My PD Story

Man in a suit smiling at the camera.
People with PD

Dr. Gregg Busch

Originally, a proud Appalachian from Elizabeth, WV, I was officially diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in 2018 after more than a decade of fairly mild symptoms beginning with a slight tremor in my hand. Unfortunately, by 2018 my Parkinson’s was getting markedly and quickly worse. 

Fortunately, at this time, I lived in Tucson, AZ, which is home to world-class treatment for people with Parkinson’s. Over the years, I have learned much about living a fruitful, productive and happy life with Parkinson's while my disease continues to advance — natural behavior for the incurable, progressive, neurodegenerative disease of the brain and central nervous system. 

After more than 20 years, Parkinson’s had become a great challenge in executing the many aspects of my career as a college president, researcher and a national leader of higher education reform. I transitioned from academic leadership shifting my focus on a purpose-driven mission of helping make lives better for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners, educating and bringing awareness to others about Parkinson's, and advocating to members of Congress for the passage of National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act and other related bills. 

I have a doctorate and am a graduate of West Virginia University, School of Medicine and West Virginia University, College of Human Services and Education. I also attended, among other institutions, Marshall University, University of Louisville and West Virginia College of Graduate Studies.

I served 22 years as a medical examiner and 20 years in higher education, as a professor, dean, vice president, president, academic researcher, theorist, and author. 

After 18 years (13 without medication) living and challenging my Parkinson's journey each day, I accepted early retirement in 2023 concluding my career as a liaison for The White House Rural Stakeholders Initiative. 

I continue to volunteer, to the best of my ability, with Advanced Stage 5 Parkinson’s Disease and advocate for a range of bills, including bills to support the national Congressional education agenda, needs for American’s rural communities  and Appalachia, equity for women and girls in traditionally male dominated science careers, the rights of the LGBT and other marginalized communities, and issues surrounding Parkinson’s.

Unfortunately, I am too familiar with Parkinson's with my mother, five of her siblings, and her father all also having the disease.

Living well with Parkinson’s means continuing to volunteer, spending time with family and friends, and adapting to whatever challenges come my way. For me, living well meant to continue guiding and mentoring others to learn to live their Parkinson’s journey well too. It requires that we acknowledge that we have Parkinson’s without letting it have us. This belief is why I decided to serve in leadership and advocacy roles and leave my footprint stomping out the disease.

I became an Ambassador for the Parkinson's Foundation and the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's, and continue my advocacy before Congress and participate in research with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. 

I want to model living well for others and to show, motivate, and encourage others to do the same. Now retired, you will likely find me spending time with my wife, a Parkinson’s expert and my care partner, two children and four grandchildren. I will also be found collaborating in research. I love learning, encouraging others to mentor, learn and build successful and fulfilling lives while enriching the community, and Congressional advocacy on behalf of for The Episcopal Church and AARP.

Become an Ambassador today and help people with Parkinson’s! Learn more about our volunteer opportunities and complete the volunteer interest form. We’ll contact you to learn more about your skills and interests.

Raise Awareness

Afrontando los cambios en las relaciones personales con Parkinson

An older and younger woman hugging

Con el avance de la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP), probablemente descubra que las relaciones y los papeles que desempeña en su vida cambian. 

En parte, ciertos síntomas de la EP, como la dificultad para hablar o el enmascaramiento, (también conocido como la reducción de la expresión facial o hipomimia) pueden afectar cómo se expresa y se comunica con los demás. Recuerde que su lenguaje corporal y su capacidad para hablar son importantes en su papel como padre o madre, cónyuge, amigo, abuelo o empleado. Ayudar a los demás a comprender la enfermedad de Parkinson puede darle poder sobre su experiencia con la EP. 

La comunicación tras un diagnóstico

Aunque los síntomas del Parkinson —desde los síntomas motores, como problemas para moverse, hasta los síntomas no motores, como la depresión— pueden hacer que se sienta tentado a aislarse, recuerde que aún es posible mantener relaciones significativas y productivas. Para lograrlo, tendrá que abordar los problemas que afectan a su capacidad para comunicarse eficazmente con las personas de su vida. 

Llegará el momento en que quiera informar a los demás de su diagnóstico. El momento correcto y la preparación pueden ayudar. Para empezar, probablemente no quiera hablar de todos los detalles de su enfermedad, pero dé a las personas más cercanas a usted información precisa acerca de su diagnóstico de Parkinson y cómo lo está manejando. Puede ser útil explicarles sus síntomas actuales: los que pueden ver y los que no. Ayúdeles a prepararse para lo que podría ocurrir más adelante y cómo podría afectarles. Piense en estas interacciones como el inicio de una conversación que, en el mejor de los casos, continuará mientras aprende a vivir con la EP. 

Cambio de roles en la familia

Al irse adaptando a la vida con Parkinson y progresen los síntomas, sus roles dentro de la familia pueden evolucionar. Es posible que su cónyuge asuma un papel más bien de cuidador o aliado en el cuidado, que usted tenga que dejar de hacer ciertas tareas o que dependa de sus hijos adultos para que le ayuden a acudir a las consultas médicas. Los cambios de roles pueden ser difíciles, pero adaptarse es vital para vivir con Parkinson. 

Si tiene problemas de reducción de la expresión facial y del habla desde el principio, es una buena idea prever el momento en el que pueda necesitar que otra persona le ayude a comunicarse, sobre todo en las consultas médicas. Si no tiene cónyuge o pareja que le ayude, busque a un familiar o amigo de confianza. 

Comunicándose con su pareja

Los síntomas del Parkinson pueden ser increíblemente frustrantes para la persona que lo tiene, pero también pueden ser un desafío para su pareja. Puede que les cueste reconocerlo como la misma persona de antes del diagnóstico. Pueden sentir que están fracasando como aliados en el cuidado o cónyuges porque no pueden establecer vínculos que antes consideraban básicos. 

Los problemas de comunicación entre los seres queridos pueden aumentar el estrés del cuidador y llevar al agotamiento. Dedique tiempo a trabajar en su comunicación. Esto puede ser dedicar un tiempo semanal para conectar con los demás, asistir juntos a un grupo de apoyo o buscar un consejero de salud mental. Cuando la comunicación se vuelve más fácil, la vida es más fácil para todos los implicados. 

Comunicándose con sus hijos

Compartir el diagnóstico de Parkinson con amigos y familiares fomenta la conexión y el apoyo. También es importante decidir cuándo y cómo contárselo a los niños en su vida. Las respuestas sencillas a preguntas básicas pueden ayudar a los niños a entender mejor el Parkinson. 

Consejos para hablar con sus hijos o nietos

  • Utilice términos sencillos para explicar su diagnóstico y los síntomas. 

  • Si tiene más de un hijo, intente hablar primero con uno a la vez.  

  • Prepárese para responder a preguntas básicas, como si el diagnóstico es mortal, si la EP es contagiosa y si a su hijo le dará. 

  • Invite a su hijo a hacer preguntas y prepárese para que algunas de ellas sean de naturaleza delicada. 

  • Haga una visita para que su hijo lo acompañe a su neurólogo para hablar de la enfermedad y de lo que puede esperar.  

  • Informe a sus hijos que habrá algunos cambios en la vida diaria y que trabajar en equipo ayudará a su familia.  

  • Enseñe a su hijo a explicar la enfermedad a sus amigos, en caso de que le pregunten por ella.  

Comunicándose con sus amigos

En algún momento, querrá tener una conversación franca con sus amigos acerca del Parkinson. Intente mantener contactos con personas optimistas que comprendan su enfermedad y estén dispuestas a aprender más y, tal vez, incluso a echarle una mano cuando sea necesario. 

Manejo de la vida laboral

Decidir cuándo informar a su empresa y a sus compañeros de trabajo acerca de su enfermedad es una decisión que sólo usted puede tomar. Comunicárselo a su empresa cuanto antes tiene sus ventajas, sobre todo si sus síntomas empiezan a empeorar y a afectar su desempeño. Ocultar su enfermedad en el lugar de trabajo puede provocar un estrés adicional, que puede empeorar los síntomas. Si su habla se ve afectada, los demás pueden empezar a sacar conclusiones precipitadas. 

Informar a su jefe de su enfermedad puede permitir que su empresa se adapte a sus necesidades especiales. La Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (Americans with Disabilities Act o ADA, por sus siglas en inglés) obliga a las empresas a realizar adaptaciones razonables para los empleados. La ADA define estas adaptaciones como "cualquier modificación o ajuste de un puesto o del entorno de trabajo que permita a un solicitante o empleado cualificado con una discapacidad participar en el proceso de selección o realizar las funciones esenciales del puesto". 

Planificar con anticipación

  • Consulte la política de personal de su empresa. Infórmese acerca de los permisos por enfermedad y el mantenimiento de los beneficios de salud. 

  • Antes de dirigirse a tu jefe, decida si sólo va a informarle de su enfermedad o si va a solicitar adaptaciones específicas.  

  • Escriba los puntos que desea tratar. Antes de la reunión, hable con su médico para que escriba una carta de apoyo y pídale recomendaciones concretas acerca de cómo aprovechar al máximo su tiempo de trabajo.  

  • Sea franco y positivo. Indique su voluntad de trabajar juntos para identificar posibles adaptaciones que le ayuden a seguir haciendo su trabajo.  

Vivir solo

Salir con alguien y entablar nuevas amistades puede ser difícil para cualquiera y más aún para alguien que vive con Parkinson. 

Crear su equipo de apoyo para la EP

Al navegar por esta enfermedad, es importante que encuentre su comunidad de la EP. Estas son algunas ideas:   

  • Grupos de apoyo. Explore los grupos locales de Parkinson y los grupos para personas con enfermedades crónicas. 

  • Su lugar de culto. Podría encontrar un sentimiento de pertenencia y comunidad.  

  • Organizaciones y eventos locales relacionados con el Parkinson. Asistir a eventos o trabajar como voluntario le ayudará a crear sólidos vínculos sociales. ¿No sabe por dónde empezar? Consulte nuestros eventos de Moving Day de la Parkinson’s Foundation, una caminata por el Parkinson, que se llevan a cabo en todo el país.  

  • Salas de chat y foros de Internet. Muchas personas solteras con Parkinson han forjado amistades sólidas a través de comunidades virtuales.  

  • Clases de ejercicio para el Parkinson. Llame a nuestra Línea de Ayuda 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636), opción 3 para español, para obtener una lista de clases de ejercicio y bienestar para la EP cerca de usted.  

Navegue por los cambios en las relaciones con confianza explorando más de nuestros recursos.

Fact Sheets

Todo sobre la EP: Bienestar emocional

La enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) puede afectar el estado de ánimo. Aprenda acerca de las causas, las señales y qué hacer. No está solo.

Hasta un 50% de las personas con la EP experimentan depresión o ansiedad.

Entienda las causas

Las mismas sustancias químicas del cerebro que afectan el movimiento en la EP pueden influir además en las emociones. Factores como la genética, el estilo de vida, el estrés y sobrellevar la EP también pueden desempeñar un papel.

Conozca las señales

Es normal sentirse triste, ansioso o sin ánimo de vez en cuando. Si esto persiste o afecta su vida diaria, busque ayuda.

Si no se controlan, la depresión, la ansiedad y la apatía pueden empeorar los síntomas motores e impactar en la calidad de vida.

Depresión: Tristeza crónica, falta de energía, pérdida de alegría, desesperanza

Ansiedad: Preocupación, miedo, estrés, nervios o irritabilidad excesivos

Apatía: Falta de motivación, desinterés por actividades que antes disfrutaba

Llame o mande un texto al 988 si está en crisis.

Qué puede hacer

Hable con su medico
Existen opciones que pueden ayudar, como la terapia hablada y los medicamentos.

Manténgase activo
Con solo 30 minutos de actividad moderada, como caminar o hacer yoga, su cerebro suelta sustancias que ayudan a reducir el estrés, la ansiedad y la depresión.

Busque apoyo
Recurra a sus amigos, familiars o algún profesional de la salud mental. Para orientación, llame a nuestra Línea de Ayuda al 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636), opción 3 para español.

Conéctese y participe
Programe tiempo para conectar con los demás y busque formas de involucrarse. Aunque no tenga ganas, mantenerse activo puede mejorar su estado de ánimo.

Podcasts

Episode 179: Understanding Depression, Anxiety, and Apathy

Depression, anxiety, and apathy are common symptoms that are often overlooked in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Nearly half of those living with PD are likely to experience depression or anxiety at some point, but these non-motor symptoms often go unrecognized and undertreated. Because their signs can overlap and mimic one another, it can be challenging to pinpoint exactly what someone is going through.

Depression is known for feelings of persistent sadness or hopelessness. Anxiety might look like constant worry, excessive nervousness, or getting upset easily. Apathy, which is sometimes mistaken for depression, is the lack of motivation or interest to do things you used to enjoy. These symptoms can greatly impact your quality of life and worsen other PD symptoms. 

In this episode, we speak with Lauren Zelouf, MSW, LCSW from Penn Medicine’s Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorders Center, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence. She shares how to distinguish among these different symptoms, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs, and offers coping strategies for managing symptoms and seeking support.

Released: May 6, 2025

Podcasts

Episode 178: Maintaining Independence When Living Alone with Parkinson’s

Living alone with Parkinson’s disease (PD) presents daily challenges, but it also offers certain benefits, such as the independence to control your own schedule. Whether you choose to live alone, or find that nearby friends and family aren’t as close as you would like, there are resources to support you.  

Living alone can also bring physical and emotional hurdles. You may experience feelings of isolation or loneliness, and everyday tasks like cooking and cleaning can become more difficult while juggling PD symptoms. There are strategies that can help you feel more secured and empowered to overcome these challenges. For example, you might consider using a food delivery service on days when preparing meals feels overwhelming, or reaching out to a neighbor for help with shoveling snow. It’s important to prioritize self-care and recognize when it’s time to ask for help.  

In this episode, we speak with Susan Englander and Fran Chernowsky, two individuals living alone with Parkinson’s who are also members of the Parkinson’s Foundation PD Solo group. They share their experiences with the initial challenges of receiving a PD diagnosis, the importance of staying open and flexible to new things, and the value of finding a supportive community.   

Released: April 22, 2025 

Speakers

Raise Awareness

Caring for the Mind: 12 Parkinson’s Mental Wellness Resources

Older woman staring out of the window in despair

At times, living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) can feel overwhelming. Managing symptoms, navigating physical and mental changes and making lifestyle adjustments can all take an emotional toll. As you find your path forward, it’s essential to acknowledge and take steps to care for your mental health.  

Up to half of all people with Parkinson's will experience depression at some point, while 40% will experience anxiety. Nearly half of people with PD can also experience apathy, a loss of interest in life. These changes can be related to PD, due to a loss of dopamine and other chemical messengers the body makes to keep the brain healthy.  

Whether you live with PD or you are a care partner to someone who does, it can be challenging to know where to begin. Explore our top resources that address mental wellness and PD: 

1. Create space for all your emotions, even those of grief and loss. 

Grief is a natural part of the Parkinson’s journey, especially following a diagnosis. Holding onto grief impacts your mind and body. Read 6 Questions for Exploring Your Parkinson’s-Related Grief to find healthy ways to honor and process feelings of loss. 

2. Explore our e-book  Mood: A Mind Guide to Parkinson's Disease. 

Parkinson’s-related mood changes are commonly undertreated. There are screening tools and therapies available. Learn what to watch for and how to discuss treatment options with your doctor.  

3. Cultivate a state of calm with Mindfulness Mondays, a series of guided relaxations. 

Stress can worsen PD symptoms. Mindfulness, focusing on one thing at a time and blocking out distractions, promotes resiliency and reduces stress. Read Top Takeaways About Complementary Therapies and PD to explore more mind-body wellness practices. 

4. Listen to our podcast How to Talk About Impulse Control Disorders. 

Up to 14% of people receiving dopamine-replacement therapy can develop compulsive behaviors known as impulse control disorders. It is believed people perform these harmful behaviors (such as hypersexuality, hoarding or compulsive gambling) to relieve anxiety and tension.  

5. Learn how Parkinson’s disease cognition – the mental skills we use to focus, solve problems, plan, follow instructions and more.  

Thinking changes can influence mental health. Addressing Thinking Changes in Parkinson's identifies coping strategies and therapies for cognitive change. 

6. Break a sweat with our free, on-demand Fitness Friday workouts.  

Exercise is medicine. Regular exercise can ease depression, anxiety and other non-movement symptoms of PD, as well as improve mobility and flexibility. Aim for at least 2.5 hours a week.  

7. Build your mental health team. 

Mental health support helps you prioritize your emotional well-being and work through your feelings. To know what to look for in a mental health counselor, read 7 Helpful Tips for Finding Your Ideal Mental Health Counselor. 

8. Improve shut-eye with Sleep: A Mind Guide to Parkinson's Disease. 

Restorative sleep helps repair the brain and body and enhances mental wellness – critical for people with Parkinson’s and care partners. Expert Tips on How to Get Good Sleep with Parkinson's also offers strategies to build a healthy sleep routine. 

9. Read How to Harness Food as Medicine for Parkinson’s.  

Gut and brain health are intertwined. A nutrient-rich diet – including colorful fruits and vegetables, beans, whole grains, poultry, nuts, seeds, fatty fish, olive oil and other healthy fats – can offer neuroprotective benefits and boost the number of good bacteria in the body. 

10. Get social and connect with your PD community online or in person. 

Loneliness can affect physical and mental health. Find your nearest Moving Day, A Walk for Parkinson’s to meet others living with PD or access wellness classes and other resources near you through the Parkinson's Foundation local Chapter network. 

11. Don’t fear hard conversations. You are not alone. 

People with Parkinson’s are at an increased risk of suicide. If you are struggling with thoughts of despair, opening up to someone you trust is the first step toward getting the help you need. How to Openly Discuss Suicide and Parkinson’s can help you talk about difficult feelings. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255. 

12. Get inspired. Learn how others are navigating life with Parkinson’s. 

My PD Story is a place for where people share how they are raising awareness of PD and overcoming its challenges. Learn what keeps others hopeful and consider sharing your own story.  

For more mental health resources: 

We’re here for you. Contact our Helpline more information on mental health, referrals to professionals and resources in your area. Call 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) or email Helpline@Parkinson.org. 

Science News

Brain Inflammation Linked to Dementia Risk in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Foundation Science News blogs

Parkinson's disease (PD) is known primarily for its movement-related symptoms, but it can also lead to dementia, a devastating decline in cognitive abilities. Nearly half of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s develop dementia within 10 years of their Parkinson’s diagnosis. Researchers are now looking closer at what happens in the brain early in the disease to understand why some people with Parkinson’s develop dementia while others don't. 

Man distressed with head in hands

A new study, published in Brain, focused on two key factors: brain inflammation (also called neuroinflammation) and the buildup of a protein called tau. Neuroinflammation, an immune response within the brain that is largely protective when working correctly, can release harmful chemicals that can damage or kill neurons when overactive, impairing communication between brain cells essential for cognitive processes. Tau protein, when misfolded and accumulated, forms tangles that disrupt how brain cells transport nutrients, preventing them from functioning properly and eventually leading to cell death.  

Both processes can contribute to the progressive loss of brain cells and synaptic connections and may ultimately lead to the cognitive decline characteristic of dementia. However, it was not known to what degree these factors were linked to dementia risk in people with early-stage Parkinson’s. 

Study Results 

The study enrolled 31 people recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s (the average time since diagnosis was one year) and 19 people of similar ages that did not have Parkinson’s. Using specialized brain scans (PET scans), researchers examined brain inflammation and tau accumulation in each participant. In addition, levels of body-wide markers of inflammation and tau were evaluated through a blood test.  

The researchers also evaluated the participants’ potential risk for dementia by assessing visual-motor skills, word recall and results from a genetic test (MAPT genotype) that is linked to dementia. Based on these test results, they divided participants into two groups — those at higher risk or lower risk for dementia.    

The study found that people at higher risk for dementia showed significantly more brain inflammation in several brain regions compared to both those at lower risk and people without PD. This inflammation was also linked to poorer performance on a cognitive test (ACE-III). Additionally, the overall level of neuroinflammation correlated with the amount of body-wide markers of inflammation seen in the blood test. This suggests that a high level of inflammatory markers detected in the blood may be a sign of increased neuroinflammation.   

Interestingly, while tau protein buildup was observed, it didn't seem to directly relate to cognitive decline. However, the study did find that more brain inflammation was linked to tau accumulation, particularly in the high-risk group.    

People with Parkinson's scored lower on a cognitive test (ACE-III) compared to those without Parkinson's. Even within the Parkinson's group, those at higher risk for dementia scored lower on the same test than those at lower risk. Interestingly, the group at higher dementia risk had been diagnosed with Parkinson's for a slightly shorter time but showed more severe Parkinson's symptoms. There was no link between higher risk of dementia and age, gender, or the amount of Parkinson's medication someone took.  

Overall, these findings suggest that brain inflammation is evident in the early stages of Parkinson's and may be a key factor in determining who develops dementia. On the other hand, accumulation of tau protein in early-stage Parkinson’s does not appear to correlate with dementia risk.   

Highlights 

  • The study enrolled 31 people who were recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s and 19 people of similar ages that did not have Parkinson’s. People with Parkinson’s were grouped into those with high- and low-risk for dementia.  

  • People with Parkinson's scored lower on a cognitive test (ACE-III) compared to those without Parkinson's.  

  • Using specialized brain scans (PET scans) and markers, researchers examined whether participants showed signs of brain inflammation and tau protein accumulation 

  • People at higher risk for dementia showed significantly more brain inflammation in several brain regions compared to those at lower risk and people without PD.  

  • Brain inflammation was also linked to poorer performance on a cognitive test (ACE-III).  

What does this mean? 

This study indicates that brain inflammation may be an early contributor to dementia in Parkinson’s disease. As a result, neuroinflammation could potentially be a useful biomarker to identify people with Parkinson’s who are at risk for dementia. This opens the door to potential treatments that target brain inflammation, possibly preventing or slowing the progression of dementia in people with Parkinson's disease. There are several anti-inflammatory treatments already licensed to treat other conditions, which could potentially be repurposed to help treat PD-related dementia. However, it could take many years before a treatment strategy to alleviate Parkinson’s-linked dementia becomes widely available. 

What do these findings mean to the people with PD right now? 

This study further solidifies the link between the brain inflammation people with PD experience and the risk for dementia. Parkinson’s disease dementia symptoms include potential thinking, memory and behavior changes — these symptoms can be wide-ranging. If you notice symptoms, talk to your movement disorders specialist about dementia concerns. While there is no way to stop the disease’s progression, a doctor can help manage the symptoms.  

Learn more about dementia  

Learn More 

The Parkinson’s Foundation believes in empowering the Parkinson’s community through education. Learn more about 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 questions. 

Fact Sheets

All About PD: Mental Health

Mental health symptoms are common in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Learn the causes, signs and what to do. You are not alone.

Up to 50% of people with PD experience depression or anxiety.

Understand the Causes

The same brain chemicals that affect movement in PD can also impact emotions and behavior. Stress, isolation, life’s ups and downs and coping with PD also play a role.

Know the Signs

Feeling sad, anxious or unmotivated from time to time is normal. If these feelings last or interfere with daily life, reach out for help.

Depression, anxiety and apathy, if not managed, can worsen movement symptoms and impact quality of life.

Depression: Ongoing sadness, low energy, loss of pleasure, hopelessness.

Anxiety: Excessive worry, fear or stress, restlessness, irritability.

Apathy: Lack of motivation, disinterest in activities once enjoyed.

Call or text 988 if you’re in crisis.

What You Can Do

Talk to your doctor
Mental wellness care often includes lifestyle strategies, talk therapy and other forms of support. Sometimes, medications are needed too.

Keep moving
Even just 30 minutes of moderate activity, like walking or yoga, boosts brain chemicals that help reduce stress, anxiety and depression.

Seek support
Reach out to friends, family, counselors, support groups and other resources. For guidance, contact our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).

Stay engaged
Schedule time to connect with others and look for ways to get involved. Even when you don’t feel like it, staying active can improve your mood over time.

For more tips to support your mental health, visit Parkinson.org/MentalHealth.

My PD Story

(left to right) Jack Ryan's dad and Jack Ryan posing for a picture at a baseball game.
Care Partners

Jack Ryan

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.  

Jack Ryan's Dad pitching a baseball

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. 

Learn more about Abbott’s DBS Ambassador Program. 

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. 

Raise Awareness

Nuestros 10 videos más populares acerca del Parkinson en español

Older hispanic man watching a video on tablet

Tanto si está recién diagnosticado con la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) como si lleva años viviendo con ella, ¡a veces un breve video es todo lo que necesita para aprender algo nuevo! 

Eche un vistazo a nuestros 10 videos más populares en español y vea cómo pueden empoderarlo para manejar sus síntomas con confianza.  

Desde ejercicios de voz hasta entender las causas de la EP, estos videos en español ofrecen valiosos conocimientos, consejos de expertos y sugerencias prácticas.  

1. Ejercicio de voz para la enfermedad de Parkinson 

Así como la EP afecta el movimiento en otras partes del cuerpo, también afecta los músculos de la cara, la boca y la garganta que se utilizan para hablar y tragar. Acompañe a la Parkinson’s Foundation y a la terapeuta del habla y el lenguaje Leslie J. Ledée Lozada en esta serie de ejercicios para la voz. 

2. Los ejercicios recomendados para el Parkinson 

No importa en qué punto de la enfermedad de Parkinson se encuentre, el movimiento es medicina. Las investigaciones demuestran que el ejercicio y la actividad física no sólo pueden mantener y mejorar la movilidad, la flexibilidad y el equilibrio, sino también aliviar los síntomas no motores de la EP. Vea este video para aprender por qué debería hacer ejercicio y cómo puede mejorar su calidad de vida. 

3. ¿Cuáles son las causas de la enfermedad de Parkinson?  

Aunque cada persona experimenta el Parkinson de manera distinta, existen algunos puntos en común. Vea este video para saber cómo están relacionados los factores genéticos y ambientales con la EP.  

4. ¿Cuáles son las etapas de la enfermedad de Parkinson?  

Aunque los síntomas y la progresión de la enfermedad son únicos para cada persona, conocer los estadios típicos del Parkinson puede ayudarle a anticipar y manejar mejor los cambios a medida que ocurren.  

5. Viernes de Ejercicio - Danza: explorando ritmos desde la silla 

En este video de Viernes de Ejercicio nos enfocamos en la coordinación y la percepción del espacio, todo desde la comodidad de una silla. 

6. Controlando los síntomas de la enfermedad de Parkinson 

Hay mucho que saber acerca del Parkinson y el manejo de los síntomas. En este video, aprenda cómo se trata y, lo más importante aún, cómo vivir mejor con la EP. 

7. Lunes de Atención Plena - Relájese y respire 

Descubra cómo la atención plena (mindfulness) y la respiración consciente pueden ayudar a reducir el estrés y mejorar su bienestar. En esta sesión de Lunes de Atención Plena aprenderá técnicas sencillas para relajarse, centrarse en el presente y cultivar un mayor equilibrio emocional en su vida diaria. 

8. Cambios de comportamiento y la enfermedad de Parkinson   

Explore la progresión de la enfermedad de Parkinson y su impacto en el estado de ánimo, la personalidad y el comportamiento en este video de Miércoles de Bienestar. 

9. Explorando terapias complementarias para el Parkinson 

Adéntrese en el mundo de las terapias complementarias y su papel en mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas con la EP. 

10. La nutrición y el Parkinson: Aprender a comer y cuidar de su alimentación  

El Dr. Ramón de Cangas, dietista y nutricionista, comparte consejos para ayudar a las personas con Parkinson a seguir una dieta saludable. 

Ver más videos en nuestro Canal de YouTube: Canal en Español: Recursos para ti.  

Subscribe to Mental Wellness
Back to Top