This year, I’m running the Marine Corps Marathon as a Parkinson’s Champion, in memory of my dad. He lived with Parkinson’s disease before passing away in 2023.
Long before I became a run streaker, he was a “walk streaker”—committed to continuing his streak of daily walks, rain or shine, until his health no longer allowed it. His quiet strength and unwavering routine set a powerful example. He taught me to “walk the walk,” to keep the faith, and to always show up 100% for the people and values you hold dear.
One of the things that resonates with me is the role of exercise in managing Parkinson’s symptoms. Research shows that just 2.5 hours of physical activity per week—when combined with medication—can significantly improve mobility, mood and overall quality of life. My dad lived that research before it had a name. Long before Parkinson’s truly took its toll, he found strength, clarity and dignity in his daily walks.
Running has become my way of processing loss, channeling love and carrying forward the lessons he left me. Every mile of training reminds me of the path he walked—both literally and figuratively.
Parkinson’s is more than tremors or stiffness. It’s a relentless, unpredictable disease that affects movement, mood, sleep, speech and so much more. The people living with it—and the caregivers who support them—deserve more answers, more resources, and more hope. The Parkinson’s Foundation is delivering on all three.
This marathon isn’t just about honoring my dad’s memory. It’s about supporting the millions of people still living with Parkinson’s and the families who walk beside them. That’s why I’ve chosen to fundraise for the Parkinson’s Foundation: because they work every day to improve care and advance research toward a cure.
My dad always showed up. I’ll do the same—one step at a time, for him and for everyone still traveling this road.
Run as a Parkinson’s Champion today! Help raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular endurance events.
Episode 181: What to Know Before Taking Nutritional Supplements for Parkinson’s
People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) may hear, whether through word of mouth or the internet, about herbs or supplements that claim to ease PD symptoms. It’s important to recognize that nutritional supplements are not federally regulated, and there is limited research supporting their overall effectiveness. You should always speak with your healthcare provider before starting a new medication or supplement.
Nutritional supplements can include herbs, vitamins, or other drugs that are often available without a prescription. Since these products are not formally regulated, there is a high risk for potentially dangerous drug interactions when mixed with other medications, regardless of if they are prescribed by a doctor or available over the counter.
In this episode, we speak with Dr. Angela Hill, a pharmacist and professor at the University of South Florida, to better understand the precautions of taking supplements while living with PD. She discusses the potential side effects and risks of taking drugs without fully knowing what’s in their ingredients, as well as the warning signs to watch for. She shares tips for reading and evaluating labels and offers guidance on the type of questions to ask a pharmacist to help decide whether the supplement may be a good fit based on your specific health condition.
During the episode, Dr. Hill mentions additional resources for evaluating herbal medications and understanding medication timing. Click here to view the articles, along with her contact information for any follow-up questions.
Released: July 15, 2025
About Angela M. Hill, Pharm. D., CRPh
Dr. Angela M. Hill is a professor, Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs and the Project Director for WE-CARE at the Taneja College of Pharmacy at the University of South Florida. She received her doctorate in pharmacy from Florida A&M University and completed a post-graduate residency in neurology from the Neuroscience Research Foundation, Inc. of Florida. Throughout her career, she has helped patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders through her work in community and hospital pharmacy practice, specialty clinics and community boards. She has provided pharmacy services to patients being screened, treated, or involved in clinical research with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias for the last 25+ years, and is one of the pioneering pharmacists to be involved in Memory Disorder Clinics in the State of Florida and was acknowledged by the Department of Elder Affairs and the Alzheimer’s Resource Association for her pioneering work.
Dr. Hill is the project manager for WE-CARE where she does work in clinical trial recruitment and health disparities. Dr. Hill has done research and published on a variety of topics related to her specialty areas, which include pharmacogenomic principles in psychiatric and neurological disorders. Her work and training of pharmacists, spans from the United States to other countries like Nigeria, Trinidad, Panama, and most recently Canada.
She is currently practicing at Dr. Tracy’s House, an innovative holistic health primary care practice that serves underrepresented and marginalized populations in Tampa, Florida.
Dr. Hill is the wife of Mr. Thaddeus Hill and their 10-year-old daughter, Sylvia Hill.
Exercise and staying active are essential not only for physical health but also for mental and emotional well-being, especially as a veteran living with Parkinson’s disease. This program will address how staying active can positively impact physical symptoms, mood, and overall health. Participants will learn about the benefits of exercise, discover strategies to stay active beyond traditional workouts, and explore meaningful activities that bring joy and purpose.
Hillari Olson, DPT, RYT 200
LSVT BIG®, PWR! Moves® Certified Clinician
Program Coordinator / Physical Therapist
Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Program
Minneapolis VA Health Care System
Emily Hall, LCSW
Southeast PADRECC Senior Social Worker
Central Virginia VA Healthcare System
Konner Kielman, OTD, OTR/L
LSVT BIG® Certified Clinician
Occupational Therapist
Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Program
Minneapolis VA Health Care System
Science News
Study Finds Potential Link Between Parkinson's and Gut Health
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) — conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis — are linked to an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder affecting movement. Scientists are working to figure out why the diseases are linked, and a key player may be the community of microbes living in our gut, often referred to as the gut microbiome.
The gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microorganisms that live in our digestive system. It plays a crucial role in digestion, immunity and brain health. An imbalance in this gut microbial community, known as gut dysbiosis, can contribute to various health issues.
A recent study compared the gut microbiomes of people with Parkinson’s disease, IBD and healthy individuals. It also examined larger, publicly available microbiome data from people with Parkinson’s or IBD. This research is the first to directly compare gut microbiomes across these three groups.
Parkinson’s Foundation Scientific Advisory Board member Malú Gámez Tansey, PhD, led the study, which was published in npj Parkinson's Disease; Michael S. Okun, MD, Parkinson's Foundation National Medical Advisor, was also a study contributor. The results revealed previously unknown similarities between the gut microbiomes of people with Parkinson’s and those with IBD.
The study found a reduced number of a certain type of microbe in both people with inflammatory bowel disease and Parkinson’s, suggesting that these specific microbes may influence the risk of Parkinson’s.
Study Results
The study recruited 54 people with Parkinson’s, 24 people with IBD and 16 people without these diseases. The researchers used fecal samples and special techniques to identify the microbes that make up each participant’s microbiome. When they compared the microbes, they observed clear differences as well as certain overlaps in the species of bacteria in the guts of people with IBD and Parkinson’s compared to healthy individuals.
Additionally, in large sets of data from past studies of people with IBD or Parkinson’s, they found that even though there are unique changes in each condition, there are also specific bacteria and metabolic processes that are either more or less common in both IBD and Parkinson’s.
In people with Parkinson’s or IBD, the study found that there tended to be a decrease in the levels of certain types of bacteria known for producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are important fuel and signaling molecules for our gut and brain. The study highlighted a few specific SCFA-producing bacteria that were lower in both the Parkinson’s and IBD groups.
Furthermore, researchers also found a reduction in the biological machinery responsible for producing the bacteria in both conditions. As SCFAs play a role in maintaining gut health and may have neuroprotective effects, these findings suggest that the depletion of SCFA-producing bacteria in people with IBD might increase their susceptibility to developing Parkinson's disease. A lack of these beneficial compounds could potentially impact brain health over time.
This research underscores the connection between our gut and our brain — often referred to as the gut-brain axis. It suggests that a healthy and diverse gut microbiome may be important for brain and gut health, and a lack of these beneficial bacteria could potentially impact brain health over time. However, more studies are needed to show whether interventions to change diet or microbiome could help with IBD or Parkinson’s.
Highlights
The study recruited 54 people with Parkinson’s, 24 people with IBD and 16 people without these diseases. The researchers used special techniques to identify the microbes that make up each participant’s microbiome. They also analyzed publicly available data from past studies of people with IBD or Parkinson’s.
They found previously unknown overlap between the gut microbiomes of people with Parkinson’s and people with IBD.
They found a decrease in the amount of certain types of bacteria known for producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are important fuel and signaling molecules for our gut and brain, in both people with Parkinson’s and IBD.
Their findings suggest that the depletion of these important bacteria in individuals with IBD might contribute to an environment that increases their susceptibility to developing Parkinson's disease.
What does this mean?
This study has identified new shared features between the microbiomes of people with PD and IBD. Because there is a link between these two conditions, improving our understanding of the specific microbes involved in both diseases may potentially lead to new therapies.
While this research provides insights into the potential link between gut dysbiosis, IBD, and Parkinson's disease, more studies with larger sample sizes are needed to fully understand the complex mechanisms at play and whether any interventions could help.
What do these findings mean to the people with PD right now?
About 80% of people with Parkinson's experience gastrointestinal (GI) issues. These issues can develop up to 10-20 years before a PD diagnosis. Therefore, the gut microbiome is a ripe target for future treatments that could potentially stop or slow PD progression at an early stage.
However, the gut microbiome is very complex and unique to each person. If you are suffering from gastrointestinal issues, try eating more fiber-rich foods and less starchy ones, drinking more fluids and increasing exercise. Speak to your doctor before trying pro- or pre-biotic supplements that alter your gut microbiome, since they may affect people differently.
PD-related gastroparesis (the impaired ability to empty the contents of the stomach) and other GI issues can impact how medications are absorbed. People with gut issues may find PD medications such as carbidopa/levodopa take longer to take effect or seem less effective. Additionally, the medications themselves can alter the structure of your gut microbiome. Bring up any GI issues to your PD doctor who might refer you to a gastroenterologist, a doctor specializing in GI issues.
Learn More
The Parkinson’s Foundation believes in empowering the Parkinson’s community through education. Learn more about PD and the topics in this article through our below resources, or by calling our free Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) for answers to your Parkinson’s questions.
In 2016, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD) at the age of 31. To say this diagnosis was difficult would be an understatement. In that moment, I realized that the life I had always envisioned for myself was no longer a possibility. Instead of living my life as I saw fit, I now had to live my life according to what I could plan out.
Does my job offer disability insurance? How should I approach building a family? Would my spouse even want to build a family knowing what is in store? How long do I have to save, and how much, before I can't work anymore? These are all questions that anyone diagnosed with a chronic illness must face. It took me 3 years to realize that the life I envisioned can still happen, it would just look a little different.
Since that time, I have dedicated myself to spreading awareness and helping raise funds for Parkinson's. I've worked as a member of the Parkinson’s Foundation People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council, and most recently I have summited mountains I never thought achievable. After all, Ali once said "it's not the mountain ahead that wears you down, but the pebble in your shoe." I take this quote literally and will continue to push myself to new heights. In 2026, on the 10-year anniversary of my diagnosis, I will be attempting to summit Mera Peak in Nepal. This 21,000 ft mountain will represent my journey with PD. While the journey will always be difficult, and often times I will want to break down, but I can't.
To those living with Parkinson's, I challenge each of you to enjoy what makes me happy, and what gives me hope. Challenge yourself every day. I see where I'm at in my life, and I look at where I can be. I want to be able to tell my daughter that you can do anything you put your mind to, and I want to mean that, and lead by example. I want to show that no matter the news, you can find your inspiration and life, and you can ALWAYS find your meaning. No matter where you are in your journey, you can always look up and see the mark you are leaving on this world. Challenge yourself, not only for yourself, but those around you.
I’m Angela Carnahan — a wife, mother of two adult children and the Northwest Sr. Manager of Business Implementation for a telecom company. Staying active has always been essential for me, helping me manage the stresses of work and life. I was dedicated to Pilates, spinning, morning walks and my Peloton bike and tread… until everything shifted shortly after my 48th birthday. I began noticing my right hand shaking unexpectedly, a subtle tremor that soon became impossible to ignore or hide.
After visits to my primary doctor, an MRI, and a quick referral to a neurologist, specializing in movement disorders, I received a diagnosis of young-onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) just three months after my symptoms began. In disbelief, I sought further confirmation with a DATscan, which confirmed the diagnosis.
Once the shock settled, I turned to research and found tremendous support through the Parkinson’s Foundation. They provided me with invaluable information and connected me to a community that understands this journey.
I found my way to my first-ever PD research study — the Parkinson’s Foundation genetic study, PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinson’s. Participating was incredibly easy, and I was happy to feel like I was helping the future for a cure.
Thanks to encouragement from the Parkinson’s Foundation, I’m now heading into my fourth year participating in Parkinson's Revolution at TEAMride, and my third as a co-lead volunteer, helping to organize and raise funds for this event.
Exercise remains my anchor, as it’s the only proven way to slow Parkinson’s progression. This disorder can bring on symptoms like tremors, muscle cramping and balance issues — but my commitment to fitness has been a lifeline.
My Pilates routines at InstaPhysique are specifically tailored to build strength, balance, stability and core endurance — all crucial for managing my symptoms. Joining my local Rock Steady Boxing group (Hope in Your Corner) has also greatly improved both my physical and mental resilience, keeping me strong in the face of Parkinson's challenges.
Find a PD-related exercise class near you! Explore classes through your local Parkinson’s Foundation chapter or call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).
Nutrir el bienestar: Cómo aprovechar los alimentos como medicina contra el Parkinson
La nutrición puede ser una poderosa herramienta para manejar la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP). Los alimentos integrales y ricos en nutrientes proporcionan al cuerpo los mejores elementos para funcionar, mantenerse y repararse al máximo. Cada elección positiva de comida es un paso hacia la optimización de la salud.
El siguiente artículo se basa en una Charla en Línea con Expertos (Expert Briefings Webinars) de la Parkinson's Foundation sobre la conexión entre la nutrición y el Parkinson, presentado por la nutricionista funcional y entrenadora de salud Carolee Horner, con maestría en Ciencias y Coach de salud y bienestar certificada por la Junta Nacional.
La relación entre los alimentos y la EP
Los alimentos son más que sólo combustible para el cuerpo: pueden funcionar como medicina. El organismo descompone todo lo que come —las proteínas en aminoácidos, los carbohidratos en azúcares y las grasas en ácidos grasos— y luego vuelve a ensamblar estos componentes en lo que necesita, ya sean nuevas membranas celulares, neurotransmisores o energía. Cuanto mejor sea su combustible, mejor se sentirá.
La salud intestinal y cerebral están estrechamente conectadas. La dieta ayuda a modelar el microbioma intestinal; es decir, los billones de bacterias que viven en el aparato digestivo. Estas bacterias producen neurotransmisores, influyen en la inflamación y afectan la absorción de medicamentos. Una buena salud intestinal depende de una dieta a base de alimentos integrales y fermentados, verduras y frutas de colores, grasas saludables y hierbas y especias. Estos alimentos también son ricos en antioxidantes, sustancias que protegen el organismo.
La dieta estadounidense estándar se centra en alimentos procesados, azúcares refinados y grasas poco saludables. Estos alimentos están relacionados con:
Enfermedades crónicas, como diabetes, cardiopatías y obesidad, junto con la neurodegeneración y el deterioro cognitivo.
Inflamación, que es la respuesta del organismo a un daño. Esta respuesta es crucial para la curación. Sin embargo, la inflamación sistémica crónica puede dañar los tejidos sanos.
Estrés oxidativo, que provoca daños celulares.
La inflamación y el estrés oxidativo desempeñan un papel importante en la progresión de la enfermedad de Parkinson.
Nutrición dirigida y Parkinson
Los alimentos nutritivos y la hidratación pueden ayudar a aliviar los síntomas de la EP, como los problemas digestivos y pueden influir en la función cognitiva, el estado de ánimo y la calidad del sueño. Las comidas y los tentempiés equilibrados pueden ayudar a estabilizar el azúcar en sangre y los niveles de energía. Diferentes enfoques alimentarios "cotidianos", aquellos diseñados para lograr mejoras de salud sostenibles a largo plazo, parecen prometedores para las personas con Parkinson, incluyendo:
Dieta mediterránea: prioriza las frutas y verduras de colores, las legumbres, los cereales integrales, las aves de corral, los frutos secos, las semillas, el pescado graso, el aceite de oliva y otras grasas saludables.
Dieta Mediterránea-DASH: incorpora hábitos alimentarios del estilo mediterráneo y enfoquesdietéticos para frenarla hipertensión. Esto limita la sal, el azúcar y las carnes, los lácteos y los aceites ricos en grasas saturadas.
Dieta MIND: (Intervención Mediterránea-DASH para el retraso neurodegenerativo, por sus siglas en inglés) o se enfoca en la salud cerebral a través de una combinación de principios de la dieta Med-DASH a la vez que se centra en hojas verdes y bayas oscuras.
Las tres dietas limitan los alimentos procesados, la carne roja, los lácteos ricos en grasa, los dulces, los fritos y la mantequilla.
Una actualización del estudio de 2022 demostró que la dieta MIND tenía el doble de poder reductor de los síntomas que la dieta mediterránea. Ambas dietas son ricas en polifenoles y flavonoides, que combaten el estrés oxidativo en el cerebro. Los estudios de observación muestran que la dieta mediterránea puede retrasar la aparición de la EP hasta 17 años en las mujeres y siete años en los hombres. La dieta MIND está relacionada con un deterioro cognitivo más lento y un menor riesgo de la enfermedad de Alzheimer.
Las dietas vegetariana y pescatariana también son ricas en fibra y antioxidantes. Ambos se centran en alimentos de origen vegetal, potencian la diversidad de bacterias intestinales y pueden reducir el riesgo de diabetes, obesidad y otras enfermedades crónicas. Los vegetarianos no comen animales, pero pueden consumir sus productos, como miel, lácteos o huevos. Los pescatarianos siguen estos mismos principios, además de comer pescado.
Dietas terapéuticas
Las dietas terapéuticas, a menudo concebidas como reajustes a corto plazo más que como soluciones permanentes, pueden ser restrictivas. Pueden ser difíciles de mantener a largo plazo y requieren una planificación cuidadosa para garantizar una nutrición adecuada. Comente con su equipo de atención cualquier cambio en sus patrones de alimentación.
Algunos ejemplos de dietas terapéuticas son:
Dieta vegana: excluye los productos de origen animal y se centra en frutas, verduras, legumbres, frutos secos, semillas y cereales integrales. Esta dieta hace hincapié en los alimentos integrales de origen vegetal y reduce al mínimo la dependencia de las pastas, los sustitutos a base de soja y los productos precocidos procesados. Las personas que siguen una dieta basada en plantas o que tienen problemas de absorción (algo frecuente en el Parkinson), pueden necesitar un suplemento de B12.
Con un alto contenido en fibra y antioxidantes, una dieta vegana promueve la diversidad de bacterias intestinales y puede ayudar a reducir el estrés oxidativo y la inflamación, factores que intervienen en la progresión del Parkinson.
La alimentación basada en plantas también puede reducir el riesgo de enfermedades crónicas, como enfermedades cardiovasculares y diabetes, que pueden ser frecuentes en personas con la EP.
Dieta cetogénica (keto): enfoque rico en grasas, moderado en proteínas y bajo en carbohidratos diseñado para inducir la cetosis, un estado metabólico en el que el cuerpo utiliza la grasa como combustible en lugar de la glucosa. Esta dieta se centra en las grasas de alta calidad, como el aceite de aguacate y los frutos secos. Si no se controla con cuidado, esta dieta puede provocar estreñimiento, niveles elevados de colesterol o desequilibrios nutricionales. El bajo consumo de frutas y verduras puede reducir la fibra dietética y los antioxidantes. Esta dieta también puede requerir un control regular de la función renal y hepática.
Los estudios cetogénicos específicos de la EP son limitados, pero sugieren beneficios potenciales sobre los síntomas motores debido a la reducción del estrés oxidativo.
Las investigaciones sobre el Alzheimer demuestran que una dieta keto puede tener efectos neuroprotectores al reducir la inflamación y aumentar la producción de energía cerebral.
Dieta paleo: hace hincapié en los alimentos integrales y ricos en nutrientes, como las frutas y verduras de colores, las carnes magras y el pescado y elimina los cereales, las legumbres, los lácteos y, a veces, las solanáceas (una familia de plantas que, según algunos, puede provocar inflamación).
Las investigaciones sugieren que la dieta paleo puede reducir la inflamación y mejorar la salud intestinal.
Rica en antioxidantes y omega-3, la dieta también puede ofrecer algunos beneficios neuroprotectores.
La dieta paleo puede actuar como una dieta de eliminación: eliminar y reintroducir alimentos desencadenantes comunes puede ayudar a identificar sensibilidades o intolerancias alimentarias específicas.
Las dietas terapéuticas pueden ser restrictivas. A menudo estan pensadas como reajustes a corto plazo más que como soluciones permanentes. Llevar un diario de síntomas y alimentos puede ayudar a identificar patrones y a distinguir entre los síntomas de la EP y los problemas relacionados con la nutrición. Un experto en nutrición, como un dietista certificado, puede adaptar su enfoque. Preste atención a cómo responde su cuerpo y esté dispuesto a ajustar o cambiar a un enfoque más sostenible si es necesario.
Un enfoque personalizado
Aunque no existe una dieta única para el tratamiento de la EP, las dietas que muestran potencial para aliviar los síntomas de la EP —incluyendo el vaciamiento gástrico retardado, el crecimiento excesivo de bacterias en el intestino delgado y el estreñimiento, que afecta a hasta un 80% de los pacientes con la EP— comparten ciertos elementos, incluyendo un enfoque en:
Alimentos integrales, ricos en nutrientes y fibra
Verduras
Grasas saludables, como las del aceite de oliva, los frutos secos, las semillas y el aguacate
Hidratación: la deshidratación o los desequilibrios electrolíticos pueden empeorar la rigidez muscular
Estas dietas también hacen hincapié en reducir el consumo de alimentos procesados, fritos o azucarados.
Comer el arco iris aporta fitonutrientes al organismo, minimizando la inflamación y protegiendo el cerebro de la neurodegeneración. Los minerales como el magnesio, el zinc y el hierro también juegan un papel importante en la salud cerebral y pueden encontrarse en dietas ricas en plantas de colores y alimentos integrales. Por ejemplo:
Los tomates rojos y la sandía contienen licopeno.
Los alimentos de color naranja y amarillo, como las zanahorias y la calabaza, tienen betacaroteno.
Las verduras de hoja verde contienen fitosteroles.
Las bayas azules y moradas ofrecen antocianinas.
Los cítricos, las bayas, los frutos secos y las semillas contienen antioxidantes como las vitaminas C y E.
Las hierbas y las especias son potentes alimentos. La albahaca, el orégano o un chorrito de limón pueden añadir sabor a los platillos.
Las vitaminas del grupo B, especialmente la B12, son cruciales para la salud neurológica. Las fuentes naturales de B12 son la carne, el pescado y los huevos. Los cereales integrales, las legumbres, los frutos secos, las semillas y algunas verduras contienen otras vitaminas del grupo B.
Vitamina D: Las personas con la EP también suelen tener carencias de vitamina D. Ésta puede obtenerse de la luz solar.
Consejos para abordar los desafíos de la nutrición
Si los alimentos ricos en proteínas afectan la absorción y la eficacia de la levodopa, hable con su médico especialista en la EP acerca de poder tomar la medicación 30 minutos antes o 60 minutos después de comer proteínas.
Preste atención a cómo interactúan las comidas con su horario de medicación y sus síntomas. Las comidas más pequeñas y frecuentes pueden ser beneficiosas.
Si experimenta disfagia o dificultad para tragar, un terapeuta del habla y el lenguaje especializado en la EP puede ayudarle. Los alimentos más blandos y los líquidos espesados pueden ser más fáciles de manejar. Sentarse erguido y tomar bocados más pequeños también puede ayudar.
Mantener el peso puede ser difícil para algunas personas con Parkinson. Considere preparar batidos o licuados ricos en calorías que incluyan proteínas en polvo. Intente evitar colorantes, conservadores y otros aditivos. Busque palabras que reconozca del jardín, en lugar de palabras de un libro de texto de química.
La falta o escasez de recursos pueden hacer difícil incluir frutas y verduras frescas. Considere opciones congeladas o envasadas en casa.
Hable con su médico para encontrar el enfoque dietético adecuado para usted.
Aprenda más
Explore nuestros recursos sobre el la dieta en el Parkinson:
When I first mentioned my symptoms during a routine annual physical in December 2020, I expected the usual advice — get more sleep, stretch more, maybe adjust my medication. I had just had knee replacement surgery the year prior on top of having ongoing arthritis and spine issues. It didn’t seem odd to me or my wife Shari that my movements were slower, I had difficulty turning in bed, and I had fewer facial expressions.
However, when I brought up these changes with Audrey Tatar, MD, at Northwestern Medicine, she grew somber and quiet. Then she said, “These are typical signs of Parkinson’s.”
Parkinson’s? I knew that people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) experience tremors, but I wasn’t shaking.
At first, I felt fear of the unknown, but also relief that it wasn’t something worse and that all my symptoms were occurring for a reason. Shari and I knew little about PD, but we were willing to do anything to slow its progression. I started medication, committed to staying active and got involved with the early intervention program at Shirley Ryan Ability Lab.
Shari and I explored the Parkinson.org, the Parkinson’s Foundation website, and found a wealth of resources, education and support. Together, we found events such as their Moving Day walk, as well as Tai Chi, ping pong, improv and dance classes through Northwestern Medicine. I’ve also found boxing three times a week at Rock Steady Boxing to be very beneficial.
All these activities have reinforced the importance of both exercise and community. I’ve met many inspiring people I would not have met otherwise, and that camaraderie has been invaluable.
Rather than holding me back, PD has pushed me to new experiences and unexpected places. I became an advocate for the Parkinson’s Voice Project, joined conversation groups where people with PD share their experiences, and enrolled in a Shirley Ryan AbilityLab program counting steps and heart rate. I’ve even hiked in Patagonia, Mont Blanc and the Dolomites, all of which were challenging but equally rewarding.
For anyone newly diagnosed with PD, here is my advice: Don’t go through it alone. Engage with the community, exercise regularly and use the resources available to you. Shari has been my biggest supporter throughout this journey, encouraging me when I’ve needed it most.
For care partners of individuals newly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, Shari offers her advice: “Be a part of your partner’s journey. Remember that Parkinson's affects you as well and becomes a significant part of your life as a care partner. Encourage your partner to take charge of their health, stay informed about the disease, and seek support from others.”
As the saying goes, “When you’ve met one person with Parkinson’s, you’ve met one person with Parkinson’s.” I wasn’t a textbook case, but each person’s experience with PD is unique; the right support and resources can make all the difference.
Find the Parkinson’s exercise class that works for you! For virtual options, explore our Fitness Friday videos. For in-person classes, visit your local chapter’s webpage or call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).
How Empowered Volunteers Make An Extraordinary Impact
Here at the Parkinson’s Foundation, we strive to empower volunteers to make a difference in the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) every day. We are honored to support Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassadors as they spread awareness of our mission and improve their PD communities across the globe.
This year, National Volunteer Week takes place April 20-26, and we are delighted to highlight empowered volunteers who exemplify the many ways you can get involved and work with us towards better lives today. We are blown away by the impact Parkinson’s Foundation volunteers made in 2024.
Impact Numbers
In 2024, here’s what our volunteers accomplished:
$8.9 million raised through volunteer-led initiatives
32,000+ people reached through volunteer led community outreach
20,000+ service hours contributed to events and programs
430+ Ambassadors trained across all 50 states, plus DC and internationally
Meet four volunteers who have made a difference in their PD communities
Elva Brown
Person with Parkinson's Disease
Moving Day San Antonio "Team Sloth" Captain
Elva and Team Sloth raised more than $58,000 for Moving Day San Antonio in 2025, helping to advance Parkinson’s disease research, increase access to quality care, and provide education and outreach initiatives to people with Parkinson’s
“With the help, love and support from my husband, my family my friends and my faith; I know I can make an impact in our community; a good and positive impact.” – Elva Read Elva’s full story
Epin Christensen
Family member Parkinson’s Champion & Cheer Team Captain
Epin raised more than $5,000 for Parkinson’s research with her run in the NYC marathon. She then turned around to cheer on other fellow Parkinson’s Champions who ran in the Marine Corps Marathon and raised more than $36,000 combined.
“The marathon holds a special place in my heart but running it to support those battling this terrible disease is even more meaningful.” – Epin
Mark is sharing his love of Pickleball with his community while also spreading Parkinson’s awareness and opening dialog about the importance of finding an exercise you love to fight this disease.
“My work in advocacy, though it may help others, is my way of adding meaning and purpose to my diagnosis. And for me, that is essential.” – Mark
Parkinson’s Revolution Buffalo Team Captain & Host
Amanda saw an opportunity to bring a PD event to her town. Offering her indoor cycling studio to Parkinson’s Revolution, she built a community of support for her dad, making it possible to raise almost $80,000 at the 2025 event alone.
“It’s an unfortunate circumstance that brings us all together, but it is so empowering to work together to raise funds for something many of us are affected by.” – Amanda
Parkinson’s disease (PD) doesn’t just change the life of the person diagnosed — it changes the lives of everyone around them. Seven years ago, my family’s world shifted when my dad was diagnosed.
Since then, it has been a battle, one that hasn’t gotten any easier. On top of Parkinson’s, he faces several other health issues making it an uphill climb. Through it all, my mom has been his primary caretaker, but this isn’t a journey any one person can take alone. We all live together, and we all do our part to support him in any way we can.
For as long as I can remember, sports have been the foundation of my relationship with my dad. He played college baseball, and I followed in his footsteps, always looking up to him as my biggest role model. Some of my best memories are of us throwing a football around in the yard or having a catch in the driveway.
It wasn’t just about the game — it was about the bond we shared through it. The physical toll of the disease slowly chipped away at the things we used to do together, until one day, those moments were gone.
Losing that connection to my dad through sports was one of the hardest parts of this journey. But Parkinson’s, for all the challenges it brings, has also shown me something else: strength. Not just in my dad, but in my entire family. It’s in the way my mom dedicates herself to his care every single day. It’s in the way my dad keeps fighting, even when his body makes it more difficult with each passing year. And it’s in the way we’ve all learned to adapt, to find new ways to be there for him, to make sure he never feels alone in this fight.
That’s why I’m running the 2025 Boston Marathon as a Parkinson’s Champion through the generosity of Abbott. I can’t change my dad’s diagnosis, and I can’t take away the struggles he faces, but I can run for him.
I can push myself the way he always pushed me to be better, to work harder, to never give up. This race isn’t just about me — it’s about honoring him, about raising awareness, about fighting for those who live with Parkinson’s every day.
Training for this marathon has been tough. Some days, the miles feel never-ending, and I wonder if I have it in me to keep going. But I remind myself why I’m doing this — for my dad. He faces challenges every day that make a tough run seem insignificant.
This race is my way of showing up for him. It’s a way to honor him and all that he has done for myself and my family even in the face of extreme adversity.
Run as a Parkinson’s Champion today! Help raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular endurance events.
