Episode 6: New Levodopa Delivery Methods for Parkinson’s
More than 50 years after its discovery, levodopa is still the most effective treatment for Parkinson’s, but some people experience “off” periods or dyskinesias with oral medications. Dr. Mark Guttman describes new delivery methods that promise to help with some of these problems, especially for people who have had Parkinson’s for many years. For example, levodopa infusions directly into the gut are currently available, and skin patches and special pills that stay in the stomach and release drug over a period of time are in development.
Host Dan Keller and Dr. Guttman discuss several levodopa delivery methods that are designed to help reduce “off” time. Everyone’s Parkinson’s journey is unique, so whether these methods are right for you will be a decision for you and your health care team. There is a PD myth that levodopa works for a few years and then stops. This is not true; you just need to work with your doctor to find the right frequency, dosing, and delivery methods. In general, the delivery methods Dr. Guttman describes are for people who have had Parkinson’s for years and experience “on-off” fluctuations.
Here is some more information on many of the topics Dr. Guttman brings up:
A continuous gel infusion of levodopa is available in the U.S. as Duopa (it is called Duodopa in other countries). Visit our Duopa page for more information. Carbidopa is included in the formulation to prevent the nausea that can be caused by levodopa alone.
What you eat and when can affect the absorption of levodopa. Listen to our nutrition podcast with Dr. Bas Bloem for more information.
Rytary is carbidopa-levodopa that has both immediate-release and extended-release forms in one pill and is supposed to reduce “off” time. It is not interchangeable with dosages of other carbidopa-levodopa products, so share this Rytary dosing guide with your provider.
Dr. Guttman is a movement disorder neurologist at the Centre for Movement Disorders in Toronto, Canada. He provides specialized neurological services to people with movement disorders and is involved with clinical research at the Centre and at the University of Toronto.
Episode 97: Understanding Bradykinesia and Dyskinesia
People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) may experience two seemingly contradictory movement problems. One, bradykinesia, is slowness of movement and is a cardinal symptom of the disease. For a diagnosis of PD, one must have bradykinesia plus either tremor or rigidity. Bradykinesia may appear as a reduction in automatic movements such as blinking or swinging of arms while walking, or it may manifest as trouble initiating intentional movements or just slowness of actions. The second movement problem is dyskinesia, in which people have involuntary, erratic, writhing movements. They can be slow and fluid or rapid and jerking. They are a complication of some Parkinson’s medications and not a symptom of the disease itself. Sometimes people have to decide on their medication dosage and timing whether they would rather be “on” with some dyskinesia or “off” and unable to move well.
In this podcast episode, neurologist Dr. Benjamin Walter delves into bradykinesia and dyskinesia. He is the head of the Section of Movement Disorders and medical director for deep brain stimulation at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence. He describes how bradykinesia and dyskinesia can affect people’s lives, what people can do for themselves to alleviate the discomfort, how they can work with their neurologist to minimize the disorders, and what is in development to help.
Dr. Benjamin Walter is the head of the Section of Movement Disorders and medical director for deep brain stimulation at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence. Prior to this role, he held the Penni and Stephen Weinberg Chair in Brain Health at University Hospitals and was an associate professor of neurology and biomedical engineering at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
He is board-certified in neurology. Special interests include DBS, dystonia, functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), intrathecal baclofen, the mechanism of effect of DBS, movement disorders, Parkinson’s disease and tremors.
He earned his medical degree from MCP-Hahnemann School of Medicine in Philadelphia. He completed his internship in internal medicine and residency in neurology at Emory University Hospital, as well as fellowship training in movement disorders with an emphasis on intraoperative mapping and deep brain stimulation.
In his research laboratory, Dr. Walter uses functional MRI to study mechanisms underlying changes in Parkinson’s disease and dystonia, participating in several projects funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He is currently an investigator on an NIH-funded project exploring intracortical control of arm and hand function restored by functional electrical stimulation in people with spinal cord injury (Brain Gate). He has also served as an investigator on the Enhanced Exercise Study for Patients with Parkinson’s Disease (EXCEED) study of how exercise and education affects people with Parkinson’s disease and depression, as well as on an NIH-funded project to develop an “intelligent” bicycle for rehabilitation in Parkinson’s patients.
Dr. Walter is the author of more than 20 articles in peer-reviewed medical journals, as well as five book chapters. He has presented posters and abstracts at more than 20 international and national peer-reviewed medical conferences.
In addition, Dr. Walter has served as an invited lecturer/instructor at national and international medical education conferences and colloquia. He is grant reviewer for the NIH and the American Association for the Advancement of Science and also reviews manuscripts for several prominent medical journals. He is a member of the Organization for Human Brain Mapping, Society for Neuroscience, American Academy of Neurology and the Movement Disorder Society.
Episode 137: CEO John Lehr Offers Broad Insight into the Parkinson's Foundation
Past podcasts have given glimpses into the broad range of programs and initiatives that the Parkinson’s Foundation has developed and supports. But to give a better understanding of the Foundation’s mission, its operation, reach, and funding, we spoke with John Lehr, its president and CEO. He discussed the reasons for the merger of the National Parkinson Foundation and the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation to form today’s Parkinson’s Foundation, what the new organization has accomplished, and its plans for the future.
Released: September 20, 2022
John L. Lehr leads the Parkinson's Foundation as president and chief executive officer. John guides the overall Foundation’s strategy of mission programs and resources that make life better for people with Parkinson’s. He works to expand the Foundation’s reach, research initiatives and presence, while working to improve health equity among the Parkinson’s community and the underserved. He ensures that all Foundation programs and resources aim to improve care and advance research toward a cure.
Adverse effects, often called side effects, are a common phenomenon that accompanies the use of many drugs, including ones used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Any treatment is a balance between the desired effects of a drug and undesirable ones, so how to best ease symptoms while making the treatment tolerable. Specific to classes of drugs used for PD, some of the side effects may be drowsiness, insomnia, light headedness, hallucinations, cognitive impairment, swelling of the legs, dry mouth, weight gain, compulsive behavior, and others. These are just possibilities, and a good working relationship with a PD health care team can help avoid many of them. Beyond the PD team, keeping other health care providers informed is advisable since drug interactions can occur, so all practitioners (including dentists) should be aware of all medications that a person is taking, prescription, over-the-counter and even supplements.
In this podcast episode, neurologist Dr. Irene Richard of the University of Rochester Medical Center discusses several of the various drugs and drug classes used to treat the symptoms of PD in relation to the adverse effects that can accompany them. She offers insights into several ways to avoid or minimize adverse effects of drug therapy, what clinicians should tell people starting a new drug, and what people should ask as well as be aware of and report back.
Released: December 29, 2020
Dr. Irene H. Richard is Professor of Neurology with a secondary appointment in Psychiatry at the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY. After graduating from Cornell University in 1987 and receiving her MD from the Yale University School of Medicine in1991, Dr. Richard completed neurology residency at the University of Rochester in 1995, followed by NIH-funded fellowship training in Movement Disorders and Experimental Therapeutics in 1997. She joined the faculty of the University of Rochester in 1997. Dr. Richard provides neurological care for patients with Parkinson’s disease and related conditions and her clinical research program focuses on the psychiatric aspects of these illnesses. More recently, with support from a PF community grant, she has also been working with her team on efforts to optimize hospitalization for patients with PD. She is the author of numerous scientific articles, editorials and book chapters and has been the recipient of career development awards and research grants, including one from NIH to lead a multi-center clinical trial evaluating the treatment of depression in PD. Dr. Richard is Director of the University of Rochester’s Movement Disorders Fellowship Program, LBDA Research Center of Excellence, and Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence.
Episode 134: Meet the Researcher: Disparities in PD Care
As with many medical conditions, people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) may experience disparities in access to care, in diagnosis, treatments, and ancillary care. These disparities may be based on age, gender, race, financial situation, language barriers, and geographic location, among other factors. Dr. Lynda Nwabuobi, now a movement disorders specialist at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Institute in New York City, received her specialized training at Columbia University, supported by a Parkinson’s Foundation Movement Disorders Fellowship.
During her training, she noticed that women with PD who were home bound were more likely than men to be alone and to have less access to a neurologist. She also recognized disparities in the care between the majority white population of people with PD seen at the main hospital clinic of New York University (NYU) compared to the more racially diverse, multicultural community of people seen at NYU’s public Bellevue Hospital nearby – even though they were being treated by the same doctor. In this podcast episode, she describes how she acted on her passion of “creating access to better care to marginalized communities and bring more diversity to the clinic.” Rather than waiting for the community to come to the health care setting, she reached out to them on their turf — at a farmers’ market.
Released: August 9, 2022
Dr. Lynda Nwabuobi is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical College, specializing in Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders. She diagnoses and treats individuals with Parkinson’s disease, tremors, and other neurological diseases with the goal of delivering compassionate and individualized care using a holistic and multidisciplinary approach. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Nwabuobi has interests in health disparities research, teaching, advocacy, and community engagement/outreach. She has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals and has presented her work at national and international conferences. She is actively involved in educating underserved communities about Parkinson’s disease with the goal of improving access to care.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
¿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.
Study Shows Staying Active in the Hospital Benefits People with Parkinson’s
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 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 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.
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.
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
Karyssa Silva is the Director of Rehabilitation at Aldersbridge Physical Therapy & Wellness Outpatient Center in East Providence, Rhode Island, where she leads a dedicated team of Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapists. Licensed in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts, Karyssa brings over a decade of clinical and leadership experience to her role.
She began her career in 2010 as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant in a skilled nursing facility, quickly advancing to Director of Rehabilitation. In 2014, she earned her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from the New England Institute of Technology. Her diverse background spans skilled nursing, home health, and outpatient care, with specialized expertise in LSVT BIG for Parkinson’s disease and certification as a Lymphedema Therapist. Karyssa is passionate about helping individuals with neurological and chronic conditions maintain their independence, function, and quality of life.
