signed into law in 2024, creating the National Parkinson’s Project, and now we’re working to push the administration to implement it in a timely manner. This is the first federal project dedicated to PD research, prevention and care — our policy work will help ensure it delivers real results for people with PD.
• Research funding. Parkinson's is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease, yet federal funding has not kept pace with its rise. In addition to advocating for more funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other federal agencies, we're starting to see research funding opportunities in state governments. Our goal is to secure $600 million a year for Parkinson's research at the NIH by 2028. We aim to fully deliver on the promise of this pivotal moment in PD discovery.

“Our goal is to secure $600 million a year of Parkinson's disease research at the NIH by 2028. We aim to fully deliver on the promise of this pivotal moment in PD discovery.”

• Environmental health threats. Environmental factors, such as chemicals like paraquat and trichloroethylene (TCE) have been tied to Parkinson's, and this is where policy changes can make a big difference. Paraquat is banned in more than 70 countries, including China, even though they still sell it to the U.S. It's something that we have the power to change by working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and engaging with state governments.
• Helping people access PD care. There's so much work to do here at the federal and state levels, making sure that we're supporting policies that help people with Parkinson’s access timely, quality and affordable care wherever they live. For example, we’ve seen how hard the uncertainty around telehealth coverage has made care for providers and people with PD.
• Supporting public health agencies. Public health agencies need the tools and the authority to advance prevention and support new PD treatments and care breakthroughs. This is not a given. We work to ensure the strongest possible public health programs, to ensure that we're moving towards better treatments and a cure for Parkinson's.

4. How can people with Parkinson’s and allies get involved?

There are a lot of opportunities for people with Parkinson's and the people who care about them to engage in policy. Policymakers need to hear your stories and experiences as they are considering policy changes, and we’re working to help people engage with policymakers, year-round.

One exciting opportunity to engage with Congress is coming up March 15 to 18, in Washington, D.C., through our Parkinson's Policy Forum and Day of Action. We will host this event alongside The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and the American Parkinson Disease Association. We’ll be inviting advocates to come to D.C., spend time together as a community and engage lawmakers around key priorities for the Parkinson's community.

But you don’t have to be in Washington, D.C. or a state capital to reach out to your lawmakers, and there are lots of other ways to be involved in advocacy. The Parkinson’s Foundation is building and expanding our platform to share timely action items and help support advocates who want to do that work and make their voices heard.

5. Why should policymakers care about policies that impact Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease, with more than 1 million Americans living with PD and 90,000 new people diagnosed each year. Policymakers have a responsibility to address diseases like PD that impact communities and drive up health care costs. Research for cures has always been, and must remain, bipartisan. When policymakers hear stories from their constituents facing life-altering issues, they listen — especially when those voices unite.

We are at a pivotal moment, with scientific advancements within reach. Now is not the time to pump the breaks — but hit the gas to take advantage of the incredible scientific progress that has been happening to yield real changes for people living with PD. Sustained congressional investment in research and programs leads directly to earlier detection, better treatments, and a cure. And today, we know policy actions by state and federal agencies can protect people from developing PD in the first place.

6. What should people in the PD community tell their Congressperson or State Representative?

Part of the Parkinson’s Foundation policy strategy is showing how policy decisions shape the daily lives of people with Parkinson's and, in turn, ensuring that policy changes reflect lived experience. We need legislators to see a future where new disease-modifying therapies exist, where there are enough specialists to treat people with Parkinson’s, where people are protected from toxic chemicals that contribute to the development of PD and where there's a cure. People with Parkinson’s and their families play a critical role in sharing what these possibilities mean to them.

Lawmakers respond to personal stories — they make this disease tangible. Connecting policy to the realities of living with Parkinson’s is a vital component of our policy work.

7. What gives you hope about helping people with Parkinson’s advocate for policy change?

The community. There are so many people across the country and world, demanding a different future where we think more about Parkinson's disease on a federal and state policy level. The strength and passion of this community is what will ultimately make the difference in the policy space.

8. What’s next for Parkinson’s Foundation policy and advocacy work?

At the Parkinson’s Foundation, we’re focused on policies that improve life for people living with PD today and accelerate progress toward better care and a cure. There's so much change happening across health agencies, and we know that a strong, effective policy strategy will help advance care, research and support for people with Parkinson's.

We’re excited for the Parkinson's Policy Forum and Day of Action coming up in March and the launch of our policy priorities.

We also invite our community to help raise PD awareness. Join us at the local level, stay connected with us and share information with friends and family.

Make your voice heard. Sign up today to receive our emails and take part in Parkinson’s Foundation advocacy work. If you already receive our emails, sign in to the Online Supporter Center and opt into Policy emails under Communication Preferences.

At The Kensington in White Plains, NY, compassionate care for people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) isn’t just a promise, it is a practice grounded in training and personalization. 

Through expert-led training and measurable outcomes, the Parkinson’s Foundation Community Partners in Parkinson’s Care educates and prepares care staff working in senior living communities and home care agencies to provide optimal support for people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The program focuses on practical, day-to-day strategies on how Parkinson’s affects movement and mood — and how PD care can improve quality of life. 

As a community partner, The Kensington ensures residents with Parkinson’s receive individualized, person-centered support. In this article, The Kensington Associate Executive Director Joanne Hubbard shares how her team puts these practices into action every day. 

How prevalent is Parkinson’s disease at The Kensington?  

Joanne: It fluctuates but about 15 to 30% of our total resident population are living with Parkinson's. In New York, there's a special license for assisted living communities called an enhanced license that allows our residents to age in place. The Kensington has that license, which enables people to remain in our community while receiving higher acuity care as their condition progresses. 

Our promise is to love and care for our residents like we would our own family. Parkinson’s care is more than managing symptoms, we aim to preserve dignity, purpose, voice and quality of life at every stage.

Why did you become a Community Partner?  

Joanne: Community Partners in Parkinson’s Care training equips our team to do more than share information — it builds a shared understanding that allows residents, families and team members to navigate Parkinson’s together. Our team and most residents recognize how Parkinson’s can affect daily activities and symptoms related to Parkinson's. Because of our commitment to excellence in Parkinson’s care, and our partnership with Community Partners in Parkinson’s Care, we support more people with Parkinson’s. The Community Partners provides our team, residents and families with information they need to succeed now. 

What are some examples of how staff provides specialized Parkinson’s care?

Joanne: Our THRIVE with Parkinson’s program for residents with Parkinson’s and other movement disorders and their family members stands for: Therapeutic, Holistic, Revitalizing, Inspiring Independence, Vocally Vibrant and Empowering. When it comes to Parkinson’s, our team staff is trained to be intentional with time. They know to slow down, allow medication time to take effect, and adjust communication so instructions are clear and manageable. They know to give residents extra time for a response if they're having an off episode.  

 When you see these strategies making a difference, it reinforces that Parkinson’s training truly works. Anyone coming into this work is doing it because you love people and you want to help. These strategies enable you to actualize that goal. 

How do you train staff to provide better Parkinson’s care?  

Joanne: We use the Community Partners Portal, which staff can complete at their own pace, but I'm an advocate of the classroom approach so we watch the courses together. When a new team member starts, they participate in a full day of Parkinson's training. I also advocate for experiential learning — if you're not doing it yourself, you are less likely to apply it. I want people to feel scenarios in their bodies. We practice in real time and discuss scenarios. We also have some of our residents with Parkinson’s join the training for a Q&A, which is highly impactful. 

As a Community Partner we are given educational resources for our team like the Experiential Toolkit. The kit includes heavyweight shoes with Velcro that especially resonate with staff because they get stuck to the carpet. So, when they get up from a chair wearing these shoes, they can’t take that first step. They can really imagine what a freezing of gait episode feels like. And they can apply that feeling to helping a resident who freezes when going through a threshold or walking into the elevator.  

Our team also customizes routines for residents with Parkinson’s. We promote independence. For example, we schedule time to help Ben complete his night routine while seated, or if he wants to stand, we will stand behind him. Our goal is to not do things for residents they can do for themselves. 

The Kensington is known for its ability to deliver Parkinson’s medication on time. How and why is this a goal for your center?   

Joanne: Providing Parkinson’s medication on time is a major key of the Community Partner program. It was the main area that made me start digging into what do we need to do differently to improve our Parkinson’s care. 

After joining the Parkinson’s Foundation Community Partners program, we created an additional nursing position to administer Parkinson's medication. Many of our residents with Parkinson’s require up to eight medication passes a day. That level of frequency made it an impossible task for one nurse to get to all residents on time.  

Today, our residents with Parkinson's get their PD medications within a 15-minute window. We recognize that many care centers do not have the same level of resources available. That is one of the reasons I am so proud to work at The Kensington, our leadership understands it's always about the people. Our promise is to love and care for our residents as if they're our own family. And when there is a need, we look at how we can solve it. 

What’s your favorite Kensington program?  

Joanne: We offer programs that serve the body, mind, spirit. Our music therapy program is led by a therapist with a background in neurologic music therapy. He encompasses a lot of neurology-based approaches — a mix of coordination, range of motion and movement. He also does a lot of breathing, meditation and relaxation exercises. Our residents experience a lot of stiffness and anxiety, so it’s a win if we can give them tools they can then use in their own time.  

I also run our vocal gym that focuses on our vocal structure, monotone speech, issues with breath support and voice control. I educate attendees about dopamine and how we need it to have coordination and movement. I talk a lot about Parkinson’s in the vocal gym and what's happening in the brain and the body. This helps the residents understand what is happening and gives them a sense of control.  

Learn more about Speech & Swallowing Issues in Parkinson’s

One way Kensington is unique is that it educates residents about Parkinson’s too. Why?  

Joanne: We keep our Parkinson's programming open for everybody. Our residents were noticing when their friends’ symptoms were interfering with something they were doing and would bring it up to staff, saying “hey, I'm noticing Joanne's having a harder time at breakfast with her utensils.” We provide a context and understand about Parkinson’s in how maybe Joanne’s experiencing an “off” time to help them understand what is happening rather than feel concerned or confused. 

How does Kensington offer emotional support for residents?  

Joanne: We offer Parkinson’s and movement disorders support groups for residents and a separate one for care givers and family members. They help residents better understand their own experiences and relate to others. We meet monthly and they run the group; I just facilitate it — it's an amazing group. They find support in one another.  

What has surprised you about Parkinson’s disease?  

Joanne: My support group told me I can share this, but I was surprised to learn how isolated people in the group felt because of Parkinson’s. They felt misunderstood and judged, some were told they were making their Parkinson’s up. For them to be able to come to this group and be able to talk has given them a community within the community.  

Just last month I brought up delusions to the group, a topic we don't hear a lot from the residents about. Like an onion, the group unfolded. Some people were very aware they had experienced delusions, while others were realizing it during the group. It was a powerful session to say the least.  

Can you share a resident story that inspired you?  

Joanne: We have a resident that was unable to walk unassisted. Right away he expressed his goal, which was to walk his daughter down the aisle for her upcoming wedding. It was helpful for staff to know his goal. With hard work, steady Parkinson’s care and therapy, he walked her down the aisle. He danced with her at her wedding, and he even gave a speech. The impression we got is that these things weren’t even on his radar when he joined us. We were all so moved.   

Do you have any advice for family members of people with Parkinson’s considering community living?  

Joanne: When looking at potential senior living communities, always ask questions. I would start with these topics and avoid feeding staff answers: 

1. Ask all the PD medication questions: How are medications managed? Who manages them? Can the person manage their own medications or does a nurse or a medication aide administer it? What is the window of time that they'll get medications?  

2. What kind of specialized programs do you have for people with Parkinson's? 

3. What support opportunities do you have for residents? And for the families?  

4. Ask about their training in Parkinson’s care. Look for the Parkinson's Foundation Community Partners badge, which shows they’ve completed additional Parkinson’s training.

The Parkinson’s Foundation is grateful to Acadia Pharmaceuticals and the Edmond J. Safra Foundation for their support of Community Partners in Parkinson’s Care.

Learn more about the Community Partners in Parkinson’s Care program and find a community partner site near you.

Integrative medicine combines evidence-based medicine with proven complementary therapies and functional medicine, treatment that seeks to treat the whole person, to manage Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms. Explore how non-drug treatments — such as massage, acupuncture, red light therapy and CBD — are sometimes used to support well-being alongside traditional Parkinson’s care. 

The following article is based on a Parkinson’s Foundation Expert Briefing exploring complementary therapies and holistic medicine in Parkinson's care, hosted by Britt Stone, MD, assistant clinical professor, Movement Disorders division, Department of Neurology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), a Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence, and clinical operations director for VUMC’s main campus neurology clinics. 

Bridging Modern Medicine and Complementary Care 

Traditional Western-medicine therapies include care your neurologist might prescribe, whether levodopa or other prescription medications, physical or occupational therapy or psychiatry referrals or a home health aide recommendation. 

Integrative medicine blends medicine with proven complementary therapies to encourage optimal well-being.  

• Functional medicine falls under the umbrella of integrative medicine; it seeks to identify the root cause of illness and treat the entire person through a personalized care plan.  

• Complementary therapies are a component of functional medicine — these can include mindfulness, art or dance therapy or other treatments. 

Taking a Deeper Look at Functional Medicine 

Living well with Parkinson’s requires ongoing management — the right medications, dedicated exercise, a balanced diet and the ability to adapt to changing needs. Functional medicine also takes whole-body approach to care, with an emphasis on sustained nutrition, gut health and lifestyle factors. 

At its core, functional medicine incorporates habits, routines and rhythms into daily living that contribute to overall health. From there, specific therapies to target individual needs are integrated into a care plan. These might include tailored exercise, supplements or herbal remedies or other complementary therapies.  

Functional medicine can also include laboratory or diagnostic testing to uncover whether factors such as genetics or environmental exposures, including allergens, are impacting body function. Lab testing, which is not always covered by insurance, could include screening for environmental mold or other toxins in the body or assessments of:  

• Vitamin and mineral levels 

• Gut health 

• Inflammatory markers 

• Food sensitivities 

To some extent, genetics, environment, previous illnesses, social and behavioral factors influence the health outcomes of every person. Functional medicine considers all these aspects and aims to slow disease progression and optimize quality of life. 

Complementary Therapies 

Parkinson’s can cause various non-movement symptoms — including stiffness, pain, anxiety, sleep and mood changes — and medications might not relieve them all. Non-drug complementary therapies have been moving into mainstream use for Parkinson’s symptom management, particularly for symptoms that don’t respond as well to prescription medications. 

Certain complementary therapies that foster social connections and creativity while promoting purpose and play have been shown to improve quality of life. A 2020 meta-analysis showed that dance improved movement and non-movement symptoms and quality of life in people with Parkinson’s. A 2013 six-week clay art therapy program for Parkinson’s showed a decrease in depression, stress and obsessive-compulsive thinking among participants.  

Some complementary therapies are rooted in Chinese philosophy and medicine and the concept of chi, or qi — the energy or life force that animates a person. Sluggish or deficient chi is thought to cause illness. Mind-body breathwork, such as Tai Chi and qigong, used to improve balance, function and mood in Parkinson’s, aims to improve energy flow. 

Other therapies include: 

Acupuncture: One study showed acupuncture, which also aims to balance energy flow, could possibly relieve musculoskeletal pain in Parkinson’s. Other case reports and clinical studies show that acupuncture may improve activities of daily living for people with Parkinson’s. Dry needling, a physical therapy technique used to ease pain, speed healing and improve movement, also uses small thin needles, but the technique is different and the goal is targeted muscle treatment, rather than improved energy flow. 

Massage: It is used to boost relaxation and ease muscle spasms and cramps. A 2020 review looking at 12 studies of massage therapy and its benefits in Parkinson's found that:  

• Multiple types of massage induced relaxation. 

• Participants reported improvements in mood, fatigue, sleep and pain.  

• Some research shows neuromuscular types of massage, including shiatsu, tuina and Thai neuromuscular massage, might improve motor symptoms.   

A 2020 review of 12 massage therapy studies and its benefit on Parkinson's symptoms, found that:  

• Multiple types of massage induced relaxation  

• Participants reported improvements in mood, fatigue, sleep and pain.  

• Some research shows neuromuscular types of massage, including shiatsu, tuina and Thai neuromuscular massage, might improve movement symptoms.   

Red-light therapy: Emerging research shows low-level red-light therapy, also called photobiomodulation, may hold neuroprotective potential for Parkinson’s. However, more studies are needed. The potential health benefits of red-light therapy were discovered by NASA scientists who, when experimenting with light-emitting diodes to boost plant growth, noticed the lights also sped up wound healing.  

Red-light therapy is currently used as part of photodynamic therapy in dermatology to treat certain types of skin cancer (the red light activates a photosensitizing drug). It is also used to treat psoriasis and acne. Red-light therapy is thought to work by stimulating the mitochondria in the cells being treated, leading to more efficient cellular activity and new cell growth. It is important to protect the eyes when using any sort of red-light therapy. 

Cannabidiol (CBD): This compound is found in hemp and marijuana cannabis plants and interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system. CB1 and CB2 receptors, key components of this system, are involved in communication between brain cells and gut and immune system health. 

There are higher concentrations in marijuana of THC, the compound that gets people high. Hemp is typically rich in CBD, a compound that may be helpful for sleep, anxiety or pain, though more research is needed. Epidiolex is a prescription form of CBD, approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat certain types of seizures.  

Medical and recreational marijuana legalization varies by state. There can be safety considerations, depending on your symptoms or medications you may be taking.  

Working Complementary Therapy into Your Routine  

Creating a personalized, balanced plan to manage Parkinson’s can help you maintain independence. Complementary therapies, therapeutic touch, a practitioner who listens to you, downtime and mindfulness can all benefit quality of life and improve sense of wellness.  

When deciding what therapies might benefit you, think about your goals and what symptoms bother you the most. Have an open conversation with your healthcare team and discuss what treatment options are available. Talking about potential therapies with your doctor can help you avoid potential interactions and ensure the best outcomes. Connecting online or in person with people in the Parkinson’s community can also give you an opportunity to talk about what has worked for others and share your own experiences.   

Consider therapies that align with your needs that are also accessible, affordable and manageable. Add in one new thing, observe the effects or benefits and adjust or change plans, with input from your healthcare team, as needed. 

Learn More  

Explore our resources about complementary therapies and symptom management in Parkinson’s:   

• Top Takeaways About Complementary Therapies and PD 

• A Beginner's Guide to Managing Pain Through Mindfulness 

• Over the Counter & Complementary Therapies 

La medicina integrativa combina la medicina basada en la evidencia con terapias complementarias de eficacia comprobada y la medicina funcional; tratamiento que pretende atender a la persona en su totalidad, para controlar los síntomas de la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP). Explore cómo los tratamientos no farmacológicos, como los masajes, la acupuntura, la terapia con luz roja y el CBD, se utilizan a veces para favorecer el bienestar junto con los cuidados tradicionales del Parkinson. 

El siguiente artículo se basa en una de las Charlas con Expertos - Expert Briefings  de la Parkinson's Foundation, que explora las terapias complementarias y la medicina holística en el cuidado del Parkinson, presentada por la Dra. Britt Stone, profesora clínica adjunta, división de Trastornos del Movimiento, Departamento de Neurología en el Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC, por sus siglas en inglés), un Centro de Excelencia de la Parkinson's Foundation y directora de operaciones clínicas para las clínicas de neurología del campus principal de VUMC. 

Un puente entre la medicina moderna y los cuidados complementarios 

Las terapias tradicionales de medicina occidental incluyen los cuidados que pueda recetar su neurólogo, ya sea levodopa u otros medicamentos recetados, fisioterapia o terapia ocupacional o psiquiatría o la recomendación de un asistente de salud a domicilio. 

La medicina integrativa combina la medicina con terapias complementarias de eficacia probada para fomentar un bienestar óptimo.  

• La medicina funcional se engloba dentro de la medicina integrativa; busca identificar la causa raíz de la enfermedad y tratar a la persona en su totalidad mediante un plan de atención personalizado.  

• Las terapias complementarias son un elemento de la medicina funcional: pueden incluir atención plena (mindfulness), terapia artística o de danza u otros tratamientos. 

Una mirada más profunda a la medicina funcional 

Vivir bien con Parkinson requiere un manejo continuo: los medicamentos adecuados, ejercicio estructurado, una dieta equilibrada y la capacidad de adaptarse a las necesidades cambiantes. La medicina funcional también adopta un enfoque integral de la atención, haciendo hincapié en factores constantes de nutrición, salud intestinal y estilo de vida. 

En esencia, la medicina funcional incorpora a la vida diaria hábitos, rutinas y ritmos que contribuyen a la salud general. A partir de ahí, las terapias específicas para atender las necesidades individuales se integran en un plan de cuidados. Éstos pueden incluir ejercicios adaptados, suplementos, hierbas medicinales u otras terapias complementarias.  

La medicina funcional también puede incluir pruebas de laboratorio o diagnósticas para descubrir si factores como la genética o la exposición ambiental, incluidos los alérgenos, influyen en el funcionamiento del organismo. Las pruebas de laboratorio, que no siempre cubre el seguro, podrían incluir la detección de moho ambiental u otras toxinas en el organismo o evaluaciones de:  

• Niveles de vitaminas y minerales 

• Salud intestinal 

• Marcadores inflamatorios 

• Sensibilidad alimentaria 

Hasta cierto punto, la genética, el medio ambiente, las enfermedades previas y los factores sociales y de conducta influyen en los resultados de la salud de cada persona. La medicina funcional toma en cuenta todos estos aspectos y busca ralentizar la progresión de la enfermedad y optimizar la calidad de vida. 

Terapias complementarias 

El Parkinson puede causar diversos síntomas no motores, como rigidez, dolor, ansiedad, sueño y cambios de humor, y es posible que los medicamentos no los alivien todos. Las terapias complementarias no farmacológicas se han ido generalizando para el tratamiento de los síntomas del Parkinson, sobre todo para aquellos que no responden tan bien a los medicamentos recetados. 

Ciertas terapias complementarias que fomentan las conexiones sociales y la creatividad al tiempo que promueven el propósito y el juego han demostrado mejorar la calidad de vida. Un metaanálisis de 2020 demostró que el baile mejoraba los síntomas motores y no motores y la calidad de vida en personas con Parkinson. Un programa de seis semanas de arteterapia con barro para Parkinson mostró una disminución de la depresión, el estrés y el pensamiento obsesivo-compulsivo entre los participantes.  

Algunas terapias complementarias están basadas en la filosofía y la medicina chinas y en el concepto de chi o qi, la energía o fuerza vital que anima a una persona. Se cree que un chi lento o deficiente provoca enfermedades. El trabajo de respiración mente-cuerpo, como el Tai Chi y el qigong, utilizados para mejorar el equilibrio, el funcionamiento y el estado de ánimo en el Parkinson, busca mejorar el flujo de energía. 

Hay otras terapias como: 

Acupuntura: Un estudio demostró que la acupuntura, que también busca equilibrar el flujo de energía, podría aliviar el dolor musculoesquelético en el Parkinson. Otros informes de casos y estudios clínicos muestran que la acupuntura puede mejorar las actividades de la vida diaria de las personas con Parkinson. La punción seca, una técnica de fisioterapia utilizada para aliviar el dolor, acelerar la curación y mejorar el movimiento, también utiliza pequeñas agujas finas, pero la técnica es diferente y el objetivo es el tratamiento del músculo específico, en lugar de mejorar el flujo de energía. 

Masaje: Se utiliza para aumentar la relajación y aliviar los espasmos y calambres musculares. Una revisión de 2020 que analizaba 12 estudios acerca de la terapia de masaje y sus beneficios en el Parkinson descubrió que:  

• Múltiples tipos de masaje inducían relajación. 

• Los participantes reportaron mejoras en el estado de ánimo, la fatiga, el sueño y el dolor.  

• Algunas investigaciones demuestran que los tipos de masaje neuromuscular, como el shiatsu, el tui na y el masaje neuromuscular tailandés, podrían mejorar los síntomas motores.   

Terapia de luz roja: Las nuevas investigaciones muestran que la terapia con luz roja de bajo nivel, también llamada fotobiomodulación, puede tener un potencial neuroprotector en el Parkinson. Sin embargo, se necesitan más estudios. Los beneficios potenciales para la salud de la terapia con luz roja fueron descubiertos por científicos de la NASA que, al experimentar con diodos emisores de luz para estimular el crecimiento de las plantas, observaron que las luces también aceleraban la cicatrización de las heridas.  

La terapia con luz roja se utiliza actualmente como parte de la terapia fotodinámica en dermatología para tratar ciertos tipos de cáncer de piel (la luz roja activa un fármaco fotosensibilizante). También se utiliza para tratar la psoriasis y el acné. Se cree que la terapia con luz roja actúa estimulando las mitocondrias de las células tratadas, lo que conduce a una actividad celular más eficaz y al crecimiento de nuevas células. Es importante proteger los ojos cuando se utiliza cualquier tipo de terapia con luz roja. 

Cannabidiol (CBD): Este compuesto se encuentra en las plantas de cannabis como cáñamo y marihuana e interactúa con el sistema endocannabinoide del organismo. Los receptores CB1 y CB2, componentes clave de este sistema, intervienen en la comunicación entre las células cerebrales y la salud intestinal e inmunitaria. 

En la marihuana, hay mayores concentraciones de THC, el compuesto que produce un efecto psicoactivo. El cáñamo suele ser rico en CBD, un compuesto que puede ser útil para el sueño, la ansiedad o el dolor, aunque se necesita más investigación. Epidiolex es una forma recetada de CBD, aprobada por la Food and Drug Administration (Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos) para tratar ciertos tipos de convulsiones.  

La legalización  de la marihuana medicinal y recreativa varía según el estado. Puede haber consideraciones de seguridad, dependiendo de sus síntomas o de los medicamentos que esté tomando.  

Incorporación de la terapia complementaria a su rutina  

La creación de un plan personalizado y equilibrado para manejar el Parkinson puede ayudarle a mantener su independencia. Las terapias complementarias, el contacto terapéutico, un profesional que escuche, el tiempo de descanso y la atención plena pueden mejorar la calidad de vida y la sensación de bienestar.  

A la hora de decidir qué terapias podrían beneficiarle, piense en sus objetivos y en los síntomas que más le molestan. Mantenga una conversación abierta con su equipo de atención médica y analice las opciones de tratamiento disponibles. Hablar acerca de las posibles terapias con su doctor puede ayudarle a evitar posibles interacciones y garantizar los mejores resultados. Conectarse en línea o en persona con personas de la comunidad de Parkinson también puede darle la oportunidad de hablar acerca de lo que ha funcionado para otros y compartir sus propias experiencias.   

Considere terapias que se ajusten a sus necesidades y que además sean accesibles, asequibles y manejables. Añada un elemento nuevo, observe los efectos o beneficios y ajuste o cambie los planes, con la opinión de su equipo de atención médica, según sea necesario. 

Aprenda más  

Explore nuestros recursos acerca de las terapias complementarias y el manejo de los síntomas en el Parkinson:   

• Mensajes clave sobre las terapias complementarias y la EP 

• Explorando terapias complementarias para el Parkinson  

• Terapias sin receta y complementarias 

2025 was a remarkable year for the Parkinson’s Foundation. Over the course of 365 days, we advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) research while working hard to represent the one million people in the U.S. living with this neurodegenerative disease. We strengthened our connections among care partners and everyone serving the PD community.  

With your support, we launched new initiatives and vital PD resources, stayed fast in our commitment to improving PD care and research, and empowering the community through education and new resources.  

Thanks to YOU, here are the top 12 ways we made a difference this year:

1. Awarded more than $4.3 million in high-risk, high-reward research.

In a year when federal funding for disease research sharply declined, we significantly increased our investment in Parkinson’s research. We awarded more than $4.3 million across 44 grants. We are proud to fund scientists pursuing innovative studies across diverse areas of PD — driving the development of new therapies, treatments and ultimately a cure for the 10 million people worldwide living with this neurological disease.

Explore our ongoing research

2. Reached 30,000+ participants in our genetics study.

In 2025, PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation reached unprecedented numbers including: 

• Providing genetic testing and counseling to 30,000+ people with Parkinson’s, at no cost.

• Finding that approximately 12-13% of participants carry a genetic link to PD.

• Expanded study to a total of 77 testing sites worldwide and counting — adding sites in Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru and El Salvador.

We also launched an exciting new pilot program, PD Trial Navigator, to help advance PD GENEration’s goal of accelerating genetic-focused clinical trials. This program helps inform PD GENEration participants about Parkinson’s genetic trials they may qualify for based on their genetic results.

Enroll Now in PD GENEration

3. Launched new policy effort to accelerate PD treatments and care.

In 2025, we launched new policy initiatives aiming to empower the PD community through advocacy. Highlights include:

• Appointing Andi Lipstein Fristedt as our first Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Policy Officer to guide our policy efforts at the federal, state and local levels.

• Hosting a national roundtable on Parkinson’s care and innovation to identify national priorities to improve care for people with PD.

• Co-hosted the 2025 Parkinson's Policy Forum, where 250 people with PD, family members and advocates from 45 states gathered in Washington, D.C. to urge Congress to accelerate progress toward better treatments and a cure.

Sign up for our emails to keep up to date with advocacy efforts

4. Funded local Parkinson’s programs in 38 states.

We awarded more than $1 million in community grants for programs that help people living with PD across 38 states. Our 2025 grants fund local programs that provide exercise and educational support for people with PD and their care partners and address mental health needs. Since 2011, the Foundation has devoted more than $12.7 million in community-based programs, reaching a combined 81,000 people with PD and care partners.

 Pictured: Parkinson’s Foundation Community Grantee, Parkinson's Exercise Program For You, in Dana Point, CA, offers PD-tailored exercise programs. 

To find your nearest exercise or wellness class, visit your local chapter’s webpage or call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).

5. Appointed our first-ever Chief Medical Officer.

This year, we welcomed Sneha Mantri, MD, MS, as Chief Medical Officer of the Parkinson’s Foundation. A nationally recognized movement disorders specialist and educator, Dr. Mantri believes in getting to know her patients and personalizing their treatments. “I'm excited to bring that philosophy of care to this role and address the needs of people with Parkinson’s on a national scale,” she said.

Look out for virtual events featuring Dr. Mantri in 2026.

Learn more about Dr. Mantri here

6. Moved two Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech drugs into trials.

Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech is a research-driven investment fund we support alongside Parkinson’s UK. In 2025 we shared two exciting advances:

• Project ASPro-PD became the first Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech project to enter a large phase 3 trial, assessing whether ambroxol (a common cough medicine ingredient) can slow the progression of Parkinson’s. This trial is the closest to delivering a new treatment.

• A new drug from NRG Therapeutics, designed to repair the mitochondria that power brain cells, is advancing to clinical trials for Parkinson’s and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). This progress was made possible through early investment from the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech, proving how our venture philanthropy model fuels innovation — turning bold ideas into real possibilities for people living with Parkinson’s and making investments less risky for future funders.

Learn more about the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech

7. Launched new resources to help people optimize their PD care.

We know that healthcare appointments for Parkinson’s can feel overwhelming. Which is why we published new content and tips dedicated to help people with PD and care partners advocate for their best care. Use our Steps to Prepare for a Parkinson’s Appointment worksheet for a step-by-step guide to choosing your top three appointment topics. 

Learn how to optimize your Parkinson’s care

8. Raised $263,000 on Parkinson’s Foundation Day of Giving.

Our incredible community came together and made our third annual Day of Giving the most successful so far, raising double the amount raised in 2024. Our steadfast supporters made this special day a success, raising awareness and funds to support our mission to make life better for people with Parkinson’s disease.

Give today

9. Facilitated 3,949 community service hours through Parkinson’s Ambassadors.

Volunteers are essential to our mission and help us localize our reach. This year, we trained 239 new Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassadors and brought all our volunteers together at our national Volunteer Leadership Summit.

Etana Soloman joined our People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council to add her voice and help represent young caregivers and people like her mother who are in the later stages of PD. “Being able to care for my mom is truly an honor”  Read her story.

Find a volunteer opportunity near you

10. Reached 8.6 million visits to Parkinson.org and expanded Spanish-language engagement.

Parkinson.org reached a record of 8.6 million visits, including 1.3 million visits to our Spanish content. Every page visit represents an opportunity to connect people with life-changing resources, digital events and actionable ways to help make life better for people with Parkinson’s.

Hispanic and Latino members of the PD community face distinct barriers to living well with Parkinson’s. In 2025, we published new Spanish pages on dementia, caregiving, vertigo, depression, hospital safety and more (explore these pages in English, too: dementia, caregiving, vertigo, depression, hospital safety).

Explore our Spanish pages

Visit Parkinson.org now

11. 20,000 participants raised more than $8.3 million through community fundraising events.

Parkinson’s Foundation community fundraisers raised an impressive $8.3 million to advance PD research, access to care and life-changing resources in 2025. Together, every person who participates in Moving Day, A Walk for Parkinson’s, Parkinson’s Champion and Parkinson’s Revolution bring us closer to a cure.

Two years after his diagnosis, Brooke Ramsey found Moving Day Columbus. For the last 14 years his family has raised more than $117,000 to help make life better for people with Parkinson’s. Read his story.

Find a Moving Day near you

Become a Parkinson’s Champions

Join us for Parkinson’s Revolution

12. Engaged with our audience through two awareness campaigns.

In April, we introduced the world to PAM, your guide to Parkinson’s Awareness Month. To raise PD awareness, PAM shared essential information, tips and resources about PD on our social media channels and website.

In April we: 

• Posted 5 new videos highlighting PD facts everyone should know.
• Reached 2+ million visits to Parkinson.org — our most page views in a single month!
• Earned 914,000 impressions across our social media posts

Follow us on social media to help spread Parkinson’s awareness

In November, for National Family Caregivers Month, we amplified the diverse experiences of caregiving through our Real Care. Anywhere. campaign. We provided tailored resources for three types of caregivers including those caring for someone living with Parkinson’s, those providing care from a distance and those managing PD alone.

Explore our care partner resources

We are setting bold goals for 2026 to create an even greater impact on the Parkinson’s community — and your support makes it possible.

Donate today

Over time, Parkinson’s disease (PD) medications can begin to lose their effectiveness. When this happens, deep brain stimulation (DBS) can be a promising treatment option for certain candidates. For DBS, electrodes are implanted into the brain that deliver controlled electrical stimulation that counteracts PD symptoms. 

Most DBS systems are designed to deliver consistent stimulation based on settings set and updated by physicians. However, a newer version called adaptive DBS (aDBS), recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use, monitors brain signals associated with PD symptoms in real time and adjusts stimulation automatically. This ability to auto-adjust stimulation has the potential to enhance DBS efficiency and minimize side effects, improving quality of life for those that use it.

Lauren Hammer, MD, PhD, recipient of a Parkinson’s Foundation Stanley Fahn Junior Faculty Award, is working to make aDBS even more effective by determining which types of brain signals offer the best information on how to adjust stimulation in response to symptoms. Current aDBS technology monitors low-frequency brain waves called “beta” signals, but Dr. Hammer believes that higher frequency “entrained-gamma” signals may be better for predicting and controlling PD symptoms. 

Learn more about DBS

 “This research aims to advance deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease by identifying the most effective neural signal to guide adaptive DBS,” said Dr. Hammer. “Results could support expanding the set of neural signals used for clinical aDBS, enabling more effective and personalized treatment.” 

From her lab at the University of Pennsylvania, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence, Dr. Hammer will first run an in-laboratory assessment where people with PD perform various movement tasks while their brain signals are monitored. This will provide data as to which type of signal — beta or entrained-gamma — offers a more accurate reflection for when PD symptoms like involuntary movements are occurring. 

Dr. Hammer will then take a small group of people with DBS for PD and upgrade them to aDBS for an at-home study. After participants are programmed for aDBS stimulation using both beta signals and entrained-gamma signals, they will switch weekly between these settings, recording how well their symptoms are controlled at home.   

At the end of the trial, Dr. Hammer and her team will have data to suggest which signal type guided the best aDBS experience for different types of people with PD.  

 “I’m deeply grateful to the Parkinson's Foundation for investing in early-career scientists and accelerating progress toward better care and a cure.” – Dr. Hammer 

“Receiving this Parkinson’s Foundation award is an incredible honor and an important milestone in my journey to improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease,” said Dr. Hammer. “As a new faculty member starting my own laboratory, this support comes at a critical time — helping me build the foundation for a research program focused on developing next-generation deep brain stimulation therapies. Funding at this early stage is vital to turning promising ideas into impactful treatments, and this award will help bridge the gap between training and long-term research support.” 

Meet more Parkinson’s researchers! Explore our My PD Stories featuring PD researchers.