Educational Events

Mindfulness Mondays - Mental Wellbeing

Virtual ( Zoom )
1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EST
Free
Woman sitting on the couch drinking coffee

Each month, Dr. Rush invites you to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with yourself and your Parkinson’s community through a guided mindfulness practice. Together, we’ll explore simple ways to ground the body, calm the mind, and cultivate compassion and clarity that you can carry into your week.

Whether you’re new to mindfulness or a returning participant, these sessions are designed to be inclusive, supportive, and accessible for everyone. Find a comfortable place to sit, settle in, and experience how mindfulness can bring steadiness and space, even in the midst of change.

A brief time for questions and reflections will follow each practice.

Speaker

Taylor Rush, PhD
Health Psychologist, Director of Behavioral Services and Interdisciplinary Programs, Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.

PD Health @ Home is presented by the Light of Day Foundation, whose generosity has made this programming possible.

Light of Day, Fighting Parkinson's, ALS, and PSP logo

This is a virtual program, taking place live, using the online Zoom platform. Instructions on joining the webinar are provided after registering.

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2026 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.

Orlando, FL
Educational Events

Mindfulness Mondays - Mental Wellbeing

Virtual ( Zoom )
1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EST
Free
Woman sitting on the couch drinking coffee

Each month, Dr. Rush invites you to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with yourself and your Parkinson’s community through a guided mindfulness practice. Together, we’ll explore simple ways to ground the body, calm the mind, and cultivate compassion and clarity that you can carry into your week.

Whether you’re new to mindfulness or a returning participant, these sessions are designed to be inclusive, supportive, and accessible for everyone. Find a comfortable place to sit, settle in, and experience how mindfulness can bring steadiness and space, even in the midst of change.

A brief time for questions and reflections will follow each practice.

Speaker

Taylor Rush, PhD
Health Psychologist, Director of Behavioral Services and Interdisciplinary Programs, Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.

PD Health @ Home is presented by the Light of Day Foundation, whose generosity has made this programming possible.

Light of Day, Fighting Parkinson's, ALS, and PSP logo

This is a virtual program, taking place live, using the online Zoom platform. Instructions on joining the webinar are provided after registering.

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2026 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.

Orlando, FL
Educational Events

Mindfulness Mondays - Minding the Mind

Virtual ( Zoom )
1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EST
Free
Woman sitting on the couch drinking coffee

When our minds take us to non-resilient places (such as when we jump to conclusions, or let our emotions cloud our judgment), it helps to have a go-to move to bring them back to a calmer place.  

In this session, we will learn how to notice common difficult habits of the mind, to pause, and then to mindfully return to a better place.  As we do so, we give ourselves the best chance of choosing a better next step.

Speaker

Maria Sirois, PsyD
Psychologist, Consultant, Inspirational Speaker
Certificate in Appreciative Inquiry, Stiller School of Business

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.

PD Health @ Home is presented by the Light of Day Foundation, whose generosity has made this programming possible.

Light of Day, Fighting Parkinson's, ALS, and PSP logo

This is a virtual program, taking place live, using the online Zoom platform. Instructions on joining the webinar are provided after registering.

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2026 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.

Orlando, FL
Videos & Webinars

Expert Briefing: Artificial Intelligence & Parkinson’s: Understanding the Promise & Pitfalls

May 13, 2026

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly shaping how health care information is shared and used—including for people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners. But what exactly is AI, and how does it differ from augmented intelligence, which is designed to support (not replace) human judgment?
 
In this Expert Briefing, our speaker will provide a clear, practical overview of AI’s role in the delivery of care for people with Parkinson’s. The session will explore how AI-enabled tools may influence communication, symptom tracking, and care personalization, and how individuals and care partners can engage with these tools responsibly.
 
The presentation will also address key legal and ethical considerations—such as privacy, accuracy, and over-reliance on technology—while emphasizing the ongoing importance of human connection in care.

Download Slides

Webinar Summary

Additional Resources

Presenter

Allan D. Wu, MD, FAAN
Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, A Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence, Program Director, Northwestern Clinical Informatics Fellowship
Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Faculty Clinical Informatics Consultant
Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago

My PD Story

George Eckenrode
People with PD

George Eckenrode

Imagine you have recently been diagnosed with a chronic disease and you are attending your first educational conference. You are sitting in a large room with several hundred people listening to a physician with a personal connection to this disease begin his presentation.

I felt a wave of hopelessness; I thought what possible good news could he offer me? I felt like leaving. But I didn’t leave, and I am glad I didn’t. 

My name is George Eckenrode. I am 76 years old, retired, married and have recently moved to Phoenix, AZ from Pennsylvania.  I am a father and a grandfather. I am here in Maricopa County because of these last facts: my wife and I have three grandchildren. And they live here!

Fortunately for me, Maricopa County is a Mecca for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). It is blessed with the full range of PD services: caring compassionate healthcare providers of all disciplines and state of the art institutions dedicated to all aspects of chronic disease care (diagnosis, treatment, care, education, research and support).

PD Lessons Learned

In school I was taught when the planned lesson activity didn’t go well that all experiences are learning opportunities even if they are not planned. Life is like that too. Here are some things I didn’t expect to learn when I got PD.

  • I sleep funny. One question I was not expecting was: “Do you act out your dreams?” Turns out I do! I have Rapid Eye Movement Behavior Disorder (RBD) — and have since learned sleeping disorders are strongly predictive of PD.
  • I smell badly. Not my state of hygiene but my sense of smell. My wife was not surprised by my diminished sense of smell (discovered through a sniff test at my doctor’s office) as evidenced by her having to remind me to take the trash out.
  • I am very mood-y. I have had dysthymia (a form of depression) for years but I never knew I had anxiety till I learned I had PD. Even the depression took on a more negative flavor—that of apathy.
  • I don’t ever forget a face; it’s everything else I forget. I would like to think I just have “tip of the tongue” memory loss; but it’s a lot more. I have the slowness of recall. It doesn’t matter how recently I heard or even used the word. It just won’t come.
  • Welcome to orthostatic hypotension! Such a lovely expression for lightheadedness, isn’t it? I had noticed this for a while before I was diagnosed but I usually blamed it on other causes. What it really was caused by, is my PD.

There is a new person in my life: my “care partner."

I have known my wife for over 50 years. During that time, she has carried a list of monikers: my friend, my girlfriend, my wife, my financial support during grad school, and the mother of my children.

Now with the advent of my chronic illness, she has added one more title — that of care partner.

While most wedding vows still include the part about “in sickness and in health”, the arrival of a PD diagnosis changes that vow from a possibility to a certainty.  As with all other monikers she has carried, this position is again unpaid.

I like support groups — who knew?

Support groups have been a vital part of healthcare for decades now. My first neurologist in Phoenix recommended beginning an exercise program and mentioned a specific one in particular. Attending that exercise program opened the door to a world of PD support including joining a support group. It became clear to me after attending my first Parkinson’s support group that this group would play an important role in my life going forward.

It was a place to ask questions, questions no doctor could answer, unless, of course, he too had Parkinson’s. It was also a place to hear and tell stories and to hear and share information. And as its name indicates, a place to receive and offer support.

Things are changing but is it PD?

For those of us, like me, diagnosed in our seventh or eighth decade of life, we are often already experiencing some changes in our body’s functioning. The question then becomes: is this change (in hearing, bladder control, memory) PD-related or is it aging or something entirely different? 

Questioning is good, both at our doctor’s office as well as with our care partner and our support group. Questioning means we are paying attention, something we may not have been doing before the tip of the PD iceberg broke the surface.

Closing Thoughts

My wife is fond of making the following sound statement: “When you have met one person with PD, you have met one person with PD.” And now you have met one person with PD and what he has learned and continues to learn.

From exercise classes to support groups, find Parkinson’s resources near you.

My PD Story

Gary Gosselin
People with PD

Gary Gosselin

INTENT. Perseverance. You’re not alone.

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in May 2020, right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like a lot of people, I don’t remember much of what the doctor actually said. I do remember walking out of there thinking, “OK, now what?”

Because I was adopted, I don’t have any family medical history to rely on. My mind went straight to my two sons and four grandchildren — what does this mean for them? I remember thinking I need to understand this, for them as much as for me.

Those first months were a bit of a blur. A lot of appointments, a lot of questions, and a lot of just trying to make sense of it.

Some mornings just took a little more to get going. Nothing dramatic — I’d sit for a minute before starting. Just taking a moment before the day began. Some days it was fatigue or just feeling a step behind — the kind of things people don’t really see.

That’s where one word started to matter: Perseverance. I had it written on a card on my file cabinet and I saw it every day. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it reminded me to keep moving forward, even when I didn’t have it all figured out.

A few years later, through the Parkinson Voice Project, I was introduced to another word: INTENT — living and speaking with purpose.

Those two words just clicked for me.

So, in 2024, I made a simple wristband — partly for myself, and partly to thank the people who had helped me along the way. I ordered just 10. INTENT on one side, Perseverance on the other.

That was it. No plan, no idea it would go anywhere. I put it on every morning. I started sharing them—and then people began to ask about them.

Then something happened that changed everything.

I was on a Parkinson’s Zoom call with a group from Boston, telling the story of the Resolve Band, when someone held one up. They had gotten it the day before through Parkinson Voice Project — one of the ones I had sent to Dallas to thank them for their project.

That’s when it hit me — this thing had taken on a life of its own. And the message was pretty simple: You’re not alone.

Since then, hundreds of bands have been made available to people with Parkinson’s disease, care partners and clinicians at no charge. It’s also led me into some advocacy work, which has been another way to stay connected and give something back.

For me, though, it still comes back to something simple. Focus on what you can control. Stay engaged. Keep moving forward. I’ve been lucky. I’ve got a great family who’s been with me every step of the way.

I’ve also had the chance to participate in research studies and clinical trials, including PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson's Foundation.

Participating in PD GENEration helped me understand what my diagnosis really meant — not just for me, but for my family. When I got the results back, I sat down and wrote an email to my two sons, my wife and other family members to walk them through it. That’s how important it felt to me. The process itself was straightforward, but more than anything, it felt like I was doing something that mattered — for them and for others down the road.

What I didn’t expect was how much that experience would carry forward. A few months later, I was in Washington, DC, at the Parkinson’s Policy Forum, meeting and advocating with my senators and congressman.

I shared this story — how PD GENEration gave my family clarity and relief — and how programs like it only exist because of the broader research infrastructure supported by non-profits like the Parkinson’s Foundation and the NIH.

For me, it wasn’t just participating in a study. It became something I could speak to —real experience, real impact — and use to advocate for continued investment in Parkinson’s research so more families can have that same clarity.

Participating in research and advocacy work has given me another way to stay engaged and give something back. What gives me hope is the community and the fact that things are moving in the right direction.

Gary Gosselin at the World Parkinson Congress 2026

I just returned two days ago from Phoenix, where I attended the World Parkinson Congress, where I gave out many English and Spanish wristbands and presented a poster abstract related to the Resolve Band and advocacy work.

If I had one thing to say to someone newly diagnosed, it would be this: Take a breath. You don’t have to solve this all at once. Just take the next step. That’s what I do.

Every day starts the same way—

With INTENT.

And with Perseverance.

Some days it’s just for me. Other days, it starts a conversation.

By joining PD GENEration study, participants can discover new knowledge about their genetics, understand their family’s risks and help benefit generations to come. Learn more and enroll today.

Professional Education

Moving through Parkinson's: Does Intensity and Dose Matter?

Virtual ( Zoom )
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm EST
Free
Parkinson's Professional Exchange banner

Exercise is now clearly recognized as a key part of the Parkinson's treatment plan. It is a core component of comprehensive Parkinson's care and a potential disease-modifying intervention. Learn about new exercise research focusing on high vs moderate intensity, domains of exercise, and implementation strategies for people with Parkinson's.

Featuring special guests: Jimmy Choi and Daniel Corcos, PhD with moderator, Sneha Mantri, MD, MS, FAAN.

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2026 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.

Orlando, FL
Educational Events

Mind, Mood and Motion

11:00 am to 2:30 pm EST
FREE
Mind Mood & Motion (man running)

Check-in & Resource Fair* begins at 11:00 a.m. and the program starts at 11:45 a.m. 

Exercise is a powerful tool for managing Parkinson’s disease symptoms at every stage. This program explains how staying active supports movement, mood, and thinking- and may even slow disease progression. Participants will learn practical ways to build exercise into daily life for better mobility and overall well-being. 

*The Resource Fair will feature local Community Partners that provide services and support for the Parkinson’s Community.

Speakers

Sara Hooshmand, MD
University of Rochester, Movement Disorders Division

Tonya Bernard, DPT
Samaritan Home Health

Amanda Mower, OT
Jefferson County Public Health

Lunch will be served. Parking available on site.

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends and the community. 

Sponsor

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2026 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.

Orlando, FL
Educational Events

Parkinson's Basics: What You Need to Know

Virtual ( Zoom )
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm EST
Free
Husband and wife lookin at a tablet while on their porch

This program offers an introduction and basic overview of Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD varies from person to person and changes over time. Discover its causes, common symptoms, available treatments and effective strategies for managing them. Learn practical daily living tips to empower you to take charge of your health and to navigate the challenges of living with PD.

Speaker

Rozena Davis, APRN-CNP
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
A Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.

PD Health @ Home is presented by the Light of Day Foundation, whose generosity has made this programming possible.

Light of Day, Fighting Parkinson's, ALS, and PSP logo

This is a virtual program, taking place live, using the online Zoom platform. Instructions on joining the webinar are provided after registering.

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2026 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.

Orlando, FL
Raise Awareness

Insights from our 2026 State of the Community Survey

🧠 What will you learn in this article?

  • Key takeaways from the Parkinson’s Foundation 2026 State of the Community Survey.
  • How the Foundation will use survey results to help shape programs and resources.
  • Real-world insights about care, research participation, and more for the Parkinson’s disease (PD) community.  
Couple filling out survey together

Each year, the Parkinson’s Foundation surveys the Parkinson’s disease community to learn what topics matter most and what support people need.

Results from our 2026 State of the Community Survey guide Parkinson’s Foundation programs and resources, ensuring we stay focused on what matters most to people affected by PD.

This year, more than 9,000 people (people with PD, care partners, family members, friends and health professionals) took the survey in English and Spanish —up 30% from 2025. Responses came from all 50 states and from people outside the U.S., giving us valuable insight into the experiences and needs of our global Parkinson’s community.

2026 State of the Community Survey Findings

Below are key findings from this year’s survey.

1. Understanding symptoms, medications, and treatments remain top priorities.

Survey participants continue to mention movement symptoms, non-movement symptoms ,and knowledge about medications and treatment options as top concerns. More than half identified movement symptoms (61%) and non-movement symptoms (52%) as most concerning, especially tremor, gait and balance, sleep, mood and cognition.

Participants expressed strong interest in learning more about symptom management and treatment options. Similarly, Spanish-speaking community members were most interested in research updates and treatments options.

Key takeaway

People want clear, trusted information about symptoms, treatment options and research. We will use these findings to guide future education and programs.

Visit our PD Library to explore topics that matter most to you.

2. Uncertainty about what to discuss during medical appointments and barriers to care continue to impact the community.

A big challenge during appointments is knowing which symptoms and questions to ask the PD doctor, and many find it hard to talk about mental and emotional health. Similar to last year, most people said they spend 15–30 minutes with their provider.

“I believe in narrative medicine, where I encourage patients to share their Parkinson’s story — focusing on the symptoms affect them the most and working together to create a personalized care plan that empowers them to take an active role.”

— Sneha Mantri, MD, Parkinson’s Foundation Chief Medical Officer

About 25% of respondents went to the emergency room or stayed in the hospital in the past year, and only 38% knew about the Parkinson’s Foundation Hospital Safety Guide.

Although most reported not having barriers to care, others said it can be hard to get services and support. In the English survey, the most common barriers were:

  • Not knowing what services are available or how to get them
  • Trouble getting appointments
  • Having to travel far to get care

For Spanish-speaking participants, the cost of services was the top barrier, while other challenges included language, transportation and not having enough services available.

Key takeaways

Medical appointments can feel overwhelming, especially as symptoms change over time. These findings show a need for tools and resources that help people feel ready and more confident during healthcare visits. Learn how to make the most of your care.

Getting Parkinson’s care looks different for everyone. Understanding barriers of accessing quality care helps us see where more education, support and outreach are needed.

3. Awareness of PD GENEration is growing, but research participation gaps remain.

In the English survey, half of participants had heard of PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation, compared to only 33% among Spanish-speaking community members. But hearing about it doesn’t always mean participating in the study. About 60% of people who were aware and eligible took part in PD GENEration, with substantially fewer Spanish speakers taking part (32%).

Outside of PD GENEration, most respondents said they have not participated in clinical research studies.

Key takeaway

These findings show we can do more to explain clinical research and help people understand how to take part in research studies, including in PD GENEration.

PD Trial Navigator is a new program that helps connect PD GENEration participants to relevant studies, while providing personalized support throughout the process.

4. People are seeking trusted information, support and community resources.

Participants shared that the Parkinson’s Foundation website, Parkinson.org, was the most-used resource. Spanish-speaking community members also highlighted online education programs, including webinars and Expert Briefings, as most helpful.

Reflecting on the resources that have been most helpful, participants also pointed out areas that were missing, or underrepresented, in their community, particularly around exercise programs and emotional health resources.

When asked about the policy issues that matter most, participants identified increasing research funding and improving the review and approval process for new treatments as top priorities.

Digital tools may help with learning, tracking symptoms and managing care, yet many participants (60–70%) said they do not know about these tools or do not use them.

Key takeaway

These findings show why it’s important to have trusted, easy-to-use resources that support learning, emotional health, connection and confidence throughout the Parkinson’s journey. Explore our blog for the latest information.

Learn more about our policy and advocacy priorities here.

What These Results Mean for Our Community

In both the English and Spanish surveys, we saw common themes:

  • People want education about symptoms and treatment options.
  • Many people need more help getting care and talking with their doctor.
  • More people are hearing about research, but few are joining studies.
  • People want trusted information and support.

These results remind us that living with Parkinson’s, caring for someone with Parkinson’s and connecting with the PD community look different for each person. Hearing directly from the community helps us keep improving our programs, education and resources.

Next Steps

The Parkinson’s Foundation will keep listening and responding to the community’s needs and priorities. We will keep working to advance our mission and make life better for everyone affected by PD.

While no single survey can capture the full range of experiences within the Parkinson’s community, the insights shared through surveys like the State of the Community Survey help guide our programs, resources, research, and advocacy efforts. That is why we continue to seek feedback in multiple ways and encourage people with Parkinson’s, care partners, and family members to join our survey initiative and participate in future surveys.

To help shape future Parkinson’s Foundation initiatives and ensure your voice is heard, consider joining our survey initiative. Learn more about our Surveys here.

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