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: 

• Watch our PD Health @ Home Mental Wellness Series to explore how others with Parkinson’s navigate mental health. 

• Learn 15 Actionable Ways to Practice Self-Care, a guide for care partners to relieve stress and boost mental health. 

• Read our blog to discover How to Advocate for Your Mental Health with Parkinson’s 

• Explore the collection of Emotional & Mental Health resources on the Parkinson’s Foundation website. 

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. 

This April, you met PAM, our guide to Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Each week, PAM shared essential tips and resources to give people helpful information about Parkinson’s disease (PD). 

Check out PAM’s top videos below:  

1. 10 early signs of Parkinson’s  

Learn more about the early signs of Parkinson's.  

2. PD Symptoms 101 & Managing Them 

Learn more about the movement and non-movement symptoms of Parkinson's.  

3. Stages of Parkinson's 

Learn more about the stages of Parkinson's.  

4. Parkinson's Research

Explore Parkinson’s research studies on the Foundation's Join a Study page. 

The Parkinson’s Foundation mission to help people live better with Parkinson’s continues strong year-round. Here are some ways you can help us raise PD awareness right now:  

• Follow us on social media. 

• Inspire others with your My PD Story. 

• Sign up to volunteer. 

• Find a virtual or in-person event near you.  

Nutrition can be a powerful tool in managing Parkinson's disease (PD). Whole, nutrient-dense foods provide your body with the best building blocks for peak function, maintenance and repair. Every positive food choice is a step towards optimizing health. 

The following article is based on a Parkinson’s Foundation Expert Briefing about the connection between nutrition and Parkinson’s, hosted by functional nutritionist and health coach Carolee Horner, MS, NBC-HWC. 

The Relationship Between Food and PD 

Food is more than just fuel for the body; it can act as medicine. Your body breaks down everything you eat — proteins into amino acids, carbohydrates into sugars and fats into fatty acids — then reassembles these components into whatever it needs, whether new cell membranes, neurotransmitters or energy. The better your fuel, the better you will feel. 

Gut and brain health are strongly connected. Diet helps shape the gut microbiome — the trillions of bacteria living in the digestive system. These bacteria produce neurotransmitters, influence inflammation and affect medication absorption. Good gut health relies on a diet of whole and fermented foods, colorful vegetables and fruits, healthy fats and herbs and spices. These foods are also rich in antioxidants, substances that protect the body. 

The standard American diet is centered on processed foods, refined sugars and unhealthy fats. These foods are linked to: 

• Chronic disease, such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity, along with neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. 

• Inflammation, which is the body’s response to harm. This response is crucial for healing. However, chronic, systemic inflammation can potentially damage healthy tissue. 

• Oxidative stress, which leads to cell damage. 

Inflammation and oxidative stress play significant roles in the progression of Parkinson’s disease.  

Targeted Nutrition and Parkinson’s  

Nourishing foods and hydration can help ease symptoms of PD, such as digestive challenges, and may influence cognitive function, mood and sleep quality. Balanced meals and snacks can help stabilize blood sugar and energy levels. Different “everyday” dietary approaches, those designed for long-term, sustainable health improvements, have shown promise for people with Parkinson's, including the: 

• Mediterranean diet: emphasizes colorful fruits and vegetables, beans, whole grains, poultry, nuts, seeds, fatty fish, olive oil and other healthy fats.  

• Med-DASH diet: incorporates Mediterranean-style eating habits and dietary approaches to stop hypertension. This limits salt, sugar and meats, dairy and oils high in saturated fat. 

• MIND diet: Mediterranean-DASH intervention for neurodegenerative delay or targets brain health through a combination of Med-DASH principles while emphasizing leafy greens and dark berries. 

All three diets limit processed foods, red meat, high-fat dairy, sweets, fried foods and butter.  

The Complementary & Alternative Medicine Care in Parkinson’s Disease study links the Mediterranean and MIND diets to slower PD progression and better quality of life.  

A 2022 study update showed the MIND diet had twice the symptom-reducing power of the Mediterranean diet. Both diets are rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, which combat oxidative stress in the brain. Observational studies show the Mediterranean diet may delay PD onset by up to 17 years in women and seven years in men. The MIND diet is linked to slower cognitive decline and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.  

Vegetarian and pescatarian diets are also high in fiber and antioxidants. Both focus on plant-based foods, boost gut bacteria diversity and may reduce the risk of diabetes, obesity and other chronic diseases. Vegetarians do not eat animals, but may eat their products, such as honey, dairy or eggs. Pescatarians follow these same principles, along with eating fish. 

Therapeutic Diets 

Often intended as short-term resets rather than permanent solutions, therapeutic diets can be restrictive. They may be difficult to sustain long-term and require careful planning to ensure adequate nutrition. Discuss any changes in your dietary patterns with your healthcare team. 

Examples of therapeutic diets include the: 

• Vegan Diet: excludes animal products and centers on fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains. This diet emphasizes whole, plant-based foods while minimizing reliance on pasta, soy-based substitutes and processed convenience products. Those following a plant-based diet or who have absorption issues, which is common in Parkinson's, may find that a B12 supplement is necessary.   

  • High in fiber and antioxidants, a vegan diet promotes diverse gut bacteria and can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation — factors in Parkinson’s progression. 

  • Plant-based eating can also lower risk for chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which can be common in people with PD. 

• Ketogenic (keto) Diet: a high-fat, moderate protein, low-carbohydrate approach designed to induce ketosis — a metabolic state where your body uses fat for fuel instead of glucose. This diet focuses on high-quality fats like avocado oil and nuts. If not managed carefully, this diet can cause constipation, high cholesterol levels or nutrition imbalances. Low intake of fruits and vegetables may reduce dietary fiber and antioxidants. This diet may also require regular monitoring of kidney and liver function. 

  • PD-specific ketogenic studies are limited, but suggest potential motor symptom benefits due to reduced oxidative stress. 

  • Evidence from Alzheimer’s research shows a keto diet may offer neuroprotective effects by decreasing inflammation and enhancing the production of brain energy. 

• Paleo Diet: emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods, including colorful fruits and vegetables, lean meats and fish, while eliminating grains, legumes, dairy and sometimes, nightshade vegetables (a family of plants some believe can trigger inflammation). 

  • Research suggests the paleo diet may reduce inflammation and boost gut health.  

  • Rich in antioxidants and omega-3s, the diet may also offer some neuroprotective benefits. 

  • The paleo diet can act as an elimination diet — removing and reintroducing common trigger foods can help identify specific food sensitivities or intolerances. 

Therapeutic diets can be restrictive. They’re often intended as short-term resets rather than permanent solutions. Keeping a symptom and food diary can help identify patterns and distinguish between PD symptoms and nutrition-related issues. A nutrition expert, such as a registered dietician, can tailor your approach. Pay attention to how your body responds and be open to adjusting or transitioning to a more sustainable approach if needed. 

A Personalized Approach 

Though there is no one-size-fits-all diet for managing PD, diets that show potential to ease PD symptoms — including delayed gastric emptying, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and constipation, which affects up to 80% of PD patients — all share certain elements, including a focus on: 

• Whole, nutrient-dense, fiber-rich foods 

• Vegetables  

• Healthy fats, such as those in olive oil, nuts, seeds and avocados 

• Hydration: dehydration or electrolyte imbalances can worsen muscle stiffness 

These diets also emphasize reducing the consumption of processed, fried or sugary foods.  

Eating the rainbow brings phytonutrients into the body, minimizing inflammation and protecting the brain from neurodegeneration. Minerals like magnesium, zinc and iron also play important roles in brain health and can be found in diets rich in colorful plants and whole foods. For example: 

• Red tomatoes and watermelon contain lycopene. 

• Orange and yellow food, such as carrots and squash, have beta-carotene. 

• Leafy green vegetables hold phytosterols. 

• Blue and purple berries offer anthocyanins. 

• Citrus fruits, berries, nuts, and seeds contain antioxidants like vitamins C and E. 

• Herbs and spices are nutrition powerhouses. Basil, oregano, or a squeeze of lemon can add zest to dishes.   

• B vitamins, especially B12, are crucial for neurological health. Natural sources of B12 include meat, fish, and eggs. Whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and some vegetables contain other B vitamins.  

• Vitamin D: People with PD are also commonly deficient in Vitamin D. It can be obtained from sunlight.  

Tips To Help You Tackle Nutrition Challenges 

• If protein-rich foods impact the absorption and effectiveness of levodopa, talk to your PD doctor about taking medication 30 minutes before or 60 minutes after eating protein.  

• Pay attention to how meals interact with your medication schedule and symptoms. Smaller, more frequent meals may be beneficial. 

• If you experience dysphagia or difficulty swallowing, a speech-language pathologist specializing in PD can help. Softer foods and thickened liquids may be easier to manage. Sitting upright and taking smaller bites can also help. 

• Maintaining weight can be difficult for some people with Parkinson’s. Consider making high-calorie shakes or smoothies that incorporate protein powders. Try to avoid dyes, preservatives and other additives. Look for words you recognize from the garden, versus words from a chemistry textbook.   

• Limited availability or resources might make incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables difficult. Consider frozen or home-canned options.  

Talk to your doctor about the right dietary approach for you. 

Learn More 

Explore our resources about diet in Parkinson’s: 

• Blog: The Gut-Brain Connection: Why Diet Can Help Parkinson’s Symptoms & Brain Health 

• Book: Nutrition and PD 

• Podcast: Nutrition Advice - Part 1 

• Science News: Berry Compound Reverses Parkinson's in Mice 

More than 75% of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) report sleep-related symptoms. The presence of sleep disorders can significantly impact quality of life for the person with Parkinson’s and their care partner, contributing to fatigue, cognitive impairment and mood disorders. 

Sleep disorders can manifest in various ways, including insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep), Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (acting out dreams), restless leg syndrome, excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep apnea.  

Research shows that sleep problems are common in early Parkinson’s stages and can get worse as the disease progresses. It’s likely that these issues stem from a combination of factors including the disease's impact on brain regions regulating sleep-wake cycles. Research also shows that sleep issues are worsened due to coexisting PD conditions like depression and anxiety, medication side effects and movement symptoms.  

However, it remains unclear if people with PD usually suffer from one single type of sleep problem, or from multiple sleep problems at the same time. In addition, researchers are still learning how sleep issues relate to other aspects of PD. A new study published in npj Parkinson's Disease systematically evaluated sleep issues in people with early-stage Parkinson's.  

Study Results 

To learn more about sleep disorders, the study examined sleep issues in 162 people with early-stage Parkinson's and 58 people without the disease. The research team used interviews, overnight sleep studies (polysomnography) and various tests to understand the participants' sleep, motor skills, thinking abilities and other health factors.  

They found that a large majority (71%) of those with early-stage Parkinson's had at least one sleep disorder. Importantly, about half of those with sleep problems experienced multiple issues at the same time. They also observed that the longer someone had Parkinson's and the more problems they had with involuntary bodily functions (like blood pressure or digestion), the more sleep disorders they tended to have. 

This new study data shows that most common sleep issues associated with Parkinson’s were insomnia (41% of participants), followed by REM sleep behavior disorder and excessive daytime sleepiness (both 25% of participants), and restless legs syndrome (16% of participants). Rates of sleep-disordered breathing, such as sleep apnea, were consistent between those with and without the disease. 

The researchers looked for trends between sleep disorders, demographics, and common PD symptoms. They found that insomnia, especially trouble staying asleep, was more common in women and those with restless legs syndrome but wasn't linked to movement problems or mood issues. REM sleep behavior disorder seemed to be connected to problems with involuntary bodily functions (like blood pressure or digestion) and older age, but not movement or thinking difficulties. Excessive daytime sleepiness was related to mood symptoms, movement problems and the use of certain Parkinson's medications, but not other sleep disorders. 

Overall, the study found that sleep problems are very common even in early-stage Parkinson's and that people with PD often suffer from multiple sleep issues at the same time. The results suggest that these sleep issues are more likely to be tied to physical changes in the body rather than psychological factors, like anxiety or depression. 

Highlights 

• The study enrolled 162 people with early-stage Parkinson's and 58 people without the disease. 

• The study found that sleep problems are very common in early Parkinson's and that many PD patients have multiple sleep disturbances. 

• The most common sleep problems impacting people with Parkinson’s were insomnia (41% of participants), REM sleep behavior disorder (25% of participants), excessive daytime sleepiness (25% of participants), and restless legs syndrome (16% of participants). 

• Sleep issues are more likely tied to physical changes in the body rather than psychological factors, like anxiety or depression. 

What does this mean? 

Sleep disorders are a common non-movement symptom in Parkinson’s disease, and are typically caused by changes in the body, rather than by anxiety or depression. Importantly, this study shows that people with PD frequently experience multiple sleep disorders at once. This increases the difficulty of properly treating sleep disorders and likely increases the burden of sleep issues on the daily lives of those with PD. 

Additionally, this study reflects that many people in the early stages of PD — even before the development of severe motor impairment — experience sleep issues. Thrashing around in bed or acting out dreams when deeply asleep may be an early sign of Parkinson's. 

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

There are many tips you can try at home to naturally address sleep issues. There are also treatments your care team can recommend addressing sleep disorders. This is a topic everyone with PD should bring up to their doctor and care team, who may refer you to a sleep specialist. A specialist can evaluate and identify sleep issues, which can customize treatment options.   

Sleep is particularly essential to people with PD as recent research studies have shown that sleep helps clear waste products from the brain. This has significant implications for people with PD as abnormal proteins build up in the brain.   

Learn More 

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

• Sleep Problems in Parkinson’s 

• Sleep: A Mind Guide to Parkinson's Disease (Educational Guide) 

• Expert Tips on How to Get Good Sleep with Parkinson's