While the leaves may be changing, your favorite podcast isn’t going anywhere! Cozy up, sit back and get ready to learn from our Parkinson’s disease (PD) experts with our top Substantial Matters: Life and Science of Parkinson’s podcast episodes:

1. Stall the Fall
   People with Parkinson’s are two times as likely to fall as other people their age. While healthcare professionals recognize the extent of the problem, there is still a lot to learn about why they happen and what can be done to prevent them.

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2. Depression in Parkinson’s 
   With depression as a common PD symptom, people with Parkinson’s should be conscious of their increased susceptibility to seasonal depression. Learn about the symptoms that accompany depression and how they may overlap with PD itself.  

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3. The Launch of PD GENEration
   Fall means school is in session. Learn about our latest study, PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinson’s Disease, and how it aims to help uncover key mechanisms responsible for PD and its progression.

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4. Seeking a Second Opinion After a Parkinson’s Diagnosis
   People are being newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s year-round. Learn more about seeking a second opinion from a movement disorders specialist. It may help to confirm the diagnosis and address any lingering unanswered questions.

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5. Addressing Sleep Discomfort with Parkinson’s
   The seasonal time change can lead to trouble sleeping for everyone, but people with PD experience sleep problems as a symptom. Changes in the brain can affect mood, thinking and the sleep-wake cycle. Find out how to address sleep discomfort.

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6. Palliative Care as Supportive Care in PD
   A change in temperature can bring muscle stiffness. As people with PD understand the benefits of palliative care, they are adding it to their regimen. Palliation means to ease the burden of the symptoms of a disease.

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7. Dance Therapy for PD
   A change of season can be the perfect time to try something new. Besides medication, people with Parkinson’s can benefit from many other forms of therapy, including physical, occupational, speech, music, art therapies, along with dance/movement therapy (DMT).

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If you liked what you heard, subscribe, rate and review the series on Apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you have any questions about the topics listed or want to leave feedback on this podcast or any other subject, you can do so here.

Regardless of where your loved one is on their Parkinson’s disease (PD) journey, you are the only one who can define “caregiving.” Especially following a new diagnosis, you might not feel like you are actually “giving” care. Similarly, your loved one might not see himself or herself as someone in need of care. But remember, care is not limited to physical tasks. Care can be emotional and spiritual as well as physical.

With resources created for care partners like our Caring and Coping educational book and Caregiver Summit videos, the Parkinson’s Foundation is here for caregivers. This November, for National Caregiving Month, we are asking our PD community to share their caregiving #KeyToPD. These care partners tell us their #Keys:

“I use a black container to put my husband's medications in when I get them ready for him to take. I used to use the clear or white plastic cups, but since most of his pills are white or light colored it was sometimes difficult for him to see them. Then I found some black sauce cups from an Italian restaurant and he can now see the pills much better.”
– Susan W.

“Being a caregiver is probably the most difficult job you’re ever going to have. The only way you can do it is to take care of yourself. You cannot say, ‘I don’t have time for me.’ The person you’re taking care of wants the best for you because you’re giving the best to them. Don’t be a martyr. It’s okay to take care of yourself.”
– Karen

“Planning. I am the live-in caregiver for my mom with PD.  I set aside a few hours one day a month to set up her pills in four, seven-day containers. That way in case something comes up, at least we have her pills ready. Also, I set alarm timers in both our phones for her pill times. Such a big help!”
– Megan F.

“A ‘couch cane.’ This allowed my mother more independence for a while longer. She could get herself up from her couch using the couch cane. Her walker was right next to it, so once she arose, she could use the walker to move to the bathroom on her own.”
– Jean B.

"When you go to the support groups, when you go to the meetings, you meet other people with the same problems, the same difficulties. It’s a wonderful way to communicate, understand what you’re up against and get advice from other people. As you get together you start talking, you start confiding, and you find that you get people that are very willing to listen. That’s very important to me.”
– Carolyn

“We used to carry 2-ounce slices of cheese and 1.92-ounce single-size candy bars. Whenever my wife's dyskinesia got bad, she would eat one or two slices of cheese and the protein would counteract the excessive Sinemet causing the dyskinesia. Whenever her feet froze to the pavement, she would pop a chocolate bar and that would unfreeze her.”
– George A.

 “Even as life changes, never stop striving to increase the qualities of your life together.”
– Judith

The Parkinson’s Foundation does not endorse products mentioned in this article.

Whether you care for someone who only requires help with basic tasks or for someone who requires daily physical care, utilizing the proper tools can help care partners provide the best support for their loved one with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Think of caregiving as a home: when you move into a new house, you furnish it, make it a place you feel comfortable in and invite your friends and family over to celebrate. Moving into this new role as a care partner requires a similar level of rearranging. It will take time to get used to the new normal, but you will feel that comfort again. The first step is to learn what coping skills work for you.

Research shows that care partners face risks to their own emotional and physical health, which is why it is vital to prioritize coping tools to address the stress associated with caregiving. Examples of declined physical health in care partners include higher incidences of heart disease, high blood pressure, decreased immunity to sickness, anxiety and sleep deprivation.

By exploring ways that help you identify and relieve stressful tasks, you have the capability to create a better space for you and your loved one with Parkinson’s. As with building a safe, happy, and healthy home, it can help to establish the below coping tools early on:

“Seek out others who are walking this same journey; you are not alone and need to be able to share honestly and openly with someone who can really understand what you are experiencing.”

– Virginia DeWitt, care partner, Team Spark Support Group Leader, Grand Rapids, MI

“Keep active and be happy with what you are able to do rather than looking at what you can’t do.”

– Myra Hirschhorn, former care partner, Cherry Hill Parkinson’s Support Group Leader, Willingboro, NJ

• Identify stress triggers. A first step in coping with stress is identifying and acknowledging the causes. Identify the moments that cause tension as a care partner and determine how you can make that task or time of day easier.
• Connect with other caregivers. No one will understand your experience as well as other care partners. Join a support group for care partners to learn other methods of caring and how to better cope with the role of caregiving.
  TIP: Register for our 2020 Care Partner Summit to hear experts discuss caregiving, coping mechanisms and connect with other caregivers.
• Acknowledge your right to feel what you feel. It is okay if you feel grief, anger, anxiety, guilt or depression. Seek out someone you can talk to, whether a professional or a friend.
• Seek out activities that bring you pleasure. Do the things you love. Read a book, see a movie or make time to enjoy your coffee each morning. No matter how big or small, it’s important to find joy in your daily life.
• Build in regular breaks. Treat scheduled breaks as appointments. You cannot be a good caregiver to someone else if you do not take care of yourself.
• Delegate. No one expects you to do it all. Determine what your limits are and ask others to help where you need it. Most people are more than willing to help, especially when given specific tasks.
• Seek out joy in your relationship with the person with Parkinson’s. Your hands-on duties, such as bathing and dressing your loved one, might feel like work, but these tasks bring you together. Add some fun to your hands-on care: sing songs, tell jokes, share goals and dreams.
• Develop a habit of participating in activities together outside of care tasks. Shared time as husband-wife, mother-daughter, siblings or other relationship — rather than as caregiver and care recipient — allows you to enjoy each other and build happy memories.

Learn more about Planning for the Unpredictable Path of Parkinson’s Caregiving at the 2020 Care Partner Summit. Register today at Parkinson.org/Summit.

With cold temperatures and short days, winter may also coincide with feelings of isolation or loneliness. Know that you are not alone. The winter blues are common and can be triggered by the smallest occurrences. Whether you’re feeling down or simply need an escape, tune into our Substantial Matters: Life and Science of Parkinson’s podcast episodes and tackle the seasonal lows with some of our most popular podcast episodes featuring Parkinson’s disease (PD) experts.

1. Mental Health in a Medical Setting

Mental health issues are often a part of a chronic disease such as Parkinson’s, but no one comes into a disease as a blank slate. Therefore, distress in the setting of a disease should not only be ascribed to having the disease but should also take the whole person into account.

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2. Recognizing Non-motor Symptoms in PD

In addition to tremor or stiffness, people with PD are often troubled by common non-motor symptoms such as fatigue, pain, disturbed mood or cognition. Visits to PD specialized therapists, exercise, dance and other movement regimes can help alleviate these problems.

Listen Now

3. A Western Perspective on PD: Understanding Complementary Medicine

While the traditional medicine from a Western perspective typically include drugs, rehabilitation therapies or surgical operations, many Eastern cultures take a holistic approach to treatment through the use of herbs, acupuncture, dietary therapy and other techniques aimed at restoring a healthy balance.

Listen Now

4. Autonomic Problems

A comprehensive, team approach can help people with PD improve quality of life issues that may not come up during routine doctor visits due to the associated stigma or potential feelings of embarrassment. These issues can include sexual/intimacy matters, blood pressure drops or urinary symptoms and often have easy solutions when addressed.

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5. Talking to Children About Parkinson’s

Receiving a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, especially at an early age, can be seen as disrupting an entire life plan. But it doesn’t have to. This episode offers advice about how to talk to children about the disease, where to turn for resources, and how having a relative with a chronic disease can have positive aspects for a child.

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6. The Benefits of Exercise for People with Parkinson’s

Regular exercise is essential for people with Parkinson’s and has been shown to improve many PD symptoms including balance, mobility, issues with depression and constipation. Additionally, research shows that exercise may have a protective effect on the brain, slowing the degeneration of brain cells.

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7. More Than Movement: Addressing Cognitive and Behavioral Challenges in Caring for PD

Addressing cognitive, behavioral, emotional and other neuropsychiatric issues may be challenging for physicians and for those they treat. This episode highlights an integrated cognitive behavioral movement disorder program addressing these challenges.

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New to podcasts? Listen online or read our How to Subscribe article.

Stephanie De Santiago, DNP, AGNP-C, has a doctorate in nursing (DNP) and is an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner at Banner Sun Health Research Institute, where she specializes in movement disorders and cognitive neurology. She is also a faculty associate for the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Arizona State University. In this Q&A, Stephanie highlights the Nurse Navigation Program, a program she created at a community wellness center where nurses conduct discussion sessions with members and their care partners to address Parkinson’s disease (PD) management strategies.

How did the Nurse Faculty Award help further the Nurse Navigation Program?

The Parkinson’s Foundation award funded the addition of a Nurse Navigation Program to a Parkinson-specific community wellness center. The 12-week program ― available to wellness center members and their care partners ― was conducted by nurse navigators who held weekly 45-minute individual sessions to discuss critical PD management topics.

Each week, the 24 participants discussed topics such as motor and non-motor symptoms, medication management, hospital preparedness, fall prevention and more. Participants were encouraged to talk about their questions and concerns. The entire plan will soon be published in a scholarly journal.

What self-management tips can you recommend for someone with Parkinson’s?

1. Education. An important aspect of improving self-management of any disease. The more you understand the disease and what to expect, the more confident you will feel in your own ability to manage new symptoms or challenges.

2. Social support. Finding the support from others in a similar situation is a key factor in self-management of any chronic, progressive disease. Have a support system in place to problem-solve with and open up to without fear of judgement.
3. Exercise. People often feel powerless over PD which can decrease self-management ability. Daily exercise is not only great for the body, but it can also restore a sense of control over PD that may have been lost upon diagnosis.

What role do nurses play in community wellness for people with Parkinson’s?

Nurses play an important role in creating and sustaining an interdisciplinary approach to wellness for people with PD. Often there is little communication between members of the healthcare team and visits with movement disorder neurologist. Having a nurse readily available in the community wellness setting can be a great added resource for addressing any issues that come up between neurologist visits.

Nurses can trouble-shoot issues or communicate the situation to the appropriate healthcare team members, taking the burden off the already overwhelmed person with PD or care partner. Additionally, nurses can support patients and families by giving them valuable education and guiding them through the course of the disease. Ultimately, this can instill in people a sense of control over PD.

How did being an Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Faculty Scholar influence this project?

My experience as an Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Faculty Scholar was pivotal to the development and execution of this project. My Safra mentor, Edie Simpson, helped me formulate the premise of this project.

Preparing for the project, I learned about PD management, which helped me create nurse navigation program topics. Lastly, during the clinical experience I gained through the Safra program, I was able to work directly with patients and I met many great movement disorder specialists who I collaborated with not only during the project, but also now, professionally, as a nurse practitioner.

What changes did you see in participants after they completed the nurse navigation program?

Our results showed that after a year of progression of Parkinson’s resulting in an expected decline in quality of life, nurse navigation was able to improve self-efficacy for managing PD. This means that having a nurse navigator as an additional resource for people with PD can improve their confidence in their own ability to manage their PD despite the known progressive nature of the disease.

What is the “Self-efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease 6-item Scale”?

It is a simple scale for researchers to evaluate how much confidence a person has in their own ability to manage a chronic disease, such as Parkinson’s. It is useful to track changes over time. Other wellness centers and programs that evaluate self-efficacy changes can utilize this scale.

What Parkinson’s Foundation resources do you, your team or patients utilize?

Parkinson’s Foundation resources were crucial for this nurse navigation program. We used the Foundation fact sheets and handouts that are available online at Parkinson.org/Library for all of the patient education involved in the program. These are a great reference for people with PD because they are easy to read and understand and they cover almost any topic relating to PD.

Another extremely beneficial resource is the Aware in Care kit. These kits help keep people with PD prepare for possible hospitalization. Everyone with a PD diagnosis needs to have an Aware in Care kit that is appropriately packed in order to advocate for themselves in the hospital setting.

Learn more about the Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Faculty Program.

Parkinson’s Champions participate in the Parkinson’s Foundation's community fundraising and endurance programs to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Together, Parkinson’s Champions have hosted more than 150 annual community fundraisers across the country, run more than 15,000 miles and raised nearly $15 million to help make lives better for people living with Parkinson’s.

Who can become a Parkinson’s Champion?

• Anyone who takes a stand against Parkinson’s on behalf of themselves, a loved one, a friend or the community.
• Anyone who wants to raise funds and awareness to help improve care and advance Parkinson’s research towards a cure.

What does it mean to be a Parkinson’s Champion?

Champions take the lead in planning their own events or they participate in endurance races. From developing an annual craft show to running 26.2 miles in the TCS New York City Marathon, there is never a shortage of creative ways you can raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s.

When you are ready to start your fundraising, we are here to support and guide you every step of the way!

How to become a Parkinson’s Champion:

1. Visit Parkinson.org/Champions. 
2. Select the category that interests you.
3. Follow the prompts and join an event or host your own!

Whether you have a race you want to join, an idea for your own or looking for some inspiration, you’ll find there are lots of avenues to get you started! Check out some of our favorite Parkinson’s Champions fundraisers below:

Create Your Own

For the past 11 years, Rachel has been challenging herself each summer to an epic adventure. From kayaking with the orca migration in the San Juan Islands, to biking 468 miles across Iowa, she is unstoppable! Every summer she tackles another challenge in honor of loved ones who have battled Parkinson's including her mom and grandfather.

Run for Parkinson’s

Jim is a life-long athlete — he skis, kayaks, bikes, hikes, boxes and more! He uses fitness and exercise to manage living with his Parkinson’s. In November 2019, Jim decided to conquer his first half marathon! He completed the Philadelphia Half Marathon, running with his daughter Jacqueline, and cheered by his wife and number one fan, Colette. Supported by his boxing group, friends and family, Jim raised more than $2,100. He continues to show incredible strength for himself and the 10 million people living with Parkinson’s worldwide. 

Donate Your Day

This year for Shana’s birthday, she wanted to help support her dad, currently battling Parkinson’s, as well as the PD community. In lieu of gifts, she created a Facebook Birthday Fundraiser, inviting friends and family to celebrate with her and donate to the Parkinson’s Foundation. She surpassed her goal, reaching $590!

No matter the occasion, race or do-it-yourself event, make a difference and become a Parkinson’s Champion! We’re here to help you develop your ideas and discover your perfect fundraising event. We can provide training and fundraising tips, fun perks along the way and support you need in order to reach your goal!

Become a Parkinson’s Champion and start your journey at Parkinson.org/Champions.

PD Health @ Home features new weekly Parkinson’s disease (PD) wellness and education virtual events designed for the PD community. We have new, exciting upcoming events scheduled that help promote mindfulness, highlight COVID-19 issues, exercise classes and more. Remember to join us and catch up on previous virtual events now.

These are the top 10 most popular PD Health @ Home episodes YOU found to be the most helpful:

1. Emotional Stress, Mindfulness Meditation and Mindful Movement

In this Mindfulness Monday, we introduce you to mindfulness and discuss the role emotional stress plays on the brain. Event recorded April 6.

Watch Now
See Upcoming Mindfulness Monday Events

2. Stress and Aging

In this Mindfulness Monday, we discuss Parkinson’s and aging, stress management and what successful aging looks like. Event recorded April 13.

Watch Now
See Upcoming Mindfulness Monday Events

3. Expert Briefing: PD and Medication: What’s New?

In this Expert Briefings Tuesday event, Fernando Pagan, MD, highlights the latest PD medications and what is next in Parkinson’s treatments. Event recorded April 14.

Watch Now
See Upcoming Expert Briefing Tuesday Events

4. Mind, Mood & Motion

In this Expert Briefing Tuesday, we highlighted the changes that can occur in thinking and memory for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners and the steps you can take to reduce the effects these symptoms might have. Event recorded April 7.

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See Upcoming Expert Briefing Tuesday Events

5. Ask the Expert: How Can I Benefit from Telemedicine?

In this Wellness Wednesday, Roy Alcalay, MD, explains what to expect from a telehealth appointment, the benefits of telemedicine and provides helpful tips for your next appointment. 

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See Upcoming Wellness Wednesday Events

6. Ask the Expert: Parkinson’s & Hospitalization

In this Wellness Wednesday, Dr. Okun reviews hospital safety for people with Parkinson’s who may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and answers questions from our Facebook community. Event recorded April 8.

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See Upcoming Expert Briefings Tuesday Events

7. Staying Sane through Quarantine

In this Take Time Thursday, we discuss quarantine and social distancing challenges and ways to cope with this new normal. Event recorded April 20.

Watch Now
See Upcoming Take Time Thursday Events

8. Overcome Exercise Apathy with Live Fitness Demos

In this Take Time Thursday, we help you break some exercise apathy habits while at home and show you some exercises that get you out of your chair. Event recorded April 23.

Watch Now
See Upcoming Take Time Thursday Events

9. Fitness Friday: Posture

In this Fitness Friday, Physical Therapist Joellyn Fox leads you through our PD-tailored at-home fitness class. This session will help you improve your posture through seated stretching and core exercises. Event released April 10.

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See Upcoming Fitness Fridays Events

10. Fitness Friday: Arms

In this Fitness Friday, Joellyn Fox will guide you through exercises that can help improve arm strength, highlighting correct form, chair and standing exercises. Event released April 24.

Watch Now
See Upcoming Mindfulness Monday Events

VIEW ALL UPCOMING PD HEALTH @ HOME PROGRAMS HERE

Check out our weekly PD Health @ Home events now. Join us and catch up on previous virtual events.

Taking care of your oral health is especially important for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Parkinson’s can impact the health of the mouth, teeth and jaw and make dental care challenging.

June is National Oral Health Month. Read on to learn about common dental problems in people with PD and tips for maintaining oral health.

Dental Risks Related to PD

Oral health problems arise directly and indirectly from the progression of Parkinson’s. PD-related dental challenges may include:

• Too much saliva. Excessive saliva can lead to a fungal infection at the corners of the mouth.
• Too little saliva. Also known as dry mouth, too little saliva can increase the risk of cavities.
• Cavities. A cavity is a breeding ground for bacteria that can easily infiltrate the blood stream and harm other parts of the body.
• Infected teeth and gums. Your mouth can harbor bacteria that may infect devices, such as deep brain stimulation electrodes, prosthetic hips and knees, vascular stents and grafts.
• Altered face and tongue muscle function. These conditions may affect speech and chewing.
• Swallowing problems. Poorly chewed food can increase the risk of choking and aspiration.

Barriers to Dental Health in PD

Symptoms of PD may hinder your ability to maintain proper oral hygiene, and can potentially worsen dental problems.

Movement Symptoms
Nearly half of all people with PD have difficulty with their daily oral hygiene regimen, due to movement symptoms such as rigidity and tremor. These symptoms also make going to the dentist more difficult and uncomfortable, as weakened swallowing ability can increase the risk of choking during treatment.

Additionally, people with PD who have been on medications like levodopa for several years may begin to develop involuntary movements, which can affect the jaw and cause cracked teeth and teeth grinding. This may create problems during dental exams and at home.

Non-movement Symptoms

Non-movement symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as apathy, depression, and forgetfulness, may lead a person with PD to pay less attention to their daily dental health. People who experience cognitive changes also may be more likely to miss dental appointments and less likely to report dental pain to their care partners or dentist, leaving issues unaddressed for too long.

Other behavior changes can affect nutrition. People with PD require greater caloric intake than those without PD, but some people experience decreased appetite. Combined with poor dental hygiene, this often leads to a tendency to avoid nutrient-rich foods, like vegetables, that require the ability to chew well. Some people may also develop a “sweet tooth,” which may put them at greater risk for cavities.

10 Tips for Improving Dental Health

Follow these tips to keep your oral health in check while managing PD:

1. Stay hydrated. Always eat and drink in an upright position, taking small bites and sips.
2. Brush after every meal for two minutes. If it is not possible to brush after a meal, rinsing the mouth with water will help.
3. Remove dentures after each meal, brush and rinse them. Brush or clean dentures in a solution at night.
4. Use a toothbrush with a large-handled grip and soft bristles. If you prefer an electric toothbrush, be sure it is an oscillating, rotating power toothbrush.
5. Do not use products that include alcohol, as they make dry mouth conditions worse. Your dentist can recommend special products like toothpaste and gels that can help with dry mouth and other oral health problems.
6. Floss. If movement symptoms make flossing difficult, consider using a water pick instead.
7. Avoid using mouthwash. Mouthwashes are typically discouraged for people with PD because of the risk of choking. Ask your doctor or dentist if it is safe for you to use mouthwash.
8. Notify your dental office of your PD symptoms. This will help the dentist and the staff provide better treatment.
9. Schedule dentist appointments wisely. Plan short dental appointments for the time of day your symptoms are most effectively controlled.
10. Have your dental health providers work collaboratively with your other healthcare providers to improve oral health-based quality of life.

If you have concerns about your oral health or you are experiencing dental challenges that may be related to PD, contact your doctor or dentist. Your care team can help you find strategies to take care of your dental health.

To learn more about managing swallowing issues and oral care with Parkinson’s disease, listen to our podcast.

A Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis is life-changing, but it doesn’t have to keep you from living your best life. If you are newly diagnosed, you are not alone. The Parkinson’s Foundation is here to assist and empower you at every stage to ensure you continue living well.

This article is based on a Parkinson’s Foundation Expert Briefings webinar “Newly Diagnosed: Living Your Best Life with Parkinson’s" by Jenna Iseringhausen BSN, RN, Marlene and Paolo Fresco Institute for Parkinson's and Movement Disorders, NYU Langone Medical Center, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence.

How Parkinson’s is Diagnosed

There is no specific test for Parkinson’s disease. Doctors look at a person’s symptoms and history, and may use various tests to make a diagnosis. A person must have two of these main movement or motor symptoms to be considered for a PD diagnosis:

• Slowness of movement, known as bradykinesia
• Stiffness, or rigidity
• Loss of balance, also called postural instability
• Tremor or shaking

Just as each person with PD is unique, so is each person’s Parkinson’s disease experience. Possible non-movement symptoms (some of which can occur years before a diagnosis) can include:

• Constipation
• Loss of smell
• Sleep changes
• Mood changes
• Speech
• Memory changes

The Weight of Change

For some, a PD diagnosis is a relief ― an explanation for ongoing changes or symptoms. For others, it can take an emotional toll, both on the person with Parkinson’s and their loved ones.

Take time to acknowledge your feelings and to address any mood changes. Parkinson’s disease itself can affect you physically and can cause depression, anxiety or apathy. Take control of the things you can. Enlist the help of loved ones. Minimizing worry and building support can boost your well-being.

When you’re ready, the Parkinson’s Foundation recommends 5 steps you can take throughout your journey to support optimal living.

1. Set and Prioritize Goals

Start small. Take time to think about how you want to live. Consider any obstacles standing in the way. Set specific, achievable goals to start working toward meaningful change in your life. Enlist loved ones or friends to help you.

As you determine and master smaller, individual goals, reward yourself for your commitment. Continue to build off of your achievements.

2. Talk About It

Communication is key to well-being for people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners. Finding someone you can each to talk to about how you’re feeling is vital. It can also be the first step in building community and outside support.

Family and friends, community or spiritual groups, and even people who share a hobby can be potential sources of assistance and support. One way the Parkinson’s Foundation community connects is through online PD Conversations discussion groups. These include the Newly Diagnosed and Caregiving forums.

3. Create Healthy Habits

Establish healthy habits early, so it becomes part of your daily routine. Healthy eating that incorporates good nutrition can improve medication delivery and ease symptoms. Research shows a Mediterranean diet (emphasizing plant-based staples and healthy fats, while minimizing meat) can improve health. 

Create a regular sleep schedule and bedtime routine to ensure restful sleep, which boosts mood. Try to maintain dental hygiene. Parkinson’s can affect mouth, teeth and jaw health. Brush teeth twice a day, floss, rinse frequently and increase hydration.

4. Be Active

Physical activity can improve many PD symptoms and may also offer neuroprotective benefits. Data shows exercise is important to well-being in PD.

Embrace vigorous exercise early on to improve mood, movement, balance and walking speed.  Exercise can also benefit sleep and relieve constipation. Choose an activity you love that includes stretching, aerobic and strength activities.

5. Find an Expert

Seek a neurologist, a doctor who works with brain and central nervous system conditions such as Parkinson’s. If possible, find a movement disorder specialist ― a neurologist with additional training to treat people with Parkinson’s at every stage.

These experts can often recommend other PD specialists ― nurses, social workers, occupational or physical therapists and speech-language pathologists. A comprehensive care team approach to treatment ensures a high quality of life. Also known as palliative care, this team building begins at diagnosis, enlisting specialists ― as needed ― who communicate with each other to treat Parkinson’s changing physical, emotional, social or spiritual needs.

Get Started

Living well with PD is possible. Incorporating these five steps, in any order, will empower you to live your best life. Relying on medically diverse allied care specialists to help manage your PD symptoms will ensure a high quality of life.

The Parkinson’s Foundation is here for you. Visit the New to Parkinson’s section of our website to learn more and order the Newly Diagnosed kit or contact our free Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).