Medication plays a key role in managing Parkinson’s disease (PD), but it’s only one part of a broader care plan.  

The following article is based on a Parkinson’s Foundation  Expert Briefing  exploring how medications fit into integrated, holistic Parkinson’s care, hosted by Danny Bega, MD, MSCI, associate professor of neurology, medical director and director of the Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorders Center neurology residency program at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, a Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence. Dr. Bega is also the director of the Huntington's and Wilson’s diseases programs at Northwestern. 

Understanding the Dopamine-Parkinson’s Connection 

Parkinson’s is a progressive disorder linked to declining levels of dopamine, a brain chemical that influences movement, memory and many other vital body processes. Other brain chemicals, including norepinephrine and serotonin, can also be impacted in Parkinson's disease and influence symptoms.  

As Parkinson’s advances, the number of brain cells making dopamine continues to decrease, and remaining cells struggle to store and release it. This leads to slowness of movement, tremor, rigidity and other motor symptoms. It can also cause various non-motor symptoms, such as constipation, loss of smell and thinking changes. 

Managing Parkinson’s 

Parkinson’s is a complex disease. There is no standard treatment. However, medications — along with exercise, comprehensive care, a nutritious diet and mindfulness practices — can manage Parkinson’s symptoms and help you live well.  

Establishing a regular exercise routine soon after diagnosis may help slow disease progression and can improve movement, strength, balance and mood. It can also help you sleep better. Staying social and engaged can reduce feelings of loneliness.  

Your care team is equally important. Look for healthcare professionals with expertise in Parkinson’s, including a neurologist, speech-language pathologist, physical and occupational therapist, social worker and other healthcare professionals, to help manage your PD symptoms. Be sure to attend regular checkups. 

The Role of Medication 

Most Parkinson’s medications work to improve symptoms by either increasing dopamine in the brain or acting like dopamine. Levodopa is the most effective drug for managing Parkinson’s symptoms. During the course of Parkinson’s, most people will take levodopa at some point.  

Anxiety and depression can also be common in Parkinson’s and can impact well-being even more than motor symptoms. Treating these symptoms using a combination of medication, such as an SSRI, SNRI or mirtazapine — a tricyclic antidepressant drug — along with therapy, stress management and staying active, can significantly decrease disability.  

People newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s often wonder when to begin prescription medication. Studies show there is no benefit in holding off. Most doctors agree you should start medication when symptoms begin to bother you.  

Because no two people experience PD in exactly the same way, treatments vary from person to person, as does the rate of progression. However, knowing the typical stages of Parkinson’s can help you anticipate changes: 

• In the first five years following diagnosis, you may find symptoms don’t significantly impact your daily life. Your doctor might recommend a clinical trial. Participation in Parkinson’s research can potentially give you early access to new treatments, improve care and lay the foundation for a cure.  

• Within one to 10 years, as symptoms begin to interfere with activities, most people with Parkinson’s can expect a long-lasting, steady response to medication.  

• Between five and 20 years after diagnosis, it becomes increasingly harder for the brain to store dopamine. Your body’s response to levodopa can become shorter and less efficient. This can lead to motor fluctuations — "on" periods, when medication works well, and "off" periods, when medication wears off and symptoms return. It is important to work closely with your doctor to adjust your treatment and find what works best for you. 

• After 10 or more years of living with Parkinson’s, a person can experience more significant issues. Some people can develop significant memory and thinking problems. Trouble with balance, falls and freezing, a temporary inability to move, can also become an issue. Your doctor can discuss medication adjustments or drug therapies or provide a referral to the right healthcare professional for your needs, which might include a neuropsychologist, psychiatrist, or a speech or occupational therapist. 

Types of Medications Used in Parkinson’s 

It can be common for people with Parkinson’s to take a variety of medications, at different doses and different times of day, to manage symptoms. This can include: 

Dopamine agonists: Early on, drugs that stimulate dopamine in the brain, such as pramipexole, ropinirole and rotigotine, can usually treat Parkinson’s movement symptoms. Dopamine agonists pose less risk for dyskinesia — involuntary erratic movements that usually begin after a few years of levodopa treatment.  

Side effects can include nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, confusion and impulse control disorders, such as uncontrolled shopping, gambling, eating and sexual urges. Studies show 28% of people with Parkinson’s stop taking dopamine agonists due to side effects, while 40% need to add another medication within two years. 

Levodopa: Levodopa, the most effective drug for Parkinson’s movement symptoms, replaces dopamine in the brain. It is usually given in combination with the drug carbidopa to reduce nausea, a common side effect. Taking levodopa with meals can also reduce nausea, but protein may interfere with the drug’s effectiveness. About 2% of people taking levodopa stop due to side effects, while 15% need to add another medication within two years.  

Dyskinesia, also linked to levodopa, can often be managed by a dose adjustment or through direct treatment, using a medication called amantadine. It works by blocking NMDA, a chemical that causes extra movement. Immediate-release amantadine is also sometimes used alone for Parkinson’s movement symptoms. There is an increased risk of confusion and hallucinations with amantadine use in people over 75. It can also be associated with leg swelling, skin changes and other side effects.  

Anticholinergics: The medications trihexyphenidyl and benztropine are sometimes used to improve tremor or dystonia — painful, sustained cramping . They work by blocking acetylcholine, a brain chemical tied to movement. However, their use should be avoided in people 70 and older due to the risk of confusion and hallucinations. Anticholinergics can also be associated with blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation and urinary retention. 

Medications your doctor might consider to improve the effects of levodopa include: 

MAO-B inhibitors: Monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors rasagiline, selegiline and safinamide make more dopamine available to the brain. These medications can be used alone or in combination with levodopa to extend effectiveness. MAO-B inhibitors are generally well tolerated, but 70% of people taking them alone for Parkinson’s will need to add another medication within two years. 

COMT inhibitors: Medications such as entacapone and opicapone increase available levodopa in the brain by blocking the catechol-O-methyl transferase enzyme.  

A2A receptor antagonist: Istradefylline, an adenosine A2A antagonist, blocks adenosine at A2A receptors in the brain to reduce levodopa “off “time. 

Inhaled levodopa is often used with levodopa, as needed, for sudden “off” time. Injectable apomorphine can also be used on demand, for “off” time relief. Both medications can increase the risk of dyskinesia. 

It is important to work with your doctor to find the right balance for you. Your doctor might increase or decrease your levodopa based on your symptoms. For example, tremor, stiffness or mobility issues might benefit from an increase in levodopa. However, hallucinations, confusion and low blood pressure might improve with a decrease in levodopa. 

There are also strategies and medications to manage drooling, runny nose, sleep issues, gut issues, thinking changes and other Parkinson’s challenges. 

What if levodopa doesn’t seem to be working? 

If you are taking levodopa but aren’t seeing benefits, talk to your doctor. Here are some questions to ask: 

• Is the symptom troubling you one that doesn’t respond well to levodopa? Could it be related to another health issue?  
• Would you benefit from a referral to a rehabilitation therapist or another health professional? 
• Could something be interfering with how your body is absorbing medication? Some people experience less benefit when taking levodopa with a high-protein meal. 
• Do you have a condition that mimics Parkinson’s? 

It is also important to discuss whether your dose needs to be adjusted. For example, the effects of Sinemet, a form of levodopa, only last a short time — after 90 minutes half of it is gone. Your doctor might adjust the timing and dose of levodopa, use a longer-acting formulation or recommend taking your medications 30 minutes before or 60 minutes after eating a meal. 

Advanced Therapies 

If it becomes difficult to control motor fluctuations by adjusting oral medications, there are other options to improve medication absorption and reduce “off” time:  

• Duopa therapy delivers carbidopa-levodopa gel directly to your intestine through a surgically placed tube.  

• Foscarbidopa and foslevodopa (Vyalev) therapy uses a pump to steadily deliver a form of levodopa under the skin through a small tube called a cannula. A needle is used to place the cannula. 

• Continuous apomorphine therapy (Onapgo) uses a pump to deliver continuous apomorphine through a fine needle placed under the skin.  

These medications require lifestyle adjustments, training to use and a commitment to good skin care to reduce the risk of irritation and infections. 

Options Beyond Medication 

More advanced Parkinson’s symptoms can sometimes benefit from other treatment strategies, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) — which involves surgically implanting an electrical pulse generator connected to electrodes placed in the brain to address Parkindeep-brainson’s movement symptoms and some non-movement symptoms.  

DBS might be considered for someone who:  

• lives with classic Parkinson’s disease  

• has symptoms that respond to levodopa  

• experiences frequent motor fluctuations and tremor, despite consistent medication dosing 

• has bothersome dyskinesia 

Following DBS, many people can reduce their medications and still experience a reduction of their PD symptoms. The reduction in dose of medication can lead to decreased dyskinesia. 

Focused ultrasound, a non-invasive therapy, does not require a surgical incision. During the procedure, high-frequency sound waves are aimed at a specific area of the brain connected to tremor to relieve Parkinson’s tremor. Unlike DBS therapy, which is adjustable and reversible, focused ultrasound changes are permanent. 

If you have questions about PD treatment options, contact our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636) or Helpline@Parkinson.org. 

Learn More 

Explore our resources about medications to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s:  

• Download our book Medications: A Treatment Guide to Parkinson’s Disease 

• Watch Understanding Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) 

• Read The Latest in Parkinson’s Medications: Taking a Personalized Approach 

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.

• Tackling Neuropathy, Fatigue and GI Issues in PD

• How an Innovative Research Center Studies the Gut–Brain Connection

• Podcast: The Role of the Microbiome in PD: Part One and Part Two

• The PD Gut-Brain Connection

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 enfoques dietéticos para frenar la 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.

El estudio Atención complementaria y alternativa para la enfermedad de Parkinson (Complementary & Alternative Medicine Care in Parkinson's Disease) relaciona las dietas mediterránea y MIND con una progresión más lenta de la EP y una mejor calidad de vida.

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: 

• Blog: La conexión intestino-cerebro: Por qué la dieta puede ayudar a los síntomas del Parkinson y a la salud del cerebro

• Hoja informativa: La nutrición y la enfermedad de Parkinson

• Podcast: La nutrición y el Parkinson

• Noticias científicas: Un nuevo estudio descubre un tratamiento prometedor para el estreñimiento relacionado con el Parkinson

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  

Read Epin’s full story 

Mark Milow

Person with Parkinson’s  
Parkinson’s Champion 

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 

Read Mark’s full story 

Amanda Meyers

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  

Read Amanda’s full story

5 Ways to volunteer with us: 

1. Create a Moving Day Team  

2. Join a Parkinson’s Champions run or Cheer Team  

3. Become a Parkison’s Foundation Ambassador 

4. Create your own DIY Fundraiser 

5. Prep for next year’s Parkinson’s Revolution 

Already volunteering with the Parkinson’s Foundation? Share your story and the ones above to empower more people to get involved!