Check-in & the Resource Fair (for in-person attendees) begins at 9:00 a.m. CDT
Living with Parkinson’s can be challenging, but there are many things you can do to maintain and improve your quality of life. This program will provide you with information to help you find the balance between a proactive approach and wondering what lies ahead.
Expert Speaker:
Anthony P Nicholas, MD, PhD, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their families, friends, and the community.
In this webinar, we’ll explore the latest evidence-based treatments available to veterans living with Parkinson’s, including emerging therapies and clinical trial opportunities.
Check-in begins at noon and the program starts at 1 p.m.
After many years of good symptom management, Parkinson’s disease may become more challenging. Learn how Parkinson’s symptoms may change over time and new strategies available for managing them.
Speakers from OSU Wexner Medical Center:
Katherine Brownlowe, MD Neuropsychiatrist
Jonathan Zins, DPT, PT Physical Therapist
Elyse Everett, MD Neuropalliative Care Physician
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their families, friends, and the community.
In this webinar, we’ll explore the latest evidence-based treatments available to veterans living with Parkinson’s, including emerging therapies and clinical trial opportunities.
Join us in growing your knowledge of support, classes, and services for your journey with Parkinson's. Visit the local resources at the exhibit tables to learn more about their offerings. Join us to hear what a newly trained movement disorder specialist has learned about treating people living with PD and an overview of motor and non-motor symptoms and cognition. Complimentary refreshments.
Speaker:
Dr. Meaghan Berns
M Health Fairview
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their families, friends, and the community.
In this webinar, we’ll explore the latest evidence-based treatments available to veterans living with Parkinson’s, including emerging therapies and clinical trial opportunities.
Mental health symptoms are common in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Learn the causes, signs and what to do. You are not alone.
Up to 50% of people with PD experience depression or anxiety.
Understand the Causes
The same brain chemicals that affect movement in PD can also impact emotions and behavior. Stress, isolation, life’s ups and downs and coping with PD also play a role.
Know the Signs
Feeling sad, anxious or unmotivated from time to time is normal. If these feelings last or interfere with daily life, reach out for help.
Depression, anxiety and apathy, if not managed, can worsen movement symptoms and impact quality of life.
Depression: Ongoing sadness, low energy, loss of pleasure, hopelessness.
Anxiety: Excessive worry, fear or stress, restlessness, irritability.
Apathy: Lack of motivation, disinterest in activities once enjoyed.
Call or text 988 if you’re in crisis.
What You Can Do
Talk to your doctor
Mental wellness care often includes lifestyle strategies, talk therapy and other forms of support. Sometimes, medications are needed too.
Keep moving
Even just 30 minutes of moderate activity, like walking or yoga, boosts brain chemicals that help reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
Seek support
Reach out to friends, family, counselors, support groups and other resources. For guidance, contact our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).
Stay engaged
Schedule time to connect with others and look for ways to get involved. Even when you don’t feel like it, staying active can improve your mood over time.
Episode 177: The Role of Caregivers in Parkinson’s Dementia
Thinking and memory changes, also known as cognitive changes, may become more noticeable as Parkinson’s disease (PD) progresses. If these symptoms begin to interfere with everyday tasks, it may be a sign of dementia. Understanding the signs of dementia in Parkinson’s, along with its different names and variations, is essential for tailoring treatment options to your specific symptoms.
The early signs of dementia may be hard to notice at first. Often, it is the care partner or family member who witnesses the gradual decline in thinking abilities. Care partners play a crucial role in providing the best quality of life and support for their loved ones with Parkinson’s.
In this episode, Jori Fleisher, MD, MSCE and Claire Pensyl talk about Parkinson’s dementia. Dr. Fleisher is a movement disorders neurologist and co-director of the Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence at Rush University in Chicago, where her research focuses on designing and implementing novel models of care and support for people living with neurodegenerative disorders. She is the Principal Investigator of the PERSEVERE trial, an entirely virtual, national trial to educate and empower care partners whose loved ones have Parkinson's or Lewy Body Dementia (LBD).
Claire, on the other hand, was the care partner for her husband, Ira, who had PD and LBD. She shares her experience witnessing Ira’s cognitive challenges as they became more apparent and describes how she became motivated to learn more about the signs of dementia as the disease progressed.
Released: March 25, 2025
Jori Fleisher, MD MSCE FAAN is a movement disorders neurologist and Associate Professor of Neurological Sciences at Rush University Medical Center. She co-directs the Rush Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence and leads the Rush Advanced Interdisciplinary Movement Disorders Supportive Care (AIMS) Clinic, CurePSP Center of Care, and Lewy Body Dementia Association Research Center of Excellence. Dr. Fleisher completed her neurology, global health equities, movement disorders, and epidemiology training at the University of Pennsylvania. She has additional training in palliative care, health services and implementation research, and advocacy leadership. Supported by the NIH, foundations, and philanthropy, Dr. Fleisher’s research focuses on designing and implementing novel models of care and support for people living with neurodegenerative disorders. She is the Principal Investigator of the PERSEVERE Trial, a first-of-its-kind entirely virtual, national, randomized controlled trial to educate and empower family care partners whose loved ones have Parkinson's or Lewy Body Dementia. She is a co-investigator on several other national NIH-funded studies, an Editorial Board member of Brain & Life, an internationally recognized speaker, and has mentored over 25 trainees.
In 2006, Claire Pensyl and her husband, Ira Bell, married, retired, and then loved and laughed their way through more than 15 years of Parkinson’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease Dementia and Lewy Body Dementia. Both had personal trainers, physical therapists and social workers, and Ira also had neuro-physical, occupational and speech therapists. They participated in person and on Zoom in exercise classes, Rock Steady Boxing classes, dance classes, improv classes, adaptive sailing, clinical trials with at least 4 different clinical teams, Fox Insight and Fox PPMI, support groups and many educational programs on PD, PDD and LBD. They developed a nationwide network of friends in the PD and LBD community. Claire now continues those friendships, is a member of care partner advisor councils for clinical trials at Rush University and the University of Rochester, volunteers for the Parkinson’s Program at Lake Forest Hospital, supports programming and research that benefits people with Parkinson’s, people with Lewy Body Dementia, and care partners now rather than in the future, is preparing to take the enrichment training course offered by the Dance for Parkinson’s program sponsored by the Mark Morris Dance Group and is an advocate for more palliative care for the PD and LBD community. She is grateful for the growth she experienced as a care partner and continues to be thankful for the opportunity to be Ira’s care partner.
I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD) in August 2017 at the age of 44. The year prior, I started noticing subtle changes in my handwriting and my right leg felt less stable. I was referred to a neurologist. He dismissed my symptoms, attributing them to a pinched nerve or stress. But things continued to worsen. My handwriting was illegible at times, and I felt increasingly stiff and off-balance.
A year later, my chiropractor recommended I seek a second opinion. This time, two different neurologists reached the same conclusion: I had Parkinson’s. I was filled with anger and disbelief. The fear of how PD would steal my independence was overwhelming.
For nearly a year, I kept my diagnosis a secret. Only my partner (now my husband) knew. I did not even tell my three children. My daughter was in her senior year of college and wanted to attend graduate school on the West Coast to pursue a master's degree in architecture. I did not want her to feel obligated to stay close to home, so I kept my condition hidden until after her graduation and commitment to graduate school.
It was difficult to grapple with the reality of PD while maintaining a facade of normalcy.
After finally opening up about my diagnosis, a friend with PD recommended Rock Steady Boxing. It was a major turning point. The program reshaped my attitude. My new mantra became, "I'm taking command of PD, and not letting it take command of me." This newfound determination inspired me to take a proactive approach to managing my condition.
Another friend, an occupational therapist, suggested I see a neurologist at the renowned Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago. It was a game-changer, motivating me to explore every therapy and treatment available: physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, osteopathic manipulation, massage, chiropractic, dry needling — anything that could help me live a fuller life. I have also participated in research studies, hoping to contribute to a better understanding of PD.
However, the demands of my job left little time for prioritizing my health. I realized I had to make a change. After a 30-year career centered around government, I decided to put my health first and pursue something more flexible.
In August 2024, I launched Pat&Lily, an online boutique selling ethically sourced women's clothing and accessories. A portion of our profit is going to my local Rock Steady Boxing affiliate. I hope to make this amazing program more accessible to people in my community and to raise awareness nationwide.
While PD has presented significant challenges, it has also compelled me to reevaluate my priorities and cherish each day. Kudos to the Parkinson's Foundation for their unwavering support of the PD community. Participating in Moving Day events and accessing their online resources have been helpful in my journey.
I am grateful to have found strength in a community of people facing similar struggles, and I am determined to keep fighting. Together we can take command of PD until a cure is found.
Explore Parkinson’s Foundation resources that can help you today.
Nowadays it seems that everyone knows someone who has Parkinson’s disease (PD). And when you talk with folks, they respond with something like, “Oh, isn’t that the disease that causes people’s hands to shake?” That was me.
Then, in the spring of 2017 I noticed some far away distant trembling in my right hand. I didn’t pay too much attention but mentioned it to my general practitioner at my next physical exam. “We better keep an eye on that,” he cautioned.
Gradually, the shaking/trembling increased. Wait a minute, what was going on here. “Maybe it was a form of essential tremors,” a friend quipped. Someone mentioned DaTscan. DaTscan?! To Google I did go!
According to my Google search, I found that a DaTscan “involves the injection of a small amount of an iodine-based radioactive material into the bloodstream to help doctors assess the level of dopamine receptor cells in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical messenger that transmits messages between nerve cells and muscles, which ultimately helps control movement.”
For help finding a health professional who knows Parkinson's disease (PD), contact our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) or Helpline@Parkinson.org.
But ultimately, I wanted to check with a neurologist to find out for sure. The Parkinson’s Foundation helped me find one. I went to Yale's Movement Disorder Clinic and underwent a complete physical history and exam, along with the FDA approved DaTscan.
And then ... “Your kidding!” She wasn’t kidding.
I was officially diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Although I was deeply concerned, it didn’t really bother me that much. I exhibited most of the symptoms but in a relatively mild way. I told my doctor that it was more of an annoyance than anything else. We talked about what the new regimen of my life looked like though. I knew I could handle this!
What exactly is Parkinson’s disease?
I’ll leave it to the Parkinson’s Foundation. “Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately the dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. Symptoms generally develop slowly over years. People with PD may experience tremor, slowness of movement (called bradykinesia), stiffness (rigidity) and gait and balance problems.”
Remedies?
Remedies for these symptoms should only be treated by a qualified movement disorders professional. Not all people experience the same symptoms. They are different for different people. Some of these symptoms are very difficult to detect; others are easily apparent.
Hmmm. This sounds like a really complicated disease! Yes, it is! And it’s not to be taken lightly!
Fortunately, my symptoms currently allow me to play my new favorite sport: Pickleball! The Parkinson’s Foundation has sanctioned exercise (like Pickleball) for those who can play, as an excellent exercise and movement activity that can help slow slowed decline in quality of life in PD. Moving and exercising are some of the best ways of slowing down the progress of the disease. (So, get moving!)
My name is Liz, and I was diagnosed with Young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) in 2018 at the age of 46. I made an appointment with a neurologist due to trouble moving my arm. I went into the appointment hoping I had pinched a nerve. Instead, I walked out with a Parkinson’s diagnosis. This left me completely devastated — my diagnosis was unseen, unknown and unplanned for.
Part of the initial shock started at that very first appointment. Before I could begin to process the news, the neurologist rattled off a plan to run several tests and prescribe medications I had never heard of. She said, “Don’t cry about it.” This coldness was paired with a lack of information and resources. Being told not to have an emotional response to my Parkinson’s diagnosis was incredibly difficult.
Following the appointment, I called my mom to break the news. Next, I called my therapist, who also happens to be a social worker — someone who specializes in helping others navigate a range of difficult life situations. As a social worker myself, I knew I needed this type of professional support to help guide me through this life-changing diagnosis.
I worried about how Parkinson’s would affect my ability to work and parent my 15-year-old son. As a single mom, it was important for me to talk through the questions that swirled in my mind. Would I need to go on disability? Would I be able to walk at my son’s high school graduation, or play with my future grandchildren? These life milestones and the unknown progression of Parkinson’s disease were difficult to process.
With the help of my social worker, I worked through these uncertainties by creating short and long-term plans for my new life with Parkinson’s. She connected me to relevant resources for my lifestyle and symptoms, encouraging me to prepare for the worst but hope for the best. For me, I will continue to do everything I want to do in the way I want to do it, until Parkinson’s takes that from me.
Part of a social worker’s role is to support people by helping them live in the present. There are also very few resources just for women with Parkinson’s, so I decided to “social work Parkinson’s.” I started a support group for women living with Parkinson’s. We met in person before the Covid-19 pandemic; the group then transitioned to Zoom and we’ve stayed there because it allows more women to access the support.
Ever since I found the Parkinson’s Foundation has various ways to get involved, I’ve been volunteering. I joined the Parkinson’s Foundation New England Chapter (find your chapter here) and participated in Moving Day Boston this past October. Thanks to my amazing team, I was surprised and happy to be on the leaderboard as the top fundraiser and top team fundraising team!
Volunteering with the Parkinson’s Foundation is an important part of my fight. It allows me to use my skills as a social worker to help others while also empowering myself.
Here’s the main takeaway: It’s easy to get stuck worrying about all the bad and challenging things that can come with a diagnosis like Parkinson’s. I don’t want to live my life in fear; fear keeps you from actually living. Yes, Parkinson’s impacts every part of my life. I’ve worked to keep it in perspective as just a part of who I am and not the thing that defines who I am.
Participants will learn about the latest treatments and identify new care strategies for managing Parkinson’s symptoms. Navigating Parkinson’s disease involves looking ahead, learning and adjusting as symptoms and needs change. This program addresses some of the challenges of advancing PD and explores strategies to prepare for the future, including how to evolve your care plans and treatments throughout progression so you can live your best life with PD now.
Speakers
Susan Dodwell, MD
Maine Health-Maine Medical Center
Michael Kleinman, DO
Maine Health-Maine Medical Center
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.
In this webinar, we’ll explore the latest evidence-based treatments available to veterans living with Parkinson’s, including emerging therapies and clinical trial opportunities.
Nourishing Wellness: How to Harness Food as Medicine for Parkinson’s
Nutrition can be a powerful tool in managing Parkinson's disease (PD). Whole, nutrient-dense foods provide your body with the best building blocks for peak function, maintenance and repair. Every positive food choice is a step towards optimizing health.
The following article is based on a Parkinson’s Foundation Expert Briefing about the connection between nutrition and Parkinson’s, hosted by functional nutritionist and health coach Carolee Horner, MS, NBC-HWC.
The Relationship Between Food and PD
Food is more than just fuel for the body; it can act as medicine. Your body breaks down everything you eat — proteins into amino acids, carbohydrates into sugars and fats into fatty acids — then reassembles these components into whatever it needs, whether new cell membranes, neurotransmitters or energy. The better your fuel, the better you will feel.
Gut and brain health are strongly connected. Diet helps shape the gut microbiome — the trillions of bacteria living in the digestive system. These bacteria produce neurotransmitters, influence inflammation and affect medication absorption. Good gut health relies on a diet of whole and fermented foods, colorful vegetables and fruits, healthy fats and herbs and spices. These foods are also rich in antioxidants, substances that protect the body.
The standard American diet is centered on processed foods, refined sugars and unhealthy fats. These foods are linked to:
Chronic disease, such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity, along with neurodegeneration and cognitive decline.
Inflammation, which is the body’s response to harm. This response is crucial for healing. However, chronic, systemic inflammation can potentially damage healthy tissue.
Oxidative stress, which leads to cell damage.
Inflammation and oxidative stress play significant roles in the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
Targeted Nutrition and Parkinson’s
Nourishing foods and hydration can help ease symptoms of PD, such as digestive challenges, and may influence cognitive function, mood and sleep quality. Balanced meals and snacks can help stabilize blood sugar and energy levels. Different “everyday” dietary approaches, those designed for long-term, sustainable health improvements, have shown promise for people with Parkinson's, including the:
Mediterranean diet: emphasizes colorful fruits and vegetables, beans, whole grains, poultry, nuts, seeds, fatty fish, olive oil and other healthy fats.
Med-DASH diet: incorporates Mediterranean-style eating habits and dietary approaches to stop hypertension. This limits salt, sugar and meats, dairy and oils high in saturated fat.
MIND diet: Mediterranean-DASH intervention for neurodegenerative delay or targets brain health through a combination of Med-DASH principles while emphasizing leafy greens and dark berries.
All three diets limit processed foods, red meat, high-fat dairy, sweets, fried foods and butter.
A 2022 study update showed the MIND diet had twice the symptom-reducing power of the Mediterranean diet. Both diets are rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, which combat oxidative stress in the brain. Observational studies show the Mediterranean diet may delay PD onset by up to 17 years in women and seven years in men. The MIND diet is linked to slower cognitive decline and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Vegetarian and pescatarian diets are also high in fiber and antioxidants. Both focus on plant-based foods, boost gut bacteria diversity and may reduce the risk of diabetes, obesity and other chronic diseases. Vegetarians do not eat animals, but may eat their products, such as honey, dairy or eggs. Pescatarians follow these same principles, along with eating fish.
Therapeutic Diets
Often intended as short-term resets rather than permanent solutions, therapeutic diets can be restrictive. They may be difficult to sustain long-term and require careful planning to ensure adequate nutrition. Discuss any changes in your dietary patterns with your healthcare team.
Examples of therapeutic diets include the:
Vegan Diet: excludes animal products and centers on fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains. This diet emphasizes whole, plant-based foods while minimizing reliance on pasta, soy-based substitutes and processed convenience products. Those following a plant-based diet or who have absorption issues, which is common in Parkinson's, may find that a B12 supplement is necessary.
High in fiber and antioxidants, a vegan diet promotes diverse gut bacteria and can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation — factors in Parkinson’s progression.
Plant-based eating can also lower risk for chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which can be common in people with PD.
Ketogenic (keto) Diet: a high-fat, moderate protein, low-carbohydrate approach designed to induce ketosis — a metabolic state where your body uses fat for fuel instead of glucose. This diet focuses on high-quality fats like avocado oil and nuts. If not managed carefully, this diet can cause constipation, high cholesterol levels or nutrition imbalances. Low intake of fruits and vegetables may reduce dietary fiber and antioxidants. This diet may also require regular monitoring of kidney and liver function.
PD-specific ketogenic studies are limited, but suggest potential motor symptom benefits due to reduced oxidative stress.
Evidence from Alzheimer’s research shows a keto diet may offer neuroprotective effects by decreasing inflammation and enhancing the production of brain energy.
Paleo Diet: emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods, including colorful fruits and vegetables, lean meats and fish, while eliminating grains, legumes, dairy and sometimes, nightshade vegetables (a family of plants some believe can trigger inflammation).
Research suggests the paleo diet may reduce inflammation and boost gut health.
Rich in antioxidants and omega-3s, the diet may also offer some neuroprotective benefits.
The paleo diet can act as an elimination diet — removing and reintroducing common trigger foods can help identify specific food sensitivities or intolerances.
Therapeutic diets can be restrictive. They’re often intended as short-term resets rather than permanent solutions. Keeping a symptom and food diary can help identify patterns and distinguish between PD symptoms and nutrition-related issues. A nutrition expert, such as a registered dietician, can tailor your approach. Pay attention to how your body responds and be open to adjusting or transitioning to a more sustainable approach if needed.
A Personalized Approach
Though there is no one-size-fits-all diet for managing PD, diets that show potential to ease PD symptoms — including delayed gastric emptying, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and constipation, which affects up to 80% of PD patients — all share certain elements, including a focus on:
Whole, nutrient-dense, fiber-rich foods
Vegetables
Healthy fats, such as those in olive oil, nuts, seeds and avocados
Hydration: dehydration or electrolyte imbalances can worsen muscle stiffness
These diets also emphasize reducing the consumption of processed, fried or sugary foods.
Eating the rainbow brings phytonutrients into the body, minimizing inflammation and protecting the brain from neurodegeneration. Minerals like magnesium, zinc and iron also play important roles in brain health and can be found in diets rich in colorful plants and whole foods. For example:
Red tomatoes and watermelon contain lycopene.
Orange and yellow food, such as carrots and squash, have beta-carotene.
Leafy green vegetables hold phytosterols.
Blue and purple berries offer anthocyanins.
Citrus fruits, berries, nuts, and seeds contain antioxidants like vitamins C and E.
Herbs and spices are nutrition powerhouses. Basil, oregano, or a squeeze of lemon can add zest to dishes.
B vitamins, especially B12, are crucial for neurological health. Natural sources of B12 include meat, fish, and eggs. Whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and some vegetables contain other B vitamins.
Vitamin D: People with PD are also commonly deficient in Vitamin D. It can be obtained from sunlight.
Tips To Help You Tackle Nutrition Challenges
If protein-rich foods impact the absorption and effectiveness of levodopa, talk to your PD doctor about taking medication 30 minutes before or 60 minutes after eating protein.
Pay attention to how meals interact with your medication schedule and symptoms. Smaller, more frequent meals may be beneficial.
If you experience dysphagia or difficulty swallowing, a speech-language pathologist specializing in PD can help. Softer foods and thickened liquids may be easier to manage. Sitting upright and taking smaller bites can also help.
Maintaining weight can be difficult for some people with Parkinson’s. Consider making high-calorie shakes or smoothies that incorporate protein powders. Try to avoid dyes, preservatives and other additives. Look for words you recognize from the garden, versus words from a chemistry textbook.
Limited availability or resources might make incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables difficult. Consider frozen or home-canned options.
Talk to your doctor about the right dietary approach for you.
