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.

Watch Now
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. 

Watch Now
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.

Watch Now
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).

Summer is here! Even though coronavirus and social distancing may still play a part in our day-to-day lives, we want to help you feel “on” all summer long. Bring the sunshine into your home with new ways to stay mentally active.

This summer, exercise your brain with these exercises that will help you remember the good times, make new memories and plan for what’s next.

Remember the Good Times

Having difficulty with memory is a common cognitive symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD). When it comes to long-term memory, memories from the distant past are often more preserved than recent memories.

Exercise you mind and stimulate your long-term memory with these activities:

1. Make a scrapbook ― digital or print.

2. Watch old movies or catch up with PD educational videos on our YouTube channel ― watch videos that share tips from people in the PD community to caregiving to videos in Spanish.

3. Stay social. Contact an old friend or make new ones by calling our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636) to find your nearest support group or wellness class.

4. Listen to your favorite summer songs.

Make New Memories

As Parkinson’s progresses, some may experience trouble with short-term memory and retaining new information. Exercise is a the most important activity you can do to keep your body and brain healthy.

Challenge this part of your brain with these activities:

5. Read books. Visit our PD library and start with Cognition: A Mind Guide to Parkinson’s. Reading is a complex task that requires multiple parts of the brain to work together.

6. Listen to our podcast. New to podcasts? Challenge yourself to learn how to subscribe and listen to the episodes that interest you the most.

7. Host a virtual game or karaoke night.

8. Exercise. Commit to a new at-home workout routine with virtual Fitness Friday exercise classes. Intense exercise can improve efficiency of your brain cells using dopamine and lessen PD symptoms.

9. Enjoy the outdoors. Remember to be safe, use your face mask and practice social distancing.

10. Bring nature indoors. Order a birdhouse kit online and hang it near a window, learn how to compost or start a garden!

Plan for the Future

The global pandemic most likely interrupted some of your plans for 2020. Take this at-home time to exercise optimism and plan for the new memories you would like to create.

Think big with these activities:

11. Make a travel bucket list. Engage your brain’s executive function and begin planning the options that seem most appealing, like a 2021 family trip or weekend getaway.

12. Try an educational webinar. Register for all the upcoming free Expert Briefings webinars that interest you. Stimulate some neurons by learning something new.

13. Write your PD story. Creativity provides excellent mental stimulation. Vary your activity to keep the mind strong and healthy. Submit your My PD Story.

14. Plan to attend a Parkinson’s Foundation event. Whether in-person or online, attending social events help you retain cognitive sharpness.

15. Take steps to #Plan4PD. It is never too late or early to plan for Parkinson’s. Not sure where to start? Order our hospital safety kit and check out different ways you can plan for PD from home. 

Join us on social media to #SummerOn with the Parkinson’s Foundation for summer activities, tips, resources and more.

“Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act,” according to the Centers of Disease Control. When it comes to living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) ― in any stage ― or caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s, it can become difficult to manage and maintain your optimal mental health.

“Your Questions: Mental Health” was a popular session held during the Parkinson’s Foundation 2020 Care Partner Summit | Cumbre Para Cuidadores, where care partners from all over the world asked their mental health questions, answered below.

Panelists included: Linda Pituch, Helpline Senior PD Information Specialist; Travis Turner, PhD, Assistant professor and Director of the Neuropsychology Division, Medical University of South Carolina; Caryn Balaban, MPH, Care Partner, former Parkinson’s Foundation People with Parkinson’s Council member.

Watch the full recording of this session and all 2020 Care Partner Summit | Cumbre Para Cuidadores sessions now

Learn More

Learn more about Parkinson’s and mental health in the following Parkinson’s Foundation resources or by calling our free Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636):

• Watch: Mental Health and PD
• Listen: More Than a Movement Disorder: Addressing Mood &Coping and Mental Health in a Medical Setting
• Read: Mood: A Mind Guide to Parkinson's Disease

With so many people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) staying safe indoors, the Parkinson’s Foundation has launched resources articles and virtual programs designed to support the PD community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our new virtual programs and content focuses on priority topics like exercising at home, COVID-19 preparedness, stress management, telemedicine and more. Remember, our Helpline 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636) is always here to help, especially now.

“As someone living with Parkinson’s disease, I know the importance of communications and providing online resources while the more at-risk PD community is socially distancing at home,” said Denise Coley, a member of the Parkinson’s Foundation People with Parkinson’s Council.

Get engaged and stay up to date with these free virtual events:

1. Parkinson.org/COVID19

With the rise of COVID-19, the Parkinson’s Foundation has continuously published new articles where we address your top questions about Parkinson’s and COVID-19.

LEARN MORE

2. PD Health @ Home

Our newest program PD Health @ Home was designed to keep the PD community engaged and moving, our new weekly online events address can help you ease the challenges of isolation. Join us for:

• Mindfulness Mondays: learn relaxation techniques and boost your brainpower
• Wellness Wednesdays: an expert speaker addresses a critical PD topic every week
• Fitness Friday: PD-tailored online fitness program

Learn More

3. Virtual Moving Day

This fall, Moving Day is going virtual! Every event will host a local, virtual version you can follow and MOVE with at home. All funds raised through Moving Day help us fund cutting-edge research and provide expert care for the one million Americans living with Parkinson’s.

Join us at a fall Moving Day: Fargo Moorhead, Rochester, Buffalo, New Jersey, Boston, Columbus, Venice, DFW, Atlanta, Nashville, Northwest Arkansas, Chicago, NC Triangle, Jacksonville, Palm Beach, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Miami.

SIGN UP NOW

4. PD Hospitalization and COVID-19 Fact Sheet

This fact sheet is full of crucial information for healthcare professionals in the case you are hospitalized during COVID-19.

DOWNLOAD NOW

5. Expert Briefing Webinars

Announcing our new season of Expert Briefing webinars! Every live broadcast will feature a PD expert and an opportunity to ask questions. Sign up for an upcoming webinar now.

6. Podcast

Our podcast has not skipped a single episode in 2020. Join us as we interview a new PD expert every other week. Catch up with recent episodes: Managing Anxiety with PD and Personalized Medicine: The Voice of the Patient.

LISTEN NOW

7. Helpline 1-800-4PD-INFO

Contact our Helpline specialists for your PD questions ― from COVID-19, hospitalization and more. Available in English and Spanish, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET.

CALL 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636) OR EMAIL HELPLINE@PARKINSON.ORG

8. Care Partner Summit Videos

Watch our 2020 Care Partner Summit at your convenience. Learn care partner tips from our panels covering key care partner topics including cognitive changes, mental health, self-care, practical planning and more. 

WATCH NOW