My PD Story

Katherine Headshot
Researchers

Katherine Surridge, PhD

2025 Postdoctoral Fellowship

Understanding the Consequences of Targeting LRRK2’s Different Forms To Improve Future PD Treatments 

Genetic studies of Parkinson’s disease (PD) have identified several proteins key to disease risk. One of these proteins is called Leucine-Rich Repeat Kinase 2 (LRRK2), whose job it is to regulate the activity of various cell processes.  

Genetic variants of LRRK2 can be found in 1-5% of all PD cases. However, abnormal LRRK2 activity is often seen even in people without a clear genetic link to the disease, making the protein a strong target for designing novel treatments. Katy Surridge, PhD, recipient of a Parkinson’s Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship, is broadening our understanding of LRRK2’s role in cells to improve PD treatment development. 

Dr. Surridge working in lab

Like nearly all proteins, LRRK2’s activity is regulated by switching between an “off/open” and an “on/closed” state. The majority of research and treatments are focused on drugs that target LRRK2’s “closed” form, but evidence suggests that the protein’s “open” form may be a better therapeutic target in cells. Understanding how the use of different drugs with different mechanisms of action affects LRRK2’s role in cells is important for understanding both the normal function of the protein, and how best to target it for PD treatment. Dr. Surridge, under the mentorship of Samara Reck-Peterson, PhD, at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, has recently created tools that allow her to target and observe both forms of LRRK2 in cells, something that has not been directly studied before. 

“My research will use a newly designed toolkit of small molecules to study LRRK2’s endogenous interactome, localization, and the potential cellular consequences of therapeutic LRRK2 inhibition with different drug types” - Dr. Surridge 

Using these tools, Dr. Surridge will first explore LRRK2’s interactome – the collection of all the other proteins in the cell that interact with LRRK2. She will compare and contrast which proteins interact with LRRK2 in its open state vs. its closed state, highlighting which processes would be affected during different types of LRRK2 treatments. 

Next, Dr. Surridge will analyze the different pattern of modifications (phosphosites) on LRRK2 itself.  Evidence suggests that LRRK2 is modified differently in its different forms, and she hopes that by mapping these differences, she will identify novel features which can be used in both diagnostics and the design of new ways to specifically target the protein in future therapies. 

Dr. Surridge will then monitor how the protein’s localization within the cell changes depending on form. Previous studies have suggested that certain drugs may affect LRRK2’s localization in cells, and that this could impact other cellular processes. Dr. Surridge therefore expects to find closed-form LRRK2 in different parts of the cell than open-form LRRK2. 

These experiments will empower researchers to see and study LRRK2 in completely new ways, unlocking paths to new LRRK2-centered treatments of PD. When asked about how she feels about the fellowship and her upcoming research, Dr. Surridge said “I am delighted to receive this award from the Parkinson’s Foundation, which will help me to address a critical gap in knowledge in the field of LRRK2 cell biology, with potential to inform the future design of novel Parkinson’s disease therapeutics.” 

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

My PD Story

Yujie Headshot
Researchers

Yujie Fan, PhD

2025 Postdoctoral Fellowship

Creating Self-Folding Alpha-synuclein to Better Understand Parkinson’s 

A primary driver of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the accumulation and spread in the brain of a misfolded form of a protein called alpha-synuclein. When misfolded, alpha-synuclein forms clumps called Lewy bodies that clog up brain cells called neurons. These clumps can cause other alpha-synuclein proteins to misfold as well, cascading the disruption as the disease progresses. 

Despite decades of innovation, conducting in vivo research (animal experiments, as opposed to cells in petri dishes) of alpha-synuclein in PD has been challenging. Getting alpha-synuclein to misfold in a way that mimics human PD in specific neurons on-demand is difficult, but Yujie Fan, PhD, recipient of a Parkinson’s Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship, believes she has developed a new tool to accomplish this task.  

Under the mentorship of Viviana Gradinaru, PhD, at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, Dr. Fan designed a new technology for creating what she calls “self-assembling alpha-synuclein" (SAS) molecules. These SAS constructs are made of normal alpha-synuclein with attachments that allow researchers to trigger misfolding in cells on-demand. The SAS technology also allows Dr. Fan to pick specific cells in which the misfolding occurs, such as the dopamine neurons in the brain most affected by PD. Importantly, this tool overcomes many of the limitations that have hindered other research models of alpha-synuclein in PD.  

Dr. Fan working in lab

 “This award supports the development of an innovative tool named self-assembling synuclein (SAS) to model Parkinson's disease in a quantitative, inducible, tunable and cell-type-specific manner.”

- Dr. Fan 

Once the SAS tools have been fine-tuned and tested, Dr. Fan will implement them in mice to see if they can recreate alpha-synuclein misfolding and clumping like is seen in human PD. Her early results in mice show that the SAS model faithfully mimics many of the movement impairments commonly seen in people with PD, suggesting that her tools are working as expected. She will then test how alpha-synuclein misfolding in the gut might initiate PD-like symptoms, following recent research suggesting that PD could start in the gut. 

Refining and building upon this SAS technology will grant Dr. Fan and other PD researchers the ability to study the disease in new, more precise ways. The groundbreaking data and insights generated from these SAS experiments can lead to improved treatments and advance the field toward a cure for PD. 

Speaking on what this fellowship means to her and PD research broadly, Dr. Fan said “This award gives me the freedom and confidence to pursue bold, yet high-rewarding ideas. The insights gained from this work could help identify new treatment targets and improve how we test potential therapies. Ultimately, this research aims to bring us closer to stopping disease progression in PD.” 

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

My PD Story

Tatyana Bodrug
Researchers

Tatyana Bodrug, PhD

2025 Postdoctoral Fellowship

Visualizing How LRRK2 Contributes to Parkinson’s

Several genetic variants have been identified that likely contribute to Parkinson’s disease (PD) progression. These variants typically alter the instructions for constructing proteins, the building blocks of the body.

Variants of the gene that create a protein called Leucine-Rich Repeat Kinase 2 (LRRK2) are found in 1-5% of all PD cases. Despite being the second most common PD-associated genetic variant, scientists are still unsure exactly how this altered LRRK2 protein causes or contributes to the disease biologically.

Tatyana Bodrug, PhD, a recipient of a Parkinson’s Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship, will utilize a wide range of state-of-the-art microscopy and other visualization techniques to literally see how the LRRK2 protein acts in cells. By getting a clear picture of how LRRK2 interacts with other important cell processes, Dr. Bodrug hopes to advance the field toward more targeted and effective therapies.

Research suggests that LRRK2 plays a critical role in repairing lysosomes, the recycling centers of the cell whose dysfunction is closely linked to PD. Under the mentorship of Andres Leschziner, PhD, at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, Dr. Bodrug will first use a technology called cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to take incredibly zoomed-in, high-resolution images of LRRK2 as it interacts with lysosomes to see this biological process at a previously unmatched level.

“This integrative approach will reveal a deeply contextualized view of how LRRK2 is activated at the lysosome to better understand how mutations in LRRK2 lead to PD.” - Dr. Bodrug

This technology will also allow Dr. Bodrug to visualize what other proteins interact with LRRK2. Understanding the distinct biological components affected by LRRK2 could lead to new targets for PD treatment.

To investigate these components further, Dr. Bodrug will use a technique called dynamic mass photometry (dynamic-MP) to witness how LRRK2 associates with a group of proteins called “Rab” proteins. These Rab proteins are modified by LRRK2 and may themselves be involved in PD. This dynamic-MP technology allows individual LRRK2-Rab interaction events to be directly tracked in real time, an impressive technological achievement that is likely to advance the field.

By combining these various cutting-edge imaging procedures, Dr. Bodrug hopes to capture valuable insights into LRRK2 that could break new ground and lead to improved treatments of LRRK2-linked PD. Speaking on the impact of this fellowship, she said “Receiving this award allows me to more broadly explore the mechanisms that underlie Parkinson's disease. Our hope is that this will lead to a clearer understanding of the complexities involved in LRRK2-associated Parkinson's disease and better therapeutics.”

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

My PD Story

Jeff Kim Headshot
Researchers

Jeff Kim, PhD

2025 Postdoctoral Fellowship

Leveraging AI to Decode the Genetics Behind Parkinson’s 

Parkinson’s Foundation research has found that approximately 13% of people with Parkinson’s have a genetic link to the disease. PD-associated DNA mutations affect the production and function of critical proteins, potentially contributing to disease risk or symptom progression. While many high-profile PD-associated mutations have been discovered in genes such as LRRK2, GBA, and SNCA, Jeff Kim, PhD,  recipient of a Parkinson’s Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship, is taking the field further by using artificial intelligence (AI) to: 

  1. Understand how overlapping types of PD mutations can affect the chances of developing PD. 

  1. Dig deeper into the genetic data to find more subtle, hidden mutations that might impact the risk for developing PD. 

At first, genetic studies of PD were focused on finding rare single mutations most associated with disease. As techniques improved, researchers have been able to roughly measure the risk of developing PD by adding up the risk from multiple common mutations. However, “while we know that both rare gene mutations and combinations of common genetic variations can cause PD, we rarely study how these two types of genetic risk work together or change with age,” said Dr. Kim. 

Jeff Kim at lab

With his colleagues in the lab of Dr. Joshua Shulman at the Baylor College of Medicine a  Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence, in Houston, Texas, Dr. Kim is utilizing a new statistical tool called the “Causal Pivot Model” to better understand the complexities of PD mutation combinations. This model works on a simple principle: people with PD with rare single mutations usually don't have many common mutations. By looking at this pattern, the model can spot people who likely carry hidden rare single mutations that haven't been found yet. Dr. Kim is also building age into the model, since some mutations cause PD early in life while others strike later - this could help identify people at risk for early-onset disease. 

Once the model has been tested and trained on enough data, Dr. Kim’s next goal is to combine the Causal Pivot Model with an advanced AI model called AI-MARRVEL to identify hidden potential PD mutations, ones that have been overlooked in previous analyses but can be spotted by this powerful tool. These mutations can then be tested in fruit flies, observing if they cause Parkinson’s-like symptoms and leading to novel therapeutics in the future. 

Thinking beyond the data and computations, Dr. Kim is clear-eyed about the potential impact his AI-powered modeling could have for people with PD. 

“Ultimately, this project aims to move us closer to clinically useful genetic information that could eventually guide personalized treatment strategies for people with Parkinson's disease,” said Dr. Kim. 

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

 

Fact Sheets

Pasos para prepararse para su cita de Parkinson

Empiece a prepararse al menos dos semanas antes de su próxima cita de la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) para estar listo para hablar de lo que más le importa.

Utilice esta hoja de trabajo para elegir los tres temas principales para su cita. Considere completarlo con alguien de confianza para tener otro punto de vista.

Parte 1: Piense en cómo impacta el Parkinson en su vida

Anote sus inquietudes acerca de la EP entre una cita y otra. Puede utilizar un diario, enviarse un correo electrónico, grabar una nota de voz o utilizar una aplicación del móvil. Esto le ayudará a identificar sus principales preocupaciones antes de cada cita. Considere cada una de las siguientes áreas.

  • Salud física
  • Salud mental
  • Familia y amigos
  • Trabajo o finanzas
  • Tareas diarias
  • Gustos y tiempo libre

Paso 1) Síntomas: Reflexione sobre los cambios.

  • ¿Qué síntomas le resultan más molestos? ¿Cómo afectan su vida diaria?
  • ¿Qué cosas empeoran o mejoran los síntomas?
  • ¿Los ajustes del tratamiento de su última cita (medicamentos, terapia, dieta) le ayudaron?
  • ¿Sus familiares o amigos han notado algún cambio?

Paso 2) Metas: Considere lo que más le importa.

  • ¿En qué está enfocado ahora mismo (trabajo, familia, pasatiempos, viajes)?
  • ¿Qué actividades quiere seguir haciendo?
  • ¿Los síntomas le dificultan hacer las cosas que disfruta?

Paso 3) Inquietudes: Piense en sus mayores preguntas o inquietudes.

  • ¿Le preocupan los medicamentos (que su efecto no dure tanto, costos, efectos secundarios)?
  • ¿Cómo afecta el Parkinson sus relaciones?
  • ¿Necesita ayuda para encontrar recursos y apoyo para el Parkinson?

Parte 2: Decida qué es lo más importante para esta cita

Paso 4) Elija sus 3 temas principales para la cita.

Ahora que ha reflexionado, piense en lo que está afectando su vida diaria y qué necesita abordar cuanto antes. Termine esta frase:

"Si sólo puedo hablar de tres temas con mi equipo de atención médica durante esta cita, los más importantes son ______________.”

Paso 5) Escriba sus 3 temas a continuación.

Anote los temas por orden de importancia. Esté preparado para compartir su lista al inicio de su próxima cita. Sea lo más específico posible, incluyendo la frecuencia de los síntomas y a qué hora del día suelen aparecer. Considere llevar un video de los síntomas motores para mostrárselo a su equipo de atención médica.

Recordatorios importantes

  • Comparta cualquier síntoma que le moleste, aunque no sepa si está relacionado con la EP.
  • Lleve una lista de todos sus medicamentos, incluidos los que no son para la EP. Incluya la hora a la que los toma y la dosis (ej: 2 x 100 mg).
  • Si puede, pida a alguien de confianza que lo acompañe.
  • Aprenda acerca de los síntomas y tratamientos de la EP para hablar con su equipo de atención médica.

¿Necesita ayuda?

Comuníquese a la Línea de Ayuda de la Parkinson’s Foundation al 1-800-4PD-INFO (473- 4636) opción 3 para español o Helpline@Parkinson.org.

Nuestra Línea de Ayuda puede:

  • Ayudarle a prepararse para su cita.
  • Responder a las preguntas sobre la EP que no haya abordado durante sus citas.
  • Localizar especialistas, grupos de apoyo y clases de ejercicio para la EP cerca de usted.
Videos & Webinars

Resources for Veterans with Parkinson’s 2025

August 28, 2025

More than 110,000 U.S. veterans living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) receive care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which offers access to specialized treatment, financial benefits, and dedicated support services. In this webinar, we’ll explore the wide range of resources available to veterans with PD through the VA system, including Parkinson’s Disease Research, Education and Clinical Centers (PADRECCs), affiliated sites, and Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs). Participants will also learn how the Parkinson’s Foundation partners with the VA to provide additional education, tools, and support for veterans and their families.

Presentation Slides

Additional Resources

Presenters

Gretchen Glenn, LCSW
Associate Director of Education
Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center​
Philadelphia Parkinson's Disease Research, Education, and Clinical Center​
Chair of the National VA Parkinson’s Disease Consortium Education Subcommittee

Helen R. Komninos (McHugh)
NSO Assistant Supervisor
DAV National Service Officer

Science News

Un estudio demuestra que permanecer activo en el hospital beneficia a las personas con Parkinson

Noticias científicas blog

Las investigaciones demuestran que las personas con la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) son hospitalizadas más a menudo, llegan a la sala de urgencias con más frecuencia y son más vulnerables a tener complicaciones durante su hospitalización.

El ejercicio y la actividad física no sólo ayudan a las personas con Parkinson a mantener o mejorar la movilidad, la flexibilidad y el equilibrio a la hora de controlar los síntomas, sino que el movimiento habitual puede ofrecer grandes beneficios en el hospital. Como paciente hospitalizado, el movimiento —a menudo con apoyo de fisioterapia y terapia ocupacional— es esencial para prevenir caídas y minimizar complicaciones.

Un nuevo estudio descubre que mantenerse activo (movilidad en el hospital) beneficia a las personas con Parkinson. Publicado en Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, el estudio apoyado por la Parkinson's Foundation examina cómo el Programa Move to Heal de los Hospitales Universitarios (UH, por sus siglas en inglés) ubicados en Cleveland, Ohio, un programa de movilidad en todo el sistema hospitalario que busca movilizar a todos los pacientes hospitalizados al menos tres veces al día, afecta a los pacientes con la EP.

Movilidad de los pacientes

La movilidad de los pacientes hospitalizados se refiere al movimiento seguro durante la estancia en el hospital (dentro y fuera de la cama) con la aprobación y el apoyo de un equipo de atención médica. Los beneficios incluyen:

  • Reducción de la pérdida muscular
  • Dormir mejor
  • Mejor concentración

La falta de movilidad de los pacientes de edad avanzada durante su hospitalización se asocia a una menor movilidad y a un aumento de la mortalidad tras el alta.

Resultados del estudio 

Para aprender más acerca de los resultados de la movilidad hospitalaria para personas con la EP, el estudio utilizó datos de pacientes ingresados al hospital por más de 24 horas entre febrero y septiembre de 2023, comparando 300 pacientes hospitalizados con Parkinson con 12,000 pacientes sin la EP. Cada grupo se dividió a su vez en un:

  • Grupo activo: tres o más movilizaciones al día. Las movilizaciones incluían rango de movimiento activo o pasivo realizado en la cama, sentado en el borde de la cama, sentado en una silla o en una silla retrete, de pie y caminando.
  • Grupo inactivo: menos de tres movilizaciones al día.

Los datos mostraron que los pacientes hospitalizados con la EP del grupo activo tuvieron una estancia hospitalaria más corta y una mayor probabilidad de volver a casa tras la hospitalización. Esto apoya las Recomendaciones de atención hospitalaria de la Parkinson's Foundation, que promueve que las personas con la EP se movilicen tres veces al día bajo supervisión profesional. 

En particular, todos los pacientes que permanecieron activos durante su hospitalización tuvieron un 50% menos de probabilidades de morir a los 30 días de recibir el alta hospitalaria y un 30% menos de probabilidades a los 90 días.

Estadística de pacientes hospitalizados

Los pacientes hospitalizados que se mantuvieron activos tuvieron un 74% menos de probabilidades de ser dados de alta para cuidados paliativos o de morir, en comparación con los pacientes inactivos.

En general, el estudio sugiere que la movilización frecuente disminuye significativamente la duración de la estancia y aumenta la probabilidad de ser dado de alta para volver a casa para los pacientes con Parkinson, en hospitales con programas de movilización.

Destacados 

  • La Parkinson’s Foundation se asoció con los Hospitales Universitarios (UH, por sus siglas en inglés) para comprender mejor cómo afecta a las personas con Parkinson el hecho de permanecer activas en el hospital (lo que se denomina movilización de los pacientes).

  • Los datos del estudio compararon a 300 personas hospitalizadas con Parkinson con 12,000 pacientes hospitalizados sin Parkinson.

  • Las personas con Parkinson que fueron movilizadas al menos tres veces al día durante su ingreso tuvieron una estancia más corta y fueron dadas de alta para volver a casa (en lugar de a un centro asistencial) con más frecuencia que aquellas que no fueron movilizadas al menos tres veces al día.

  • Los pacientes que permanecieron activos durante su hospitalización tuvieron un 50% menos de probabilidades de morir a los 30 días de recibir el alta hospitalaria y un 30% menos de probabilidades a los 90 días.

  • Ambos grupos que estuvieron activos (con y sin la EP) tuvieron estancias hospitalarias más cortas que el grupo inactivo, pero el impacto fue más significativo para las personas con la EP. 

  • Sólo el grupo de la EP activo mostró una mayor probabilidad de volver a casa tras el alta.

¿Qué significa esto? 

Para las personas con Parkinson, mantener la movilidad en el hospital puede significar una enorme diferencia a la hora de recuperarse y tener más probabilidades de volver a casa en lugar de a otro centro asistencial.

La movilidad en las personas con Parkinson es un aspecto importante del manejo de los síntomas de la EP, tanto en casa como en el hospital. Este estudio demuestra que las personas con la EP tienden a experimentar estancias hospitalarias más largas y a tener mayores tasas de mortalidad si no se mueven con regularidad en el hospital.

Para muchos, puede resultar difícil promover un movimiento regular y programado cuando enfrentan problemas de salud o complicaciones que los llevan al hospital. Este estudio apoya los esfuerzos de la Parkinson's Foundation para promover programas de movilización de los pacientes hospitalizados en todo el sistema, mostrando beneficios significativos para los pacientes y los hospitales, especialmente aquellos con la EP. Con el tiempo, estos programas pueden ayudar a mejorar la calidad de la atención.

Nurse assisting patient out of hospital bed

¿Qué significan estos hallazgos para las personas con la EP en este momento?

Cada año, más de 300,000 personas con Parkinson reciben atención en un hospital en los EE.UU. Sin embargo, se estima que aproximadamente una de cada seis personas con Parkinson experimenta complicaciones evitables durante una estancia hospitalaria.

No obstante, hay muchas formas de defenderse cuando se prepara para una estancia hospitalaria o la experimenta. La Guía de seguridad hospitalaria contiene herramientas e información útiles para ayudarle durante su próxima visita. Esta guía destaca cinco necesidades de atención hospitalaria, con consejos sobre cómo hablar con el equipo de atención acerca del movimiento dentro del hospital y posteriormente.

Aprenda más 

La Parkinson’s Foundation cree en el empoderamiento de la comunidad de Parkinson a través de la educación. Aprenda más acerca de la EP y la movilidad en nuestros recursos mencionados abajo o llame a nuestra Línea de Ayuda gratuita al 1-800-4PD-INFO (1- 800- 473-4636), opción 3 para español, para obtener respuestas a sus preguntas acerca del Parkinson. 

Science News

Study Shows Staying Active in the Hospital Benefits People with Parkinson’s

Parkinson's Foundation Science News blogs

Research shows that people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are hospitalized more often, visit emergency rooms more frequently, and are more vulnerable to complications while hospitalized.

Exercise and physical activity not only help people with Parkinson’s maintain or improve mobility, flexibility and balance when it comes to managing symptoms, but regular movement can mean big benefits in the hospital. As a hospital patient, movement — often with support from physical and occupational therapy — is essential for preventing falls and minimizing complications.

A new study finds that staying active (inpatient mobility) in the hospital benefits people with Parkinson’s. Published in Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, the Parkinson’s Foundation-supported study looks at how University Hospitals (UH) located in Cleveland, OH, Move to Heal Program, a hospital system-wide mobility program that aims to mobilize all inpatients at least three times daily, affects patients with PD.

Inpatient mobility benefits graphic

Inpatient mobility refers to safe movement during a hospital stay (in and out of bed) with the approval and support of a care team. Benefits include:

  • Reduced muscle loss

  • Better sleep

  • Improved focus

A lack of mobility in older patients while hospitalized is associated with reduced mobility and increased mortality after being discharged.

Study Results 

To learn more about the outcomes of inpatient mobility for people with PD, the study used data from patients admitted at the hospital for more than 24 hours between February to September 2023, comparing 300 hospital patients with Parkinson’s to 12,000 patients without PD. Each group was further divided into an:

  • Active group: three mobilizations or more per day. Mobilizations included active or passive range of motion performed in bed, sitting at the edge of the bed, sitting on a chair or bedside commode, standing and walking.

  • Inactive group: less than three mobilizations per day.

Data showed that inpatients with PD in the active group had a shorter hospital stay and higher probability of returning home after hospitalization. This supports the Parkinson’s Foundation Hospital Care Recommendations, which advocates that people with PD mobilize three times a day under professional supervision.  

Notably, all patients who stayed active while hospitalized were 50% less likely to die within 30 days of being released from a hospital stay, and 30% lower odds within 90 days.

Hospitalized patients statistic

Hospitalized patients who stayed active were 74% less likely to be discharged to hospice care or die compared to inactive patients.

Overall, the study suggests that frequent mobilization significantly decreases length of stay and likelihood to be discharged home for patients with Parkinson’s, in hospitals with mobilization programs.

Highlights 

  • The Parkinson’s Foundation partnered with University Hospitals to better understand how staying active in the hospital (called inpatient mobility) impacts people with Parkinson’s.

  • Study data compared 300 hospitalized people with Parkinson’s with 12,000 hospitalized patients without Parkinson’s.

  • People with Parkinson’s who were mobilized at least three times a day while admitted had a shorter length of stay and were more often discharged to home (rather than a care facility) than those who were not mobilized at least three times per day.

  • Patients who stayed active while hospitalized had 50% lower odds of dying within 30 days of being released from a hospital stay, and 30% lower odds within 90 days.

  • Both groups that were active (with and without PD) had shorter hospital stays than the inactive group, but the impact was more significant for those with PD. 

  • Only the active PD group showed an increased likelihood of going home after discharge.

What does this mean? 

For people with Parkinson’s, staying mobile in the hospital can make an enormous difference when it comes to recovery and being more likely to go home instead of another care facility.

Mobility in people with Parkinson’s is an important aspect of managing PD symptoms, while at home and in the hospital. This study shows that people with PD are prone to longer hospital stays and increased mortality rates if not moving regularly in the hospital.

For many, it can be difficult to advocate for regular, scheduled movement when you are facing health concerns or complications that lead you to the hospital. This study supports Parkinson’s Foundation efforts to promote system-wide inpatient mobility programs, showing significant benefits to patients and hospitals — especially those with PD. Over time, these programs can help improve quality of care.

Nurse assisting patient out of hospital bed

What do these findings mean to the people with PD right now? 

Each year more than 300,000 people with Parkinson’s receive care at a hospital in the U.S. Unfortunately, approximately one in six people with Parkinson’s are estimated to experience avoidable complications during a hospital stay.

However, there are many ways to advocate for yourself when preparing for or experiencing a hospital stay. The Hospital Safety Guide contains useful tools and information to help you during your next visit. This guide highlights five hospital care needs, with advice on how to talk with your care team regarding movement in the hospital and beyond.

Learn More 

The Parkinson’s Foundation believes in empowering the Parkinson’s community through education. Learn more about PD and mobility in our below resources, or by calling our free Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) for answers to your Parkinson’s questions. 

Podcasts

Episode 182: Allied Health Spotlight: Partnering with an Occupational Therapist

Allied health professionals are a group of healthcare providers whose role and expertise complement the work of physicians. They include specialists such as physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, nutritionists, and many more. They are just as important as your Movement Disorders Specialists and Neurologists and play a vital role in creating a comprehensive, well-rounded Parkinson’s care team that attends to your individual needs and addresses your overall well-being.

Many people are familiar with physical and speech therapists, but fewer recognize the valuable benefits of working with an occupational therapist (OT). An OT helps identify the activities that you enjoy and ensures strategies are in place so you can continue doing what matters most. They work with you to adapt your environment, tap into your strengths, and create realistic strategies so you can keep living life on your terms.

In this episode, Karyssa Silva, MS, OTR/L, CLT, an occupational therapist at Aldersbridge Physical Therapy & Wellness Outpatient Center in Rhode Island, shares how she helps people with Parkinson’s with daily tasks and activities that bring them joy. She works closely with people with PD and their loved ones to address physical and mental challenges, empowering them to stay engaged in the activities they value the most.

Steps to Prepare for a Parkinson’s Appointment: Worksheet

Released: August 19, 2025

Raise Awareness

Conversations with 4 Essential Members of Your Parkinson's Care Team

Physical therapist talking with her patient

Living well with Parkinson’s takes a team, and some of the most valuable members may not be who you would typically expect. Healthcare professionals, such as physical and occupational therapists, are essential members of your Parkinson’s care team. They help you maintain mobility, independence and communication, working hand-in-hand with movement disorders specialists and neurologists to create a comprehensive, well-rounded care plan that supports your individual needs and overall well-being. 

To showcase these key members of your Parkinson’s care team, we’re highlighting recent podcast episodes that explore the unique benefits of working with a diverse group of medical specialists.

Who should we talk to next? Let us know

Speech-Language Pathologist

Episode 176: The Challenges of Speech and Swallowing Issues

Parkinson’s affects more than just movement, it can also impact the small muscles in the face, mouth, throat and chest. These changes may impact your ability to eat, speak and swallow, and can influence your confidence in conversations.  A speech-language pathologist will assess speech and swallowing challenges and create a treatment plan to help manage these symptoms.

Melissa Grassia Chisholm, MS, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech pathologist and a voice-swallow airway expert, talks about the importance of getting a baseline evaluation with a speech-language pathologist early on in your PD diagnosis and explains how personalized treatment plans can help address speech and swallowing challenges as your needs evolve.

Physical Therapist

Episode 171: Physical Therapy Recommendations for Exercising Safely

As Parkinson’s progresses, overall movement, balance, and coordination may become more challenging. A physical therapist helps you stay active by developing a custom training plan that meets your goals and physical needs.

Patricia S. Brown, PT, DPT, NCS, of Chapman University in California, a physical therapist who specializes in neurological diseases, shares her recommendations on staying motivated and choosing an exercise program that matches your lifestyle goals.

Pharmacist

Episode 167: Exploring Carbidopa-Levodopa for Treating Parkinson’s Symptoms

Managing Parkinson’s symptoms often involves taking multiple medications, making ongoing conversations with your doctor essential. When questions arise, pharmacists can be readily accessible experts who can help address concerns, identify potential drug interactions, and make you feel more confident about your medications.

Emily Peron, PharmD, MS, and Leslie Cloud, MD, MSc, from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence, explain the long-term use considerations of carbidopa-levodopa, the different formulations available, and how to recognize when medication adjustments may be needed.

Episode 181: What to Know Before Taking Nutritional Supplements for Parkinson’s

In addition to prescribed Parkinson’s medications, people with PD may explore complementary or alternative therapies, such as herbs or nutritional supplements. Although often available without a prescription, these supplements can pose risks, especially when taken alongside PD medications. That’s why it’s always advisable to speak with your healthcare provider before starting a new medication or over-the-counter supplement.

Angela Hill, Pharm. D., CRPh, a pharmacist and professor at the University of South Florida, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence, talks about the potential side effects and drug interactions that can happen with nutritional supplements, and offers tips for reading and evaluating food labels so you can better understand what you’re taking.

Social Worker

Episode 179: Understanding Depression, Anxiety, and Apathy

Social workers are often the go-to resource for connecting you with specialists and services that can help you navigate the day-to-day realities of Parkinson’s. They offer a wealth of guidance and support to ensure that your voice is heard.

Lauren Zelouf, MSW, LCSW from Penn Medicine’s Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorders Center, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence, tackles the often-overlooked topic of mental health. She breaks down the differences between depression, anxiety and apathy, and offers coping strategies for managing symptoms and finding support.

Managing Parkinson’s involves a team-based approach. Each healthcare professional brings specialized expertise that can help you move better, speak more confidently, and feel better supported throughout your Parkinson’s journey.

Coming Soon: We’re excited to feature another essential member of the Parkinson’s care team—an occupational therapist—in an upcoming episode.

Subscribe to our podcast. Search for “Substantial Matters: Life and Science of Parkinson’s” on your favorite podcast platform.

Listen to every episode at Parkinson.org/Podcast.

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