Raise Awareness

Nourishing Wellness: How to Harness Food as Medicine for Parkinson’s

Man sitting at a table holding an apple

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: 

My PD Story

John Rosiak rock climbing
People with PD

John Rosiak

When I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in the fall of 2023, my response was to go on a crash course to learn as much as I could about this “progressive” disease and see what action I could take.  

I was familiar with the disease, trying to help support my brother’s journey with PD the last 10 years of his life. I saw his classic symptoms of slowness, falling, freezing, swallowing and speech problems, and more. Yet, he never really had tremors, and his mind was sharp until the end. I didn’t understand just how different PD can be in different people. 

A few years ago, I was constantly fatigued and losing confidence in my balance. I went to my primary care physician (PCP), who sent me to different doctors to find the underlying problem. These referrals included a neurologist, who ordered an MRI, and did the standard “clinical assessment.” She said I didn’t have PD.  

The cardiologist, sleep study, endocrinologist, and ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists, all found no answers to my symptoms. So, back to the PCP, who told me to avoid the heat, and referred me to another neurologist, which took months to get an appointment. 

This neurologist made the clinical diagnosis of Parkinsonism. To learn more, she offered me a choice of a skin biopsy to see if there was alpha synuclein abnormality, or a DaTScan, to see if there was any dopamine deficit. I chose the former. When the synuclein skin biopsy test came back abnormal, that “supporting information” warranted the diagnosis of PD in December of 2023, even though symptoms were mild. 

I immediately went to clinicaltrials.gov to see what studies I should sign up for, thinking I could learn more about my new situation, and how to get a handle on it. I am fortunate to live in the Washington, DC area, with its abundant biomedical centers and institutions. I applied to the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) study, which included a DaTScan at Johns Hopkins Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center, which is also a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence. 

My neurologist later read that DaTScan, which showed an overall loss of dopamine in my brain, and a more significant loss of dopamine in the right brain hemisphere. This scan helped explain why I had less coordination and strength on the left side of my body. The positive DaTScan result provided further “supporting” information for the diagnosis of PD. 

I signed up for the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) Phenotype/Genotype Correlations in Movement Disorders, run out of their Parkinson’s Clinic. My wife and I spent a day there meeting with neurologists who tried to understand my case, given the mild symptoms. They also drew blood to test the full genome to check for PD-related genes.  

I also signed up for the PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinson’s disease genetic testing study, which collected my genes by a buccal (cheek) swab. The results were back in one month; they were negative for any of the seven genes related to PD. That testing came with excellent genetic counseling to understand what the results meant for my family and me. Likewise, NIH’s genetic testing “did not detect disease-causing variants.” I was interested to know if there was a genetic connection because I figured that might tell me something about possible disease progression, and preferred treatments.  

There was one more study I signed up for right away. In December of 2023 I contacted Marymount University in VA, about participating in their study about the effects of rock climbing on PD. I signed up for data collection in January, which involved 10 baseline measures that assessed agility, balance, grip strength and general well-being. Then I had to rock climb 24 times in 12 weeks.  

I finished all 24 climbs by March. I then repeated the 10 tests I took in January, before climbing. I didn't see the comparison results (it's a study, so it was “blind”), but I really feel that I did as well on the posttests, or even better, after all those climbs, than on the pretests back in January.  

I never did rock climbing before, but did many other physical activities over the years. I knew that exercise was so important for PD, as well as for general health. In January I told my wife, "I hope I like rock climbing because I just signed up to do 24 climbing sessions in 3 months!" After climbing for several months for the study I have to say I don't like rock climbing — I love it!  

Exercise in the form of climbing has changed my life. After every session my body feels tired and sore (which, frankly, I feel all of the time with PD). But I liken that feeling to those good, tough workouts from playing sports for years. Walking out of the climbing gym I feel better. That natural dopamine my brain is short of might be kicking in because of the climbing. I walk with greater confidence. My attitude toward life is positive and focused. I forget about the PD. 

I continued to climb the rest of the year (in fact, I now work at the gym instructing others). In addition to climbing twice a week with my peers with PD in the UpENDing Parkinson’s program I try to help support UEP’s growth so more climbers in more gyms can participate in this remarkable exercise therapy.  

In addition, I completed the Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador training, and was also trained as a Research Advocate.  I continue to look for, and participate in a variety of studies, many of them online, run by various universities or institutions trying to understand various issues related to PD. 

I believe research is so important to help people better understand the disease and, more importantly, what we might be able to do about it. 

My goal is to be as active as I can physically and mentally. Having the diagnosis has also prompted more reflection about life. While not sure what the future will bring, I am grateful to have found a “power through weakness.” Because of this experience, I have a new perspective, and hope for the future. There are so many resources to help those living with PD. 

Explore how you can get involved in Parkinson’s research today. Visit our Join A Study page and learn more about our Research Advocate program.   

Science News

Study Shows Multiple Sleep Problems Are Common in Early Parkinson's

Science News Blog header

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. 

Man laying in bed having trouble sleeping

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. 

My PD Story

Kathy Blake sitting on a chair posing for a picture
People with PD

Kathleen Blake

“My commitment to raising Parkinson’s disease (PD) awareness is not just because I have the disease; it’s because of the growing number of people living with PD. We have to get this on people’s radar and reverse that upward trend,” said Kathleen (Kathy) Blake, MD, MPH, a retired physician who serves as vice chair of the Parkinson's Foundation People with Parkinson's Advisory Council. One way she helps raise PD awareness is by telling her story.   

Like many people, Kathy’s diagnosis was delayed. When she began noticing pain and reduced swinging of her left arm, she attributed these early symptoms to arthritis and aging. She experienced symptoms for five years before she received her diagnosis, seven years ago. 

Kathy’s diagnosis story begins when an astute newly minted physical therapist referred her to the movement disorders specialist who diagnosed her with Parkinson’s. After her neurologist said, “You have Parkinson's,” Kathy’s first question was, “How sure are you that it’s Parkinson's?” After reading everything she could about PD, Kathy was convinced that the diagnosis was correct.  

An initial course of physical therapy and a regular program of exercise changed everything. “If I exercise today, I will feel better tomorrow,” Kathy said. “If I don’t exercise, the stiffness is worse the next day. Another benefit of exercise has been the chance to meet so many other people who are dealing with Parkinson's and their caregivers, a huge boost for my spirits and my husband’s.” Five years ago, Kathy began PD medication because she needed more than exercise to help manage her symptoms.  

Her expanded support and care team is now comprised of family members, physicians, physical therapists, personal trainers, Pilates instructors and the Parkinson’s Foundation. She credits her team with keeping her moving, engaged and optimistic. 

Path to PD Research  

It took four years before Kathy was ready to publicly share her diagnosis. Today, she realizes that one consequence of hiding the disease is that most people only associate PD with its advanced stages. “People with Parkinson’s can have full and rewarding professional and personal lives, with and despite PD. Many of us are working alongside people with Parkinson’s, living next door to them, seeing them at the store, or volunteering with them. I want people’s impression of PD to be less restricted and more accurate.”  

Reflecting on her experience, Kathy wishes she had participated in PD research sooner. With new PD therapies always on the horizon, many pharmaceutical companies and researchers recruit participants who are in the early stages of PD. “I missed that chance. Because I didn’t talk about my PD for years, I lost that window of opportunity,” she said. 

Eventually, Kathy found her way to the Parkinson’s Foundation. She participates in the Foundation’s genetics study, PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinson’s. Kathy is one of the more than 20,000 people enrolled in the study thus far who have received a genetic test and counseling session at no cost, to learn whether she has a genetic tie to PD. 

Advice for People with Parkinson’s 

The Foundation’s website Parkinson.org consistently delivers a trove of reliable information to Kathy and her family. It is her go-to recommended resource for anyone new to Parkinson’s. “The website is full of information, not just for the person living with Parkinson's, but also for their families, scientists and physicians. Once you discover all this information, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. It’s important to know that you don’t have to consume and incorporate all of it into your life right away. You have time,” Kathy said. In her case, once she found the website, Kathy focused on exercise and medication.  

Kathy’s advice for people who have been living with PD for many years, like herself, is to be adaptable.  “Expect that how you take care of yourself will change over time. When that happens, don’t assume there isn’t something new that can help you, because increasingly, there is.” 

Kathy’s medical background gives her a unique point of view for helping people with PD communicate with their care team.  

“As a doctor, when you stand up and prepare to leave the exam room, that’s often when your patient asks their most important question, the one they’ve been afraid to ask. To overcome this, write down your top three concerns before your appointment,  whatever keeps you up at night, because they are what needs to be addressed.” – Kathy  

From her many years of practicing medicine, Kathy knows that many people are dissatisfied with the medical system. “People and doctors feel they don’t have the time they need with each other. This makes it even more important to prioritize your questions — and ideally have a family member or caregiver with you as a second set of ears to hear the answers.” 

Resist Isolating 

“Resist the impulse to isolate,” is what Kathy tells those who are learning how to manage PD symptoms. “Hopefully, once you come out of your shell, you can get involved in things like the Parkinson’s Foundation, Moving Day or Parkinson’s Revolution; Volunteering puts wind in your sails. Energy is generated by connectedness.” 

Volunteering has opened a new world to Kathy. “Parkinson’s is a club, that given the choice, we would not belong to it. That said, having PD has introduced me to an amazing cohort of people,” she said of her many volunteer engagements. 

“I applied to serve on the advisory council because a former member told me, ‘The Foundation staff and leadership really wants to hear from you; they listen, modify, and improve their programs based on what you say.’ I thought, I can help now; maybe five or 10 years from now I won't have the capacity. This is what I care about, and I’m doing it now,” Kathy said. 

There are many ways you can help us spread Parkinson’s Awareness right now. Visit our Parkinson’s Awareness Month page to find what works for you! 

My PD Story

Craig Meurlin headshot
People with PD

Craig Meurlin

My father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in the mid-to-late 90s and he lived with PD until his passing in 2012. I was diagnosed with PD in 2019, and I was quickly frustrated that I was being given the same drug for PD my father had used 30 years ago.  

It seemed an inordinately long time to not have progressed more with treatments and drugs. Certainly, there were some advances to treat Parkinson’s symptoms, like deep brain stimulation (DBS), but it all seemed to circle back to the primary PD drug carbidopa-levodopa. 

As I navigated this reality, and my Parkinson’s symptoms, I eventually connected with the Parkinson’s Foundation. I appreciated that the Foundation’s resources made clear that Parkinson’s is not just a movement disorder. Some neurologists I have dealt with don’t seem to care as much about the non-movement symptoms, and I have those in spades (and had them for a number of years before my actual PD diagnosis).  

Learning about how PD impacts so many systems in my body and how common these non-movement symptoms are through the Foundation has been helpful and is just one part of the personalized approach the Foundation does so wonderfully. That personalized approach is why I began to financially support the Foundation. 

What meaningfully differentiated the Parkinson’s Foundation from the other PD charities in my mind was when I learned about the Foundation’s Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech initiative. I truly became excited as it seemed to me to be an optimal approach to accelerate research on developing new treatment options as well as finding the cause of PD. The usual institutional approach has not seemed, to me at least, to have made the kind of progress needed, particularly considering the significant increase in the number of people being diagnosed with PD.  

Real, original research and development often occurs through the efforts of individuals who do not accept the status quo and believe enough in their own work to take the risks (and those risks are significant) of stepping out on their own to accelerate the development of their ideas. Things can get caught up in the bureaucracy of larger institutions (and, in some institutions, perhaps “group think”) that dampens both the creativity and speed of innovation needed for truly breakthrough developments.  

I was looking for something to support that was nimbler and led by people with real passion and belief in their own work, and I found it in the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech initiative. The initiative’s combination of science and private entrepreneurialism is an excellent way to accelerate advances in applied research and development. Through this initiative, the Foundation makes venture capital investments in early-stage companies focused on PD research and development.   

Additionally, the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech uses an investment model I am familiar with and have seen work successfully a number of times throughout my 40-year career as a corporate lawyer with a particular focus in securities law.  

I know the various stages of the venture capital process, the need to do significant technical due diligence and to properly evaluate a company’s management team to be comfortable with their ability to develop and follow through on a business plan to achieve the scientific and commercial objectives of the project.   

I like the fact that Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech investments in a company are made in stages based on the company’s achievement of certain milestones. The Parkinson’s Foundation and Parkinson’s UK have the resources to do that due diligence and keep the focus on Parkinson’s disease. They also mentor the management teams when necessary to assist in their success.  

I believe that through the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech, the Parkinson’s Foundation can make a real difference in efforts to advance treatment options and ultimately cure Parkinson’s disease. Where else can you find the expertise (both in PD and in venture capital investments) found in the Parkinson’s Foundation and Parkinson’s UK, the access to many investment opportunities that are brought to this initiative and the management mentoring to move these projects forward?  I am unaware of other PD focused organizations doing this and it is something that I am very passionate about supporting it. 

I believe this model has the best chance to work for Parkinson’s and to make leaps of progress that are important if we hope to slow disease progression, eventually stop other people from getting it and finally learn what causes Parkinson’s disease. I would encourage anyone to join me in supporting the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech initiative. 

Learn more about Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech and make a gift to support this exciting work. 

My PD Story

Ron and Amy McConnell posing for a selfie
Family Members

Ron & Amy McConnell

Our names are Ron and Amy, and we were first impacted by Parkinson’s disease upon Ron’s diagnosis in 2017. As a couple, we have truly walked through the “highs and lows” of this disease and understand the significant role it can play in daily life.  

Ron McConnell in hospital bed holding a sign with Amy McConnell next to him

Ron began to develop symptoms after a tragic accident at work and was misdiagnosed for years — it took several failed attempts by medical professionals to determine the true cause behind the tremors, falling, and pounding headaches.  

After numerous doctors visits, Ron was finally referred to a movement disorders specialist, who conducted a comprehensive clinical evaluation. Ultimately, a DaTscan revealed a severe dopamine deficiency, confirming his Parkinson’s diagnosis. 

Following Ron’s diagnosis, he was prescribed Parkinson’s medications and our lives improved dramatically. In the years that followed, it was a relief to see symptoms subside through proper treatment and medication management. Amy is a “super caretaker” who helps us both navigate life with Parkinson’s disease. We are truly a team! 

Unfortunately, we experienced an unthinkable hospital stay in 2023 after Ron developed a severe case of Covid-19. Prior to Ron’s emergency visit, we armed ourselves with his medications and Parkinson’s Foundation resources.  

When we arrived, we requested that these be scanned into his electronic chart, knowing that it was essential that the medical team understood Ron’s diagnosis and the importance of administering his Parkinson’s medications in a timely manner. Despite being assured that Ron’s chart had been updated, we learned later that this had not been the case —– the medical team was unaware of his Parkinson’s. 

As a result, Ron developed aspiration pneumonia and was even placed on a ventilator. He continued not to receive any PD medications. Despite Amy’s pleading, the medical team refused, and for the first time, Ron began to experience dyskinesia, a Parkinson’s symptom that culminated in a bad fall at the hospital. After days without medication, his condition worsened, leading to respiratory failure. It was truly a life-or-death situation. 

Finally, a new doctor saw Ron and took the time to listen to Amy. He agreed to administer Parkinson’s medications and stuck close for several days throughout the recovery period. In the end, the doctor declared that we had made him an even better doctor, as he read through the resources Amy provided (like the Parkinson’s Foundation Hospital Safety Guide).  

While we would never choose to relive this distressing experience, we are now passionate advocates for hospital safety in people with Parkinson’s and care tremendously about educating others.  

What We Want People with PD and Care Partners to Know

Our experience has reinforced that knowledge is power. Patients and caregivers must be proactive and persistent in advocating for their needs. The Parkinson’s Foundation’s Hospital Safety Guide was instrumental in helping us navigate this crisis, and it has become a core part of our advocacy efforts. 

Another crucial takeaway is the importance of the care partner. Amy’s advocacy made a profound difference in ensuring Ron’s needs were eventually met. In addition, we learned how critical it is to ensure accurate patient records, as errors and omissions in Ron’s medical records significantly impacted his care and delayed proper treatment. 

As Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassadors, we have shared our story with hospital administration teams, and we’re proud that our advocacy has already led to positive changes in hospital policies and protocols. 

We are honored to share our journey and hope that our experiences help others navigate similar challenges. 

Our biggest piece of advice is to prepare yourself prior to a hospital stay. Do not be afraid to share information and resources from the Parkinson’s Foundation with the medical team. Keep positive, and never lose hope! 

Advocate for your best care with the Hospital Safety Guide. Learn more and download the guide now. 

Podcasts

Episode 176: Allied Health Spotlight: The Challenges of Speech and Swallowing Issues

Allied health professionals are a group of healthcare providers whose role and expertise complement the work of physicians. These include specialists such as physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, nutritionists, and many more. They are just as important as your Movement Disorders Specialists and Neurologists, and play a vital role in creating a comprehensive, well-rounded Parkinson’s care team that caters to your individual needs and addresses your overall well-being.

In this second episode of our Allied Health Spotlight series, we highlight the benefits of working with a speech-language pathologist early on in your Parkinson’s journey. Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects movement throughout the body, including the face, mouth, throat, and breathing muscles. As the disease progresses, people with PD may develop problems with speaking and swallowing. This can not only impact eating habits, but can also lead to soft voice and drooling, making conversations during social gatherings uncomfortable. 

In this episode, Melissa Grassia Chisholm, MS, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech pathologist and a voice-swallow airway expert, explains how speech and swallowing problems can develop in people with PD.  She also discusses different diagnostic procedures, therapies, and programs that can help improve speech and swallowing.

Released: February 11, 2025

We want to thank this episode's podcast sponsors, UCB and Novartis, for supporting our mission. 

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What People with Parkinson’s Want Health Professionals to Understand

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Finding care for Parkinson’s disease (PD) can be difficult due to a shortage in specialized care, especially for those who live in rural areas. There are one million Americans living with Parkinson’s and only 660 movement disorder specialists currently practicing in the U.S.  

With limited access to movement disorders specialists, most people with PD find themselves visiting a general neurologist or primary healthcare provider for their Parkinson’s care. However, across all care settings, people with PD report feeling their healthcare providers may not fully grasp the intricacies and daily challenges that come with Parkinson’s.   
 
The Parkinson’s Foundation is dedicated to educating and training our professionals about best practices in quality PD care. Yet, nobody understands the daily challenges of living with Parkinson’s better than those living with it.  

We asked people with Parkinson’s on our social media channels what they wish health professionals understood about living with PD. This is what they said: 

“I wish doctors would be more understanding that Parkinson's also affects their ability to process things sometimes. My dad would appear to be ‘thinking' about what the doctors said, but he was really struggling to understand what exactly was being said.” - Dawn    

Some people with PD experience cognitive impairment that results in slowness of memory and thinking. Symptoms of cognitive impairment may not always be noticeable. However, this can influence the way people with PD understand information and may leave them feeling confused or overwhelmed. 

“I wish they understood there are a lot of non-motor symptoms — hypotension, constipation, mood disorders, cognitive issues, etc. These need to be considered and monitored during regular appointments as well as those with their movement disorder specialists.” - Deanna 

While non-movement symptoms are invisible, it's important to realize that they are common and many people with Parkinson’s find them more troublesome and disabling than movement symptoms. 

“Healthcare professionals need to address mental health issues that can be caused by Parkinson’s itself.” -Leann 

Mental health changes, like depression, anxiety and apathy are part of Parkinson's itself, resulting from PD-related changes in brain chemistry. Treating these symptoms is one of the most significant ways to improve quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s.  

“This disease is very complex, not just a movement disorder. It affects your brain, your confidence, your sense of self, and there are day-to-day changes.”  -Michele 

Finding a mental health counselor is a step towards bettering your mental health and wellbeing. The counselor you partner with should make you feel safe and validated while helping you navigate life with PD.  

“They should combine medical care with social worker care. Don't tell someone their life is about to radically change but provide nowhere to start or available services.” -Lee 

Building a care team that is well-versed in PD will help guide you and improve your quality of life. People living with Parkinson's benefit most from a comprehensive, team-based healthcare approach. The Parkinson's Foundation promotes an allied health team approach across our Global Care Network.  

“I wish they would believe patients and their caretakers when they mention symptoms or other issues.” -Lindsey 

A 2022 poll from Mitre-Harris found that 52% of individuals in the U.S. feel their symptoms are “ignored, dismissed, or not believed” when seeking medical treatment. That number rises to 60% within the Hispanic community.    

“They need to know the importance of taking medication at the right time when in the hospital. It was a nightmare trying to ensure that my mother got her medications on time.” - Roisin 

People with Parkinson’s need to take their medication at the same time daily to avoid “off times,” periods of time when the effect of levodopa medication wears off, causing a return of motor or non-motor symptoms. This is especially important for healthcare providers in hospitals to recognize, as they are more likely to be distributing daily medication. Our Hospital Safety Guide is designed to help people with PD and their care partners advocate for high-quality care in the hospital. 

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The Hospital Safety Guide is filled with useful tools and information to help a person with Parkinson’s during their next hospital visit, planned or unplanned. Print these resources when you have used the copies within your guide, or share additional copies with care partners and loved ones.

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“In general, healthcare professionals should understand more about the signs which indicate someone has Parkinson’s. Internists, even neurologists often miss the signs. We need better education for a heightened awareness of the many early symptoms of PD. Not everyone shows up with tremor.” -Donna 

Learn how to recognize ten early signs of Parkinson’s in this fact sheet. 

“Refer early for speech and swallowing changes!” -Julia 

Addressing Parkinson’s symptoms early, such as speech and swallowing changes, is extremely important. Without intervention, swallowing difficulties can be especially dangerous.  

“We are all very different, and whatever they learned in a book or heard from their last patient may not apply to me. Everything we tell our doctors pales in comparison to what we go through most days. We aren’t liars or exaggerating; we need a little relief.” -Esther 

All people with PD deserve to receive proper care. Our PD stories allow people to share their stories and advocate for themselves. You can share your story here. 

For Health Professionals 

The Parkinson’s Foundation is here to help health professionals provide quality Parkinson’s care to their patients living with this disease. Explore our many resources for health professionals, including accredited online courses. Visit Parkinson.org/Care to learn more about our care priorities and programs.   

If you or a loved one is looking for Parkinson’s expert referrals, contact our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636). 

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Herramientas para abordar las alteraciones del pensamiento y la memoria en la EP

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A medida que envejecemos, nuestra habilidad de pensamiento cambia. Los cambios cognitivos también pueden aparecer en la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP), incluyendo pensamiento más lento, olvidos, falta de concentración y, en ocasiones, pérdida de memoria. En este artículo, aprenda estrategias prácticas para reducir el riesgo de alteraciones del pensamiento y mejorar la salud cognitiva y descubra las terapias disponibles para los trastornos cognitivos. 

El siguiente artículo se basa en una Charla con expertos de la Parkinson’s Foundation (Expert Briefings) acerca de las alteraciones del pensamiento y la memoria en la EP, con el Dr. Gregory Pontone, médico con maestría en ciencias de la salud, de la Facultad de Medicina de la University of Florida, un Centro de Excelencia de la Parkinson’s Foundation. 

Envejecimiento y cognición 

Algunos procesos del pensamiento se conservan bien a medida que envejecemos, incluyendo:  

  • El vocabulario y los conocimientos generales. 

  • Las competencias lingüísticas. 

  • Recordar cómo se hacen las cosas, como andar en bicicleta o cocinar pasta (memoria procedimental), el nombre del presidente o de un vecino (memoria semántica). 

  • La capacidad de comprender lo que vemos.  

Los cambios en cualquiera de estas capacidades antes de los 70 años podrían estar relacionados con la EP u otra enfermedad asociada al envejecimiento. A medida que una persona se acerca a los 70 años, la edad o el Parkinson pueden influir en: 

  • La capacidad de retener información a corto plazo mientras se concentra en otra tarea (memoria funcional). 

  • Planificar, organizar y realizar tareas (función ejecutiva). 

  • Atención focalizada y dividida. 

  • La rapidez con la que el cerebro comprende y responde a la información. 

Reconocer los cambios cognitivos en la EP 

Muchas personas con Parkinson pueden experimentar cierto grado de alteraciones del pensamiento. Estos cambios suelen progresar gradualmente junto con los síntomas motores. El deterioro cognitivo leve (DCL o MCI, por sus siglas en inglés) describe alteraciones de la memoria o del pensamiento que no afectan la vida cotidiana. Las personas con la enfermedad de Parkinson de inicio temprano —aquellas que desarrollan síntomas antes de los 50 años— suelen experimentar cambios cognitivos más leves y lentos relacionados con la EP.  

En algunas personas con Parkinson, el cambio cognitivo progresivo puede conducir a la demencia de la EP (DEP), un deterioro más grave del pensamiento. A veces, la persona se da cuenta de que su memoria está fallando, pero otras veces son las personas más cercanas quienes reconocen los signos. El deterioro cognitivo en la EP puede afectar:  

  • La realización de tareas, como organizar medicamentos o utilizar un control remoto.   

  • Las habilidades lingüísticas y de búsqueda de palabras, que afectan la capacidad de seguir instrucciones o participar en conversaciones. 

  • La memoria, que hace que la persona repita preguntas, olvide información importante o tenga problemas para aprender información nueva. 

  • El juicio, que lleva a que la persona ignore riesgos o tome malas decisiones. 

  • La orientación de tiempo y lugar; una persona con problemas del pensamiento puede perderse, especialmente en lugares conocidos. 

Las dificultades de memoria en la EP vs. la enfermedad de Alzheimer 

Los médicos utilizan la Evaluación Cognitiva de Montreal (MoCA, por sus siglas en inglés) como herramienta de detección de alteraciones del pensamiento. Puede distinguir entre tipos de disfunción de la memoria. 

El deterioro de la memoria relacionado con la EP difiere de la enfermedad de Alzheimer. Una buena parte de la memoria de reconocimiento —la capacidad de recordar cosas que uno se ha encontrado antes— permanece prácticamente intacta para la mayoría de las personas con Parkinson. Las personas con Parkinson pueden tener un poco de dificultad para buscar y recuperar un recuerdo, pero con una pista o tiempo suficiente, pueden recordarlo. Por lo general, una persona con Alzheimer es incapaz de crear o recuperar nuevos recuerdos.  

La demencia por la EP, la demencia con cuerpos de Lewy y la enfermedad de Alzheimer están asociadas a proteínas plegadas anormalmente que forman grumos pegajosos que dañan la salud cerebral. Los cuerpos de Lewy son cúmulos tóxicos de proteína alfa-sinucleína que se acumulan en el cerebro.  

Un fallo de la memoria al principio de la EP o un fallo similar al del Alzheimer podrían indicar que la persona con Parkinson también podría tener Alzheimer.  

Posibles descubrimientos

Una comprensión más profunda del complejo funcionamiento de la EP puede mejorar el tratamiento y la atención. Actualmente, los investigadores pueden ver los cúmulos tóxicos asociados a los problemas de memoria mediante técnicas de imagenología. Los científicos confían en que los avances tecnológicos pronto permitan examinar más de cerca la proteína alfa-sinucleína mal plegada.  

La terapia de infusión de anticuerpos puede eliminar el amiloide del cerebro de las personas con la enfermedad de Alzheimer en fase inicial. La esperanza es que las infusiones ralenticen la progresión de la enfermedad. Las futuras terapias para el Parkinson podrían inhibir el mal plegamiento de la proteína alfa-sinucleína para minimizar la formación de cuerpos de Lewy o, posiblemente, incluso eliminar la alfa-sinucleína anormal.  

Herramientas para mejorar la cognición hoy

Al navegar por las etapas y los síntomas del Parkinson, la búsqueda del bienestar puede tener un profundo impacto.  

1. Muévase.

Los beneficios del ejercicio aeróbico en el Parkinson son poderosos. Ya sea que nade, camine o haga otro ejercicio de intensidad moderada, hacer ejercicio 150 minutos por semana puede mejorar la estabilidad y el equilibrio, disminuir el riesgo de caídas, reducir la depresión y beneficiar directamente la cognición en la EP, mejorando: 

  • La atención 

  • La velocidad de procesamiento 

  • El tiempo de reacción 

  • La función ejecutiva 

  • El lenguaje 

El entrenamiento de resistencia —utilizando el peso corporal, pesas o ligas— también puede ser beneficioso para la cognición, el equilibrio, la marcha y la densidad ósea, al tiempo que reduce el riesgo de fracturas en la EP. El entrenamiento de resistencia también mejora la función ejecutiva y la atención.  

2. Practique la atención plena.

Un estudio de 2004 observó cómo 20 personas con Parkinson de leve a moderado y 10 personas que no tenían la EP realizaban una tarea a medida que se añadían grados de complejidad. 

Los investigadores descubrieron que, mientras que el aumento de la atención requerida contribuía a las alteraciones del desempeño y de la marcha en todos los participantes, las personas con Parkinson se volvían aún más lentas. Practicar la atención plena, centrarse en una sola cosa a la vez y bloquear las distracciones, puede ayudarle a funcionar de forma óptima con Parkinson. 

3. Siga una dieta nutritiva.

La dieta MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay), una combinación de la dieta mediterránea y DASH (método dietético para detener la hipertensión, por sus siglas en inglés) para retrasar la degeneración neuronal, es una dieta basada en evidencia para la salud neurológica.

Las recomendaciones incluyen comer: 

  • Al menos 3 raciones de cereales integrales al día. 

  • Una ración diaria mínima de una ensalada de hojas verde oscuro y una ración de verduras. 

  • Al menos 30 gramos de frutos secos al día. 

  • Frijoles o legumbres al menos cada dos días. 

  • Bayas (berries) al menos dos veces por semana. 

  • Aves de corral al menos dos veces por semana. 

  • Pescado al menos una vez a la semana. 

Y limitar:   

  • Mantequilla o margarina a no más de una cucharada sopera al día (utilice en su lugar aceite de oliva). 

  • Queso, alimentos fritos o comida rápida a no más de una vez por semana. 

  • Bollería o dulces a menos de cinco veces por semana. 

4. Duerma lo suficiente.

El sueño de calidad desempeña un papel en la creación y recuperación de recuerdos y puede eliminar algunas de las proteínas anormales asociadas a la pérdida de memoria. También ayuda al cuerpo a reflejar los beneficios del ejercicio.  

Los cambios y síntomas cerebrales relacionados con la EP pueden alterar el sueño. Practicar conductas que lo pongan en el estado óptimo para relajarse puede ayudarle a conciliar el sueño y a permanecer dormido. Una rutina de sueño saludable incluye: 

  • Un horario regular para dormir y despertar (intente reservar al menos 8 horas) 

  • Un dormitorio tranquilo y en penumbra 

  • Tiempo de pantalla mínimo 

Hable con su médico acerca de problemas de sueño o inquietudes al respecto. Pueden trabajar en conjunto para encontrar las mejores herramientas para tratar sus síntomas. 

5. Manténgase conectado socialmente.

Encontrar y establecer relaciones sociales saludables beneficia al cerebro y al cuerpo. Busque recursos comunitarios como punto de partida; por ejemplo, clases de ejercicio, actividades artísticas, grupos de apoyo u oportunidades de voluntariado. Las visitas a domicilio, las llamadas telefónicas o los programas en línea pueden beneficiar a quienes tienen dificultades para salir. 

El aislamiento social y la soledad pueden ser peligrosos.  

  • El aislamiento social se asocia a un aumento de 50% del riesgo de demencia y aumenta significativamente el riesgo de muerte prematura, a niveles de los riesgos del tabaquismo, la obesidad y la inactividad física.  

  • Las investigaciones demuestran que el aislamiento aumenta el riesgo de cardiopatías y accidentes cerebrovasculares en torno a un 30%. 

La soledad puede aumentar la ansiedad, la depresión, la confusión, las delusiones, los problemas de memoria y comunicación y puede afectar la capacidad para resolver problemas. El aislamiento también aumenta la tensión del cuidador, que puede llevar al agotamiento.  

6. Explore el tratamiento.

Su médico puede recomendarle que trabaje con un neuropsicólogo o un terapeuta del habla y el lenguaje especialmente preparados, que pueden ofrecerle formas de compensar los problemas de memoria o pensamiento. 

Algunos medicamentos recetados también pueden mejorar los síntomas de la demencia por la EP. Los inhibidores de la acetilcolinesterasa potencian la acetilcolina (una sustancia química importante para la memoria entre otras cosas) en el cerebro. Entre ellos se encuentran la rivastigmina (el único medicamento para la PEP aprobado por la FDA), el donepezilo y la galantamina. 

La memantina es un medicamento que protege al cerebro de los niveles excesivos de una sustancia química llamada glutamato. A veces se utiliza en combinación con inhibidores de la acetilcolinesterasa.  

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Tools to Tackle Thinking and Memory Changes in PD

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As we age, our thinking abilities change. Cognitive changes can also occur in Parkinson's disease (PD), including slower thinking, forgetfulness, lack of focus and sometimes, memory loss. In this article, learn practical strategies to lower the risk of thinking changes, improve cognitive health and discover available therapies for cognitive disorders. 

The following article is based on a Parkinson’s Foundation Expert Briefing about thinking and memory changes in Parkinson’s, hosted by Dr. Gregory Pontone, MD, MHS, University of Florida Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence. 

Aging and Cognition

Some thinking processes are well-preserved as we age, including:  

  • vocabulary and general knowledge. 

  • language skills. 

  • remembering how to do things, like ride a bike or cook pasta (procedural memory), the name of the president or your neighbor (semantic memory). 

  • the ability to grasp what we see.  

Changes in any of these abilities prior to age 70 could be related to Parkinson’s or another aging-associated disease. As someone moves into and beyond their 70s, age and/or Parkinson’s might impact: 

  • the ability to hold onto information short-term while focusing on another task (working memory). 

  • planning, organizing and accomplishing tasks (executive function). 

  • focused and divided attention. 

  • how fast the brain understands and responds to information. 

Recognizing Cognitive Change in PD

Some degree of thinking changes can affect many people with Parkinson’s. These changes tend to progress gradually alongside movement symptoms. People with young-onset Parkinson’s disease — those who develop symptoms before age 50 — often experience milder, slower cognitive change related to PD.  

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) describes memory or thinking changes that do not impact daily life.  

In some people with Parkinson’s, progressive cognitive change can lead to PD dementia (PDD), a more severe decline in thinking. Sometimes a person has insight that their memory is failing, but other times, it is the people closest to them who recognize the signs. Cognitive impairment in PD can affect:  

  • Task performance, such as organizing medications or using a remote control.   

  • Word-finding and language abilities, impacting the ability to follow directions or participate in conversations. 

  • Memory, causing a person to repeat questions, forget important information or have trouble learning new information. 

  • Judgement, leading someone to ignore risks or to make bad decisions. 

  • Orientation with time and place; a person with impaired thinking may get lost, especially in familiar places. 

Memory Difficulty in PD vs. Alzheimer’s Disease

Doctors use the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) as a screening tool for thinking changes. It can distinguish between types of memory dysfunction. 

Memory impairment related to Parkinson's differs from Alzheimer's disease. A good portion of recognition memory — the skill of recalling things you have come across before — remains largely intact for most people with Parkinson's. Someone with Parkinson’s may have a little difficulty searching for and retrieving a memory but, with a hint or enough time, can remember. A person with Alzheimer's is generally unable to make or retrieve new memories.  

Parkinson’s, PD dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer's disease are associated with abnormally folded proteins that form sticky clumps which damage brain health. Lewy bodies are toxic clusters of alpha-synuclein protein that build up in the brain.  

Memory failing early in the course of PD or failing in a way similar to Alzheimer's could indicate a person with Parkinson's might also have Alzheimer's.  

Potential Breakthroughs 

Gaining a deeper understanding of the complex workings behind PD can improve treatment and care. Researchers are now able to visualize the toxic clumps associated with memory issues through imaging techniques. Scientists are hopeful meaningful advances in technology will soon allow closer examination of misfolded alpha-synuclein protein.  

Antibody infusion therapy can remove amyloid from the brain of people with early Alzheimer's disease. The hope is that infusions will slow down disease progression. Future Parkinson’s therapies could inhibit the misfolding of alpha-synuclein proteins to minimize Lewy body formation or possibly even remove abnormal alpha synuclein.  

Tools to Improve Cognition Today

As you navigate Parkinson’s stages and symptoms, the pursuit of wellness can have a profound impact.  

1. Get moving

The benefits of aerobic exercise in Parkinson’s are powerful. Whether swimming, walking or doing another moderate intensity workout, exercising 150 minutes each week can enhance stability and balance, decrease the risk of falls, reduce depression and directly benefit cognition in PD, improving: 

  • attention 

  • processing speed 

  • reaction time 

  • executive function 

  • language 

Resistance training — using bodyweight, weights or bands — can also benefit cognition, balance, gait and bone density, while reducing the risk of fractures in PD. Resistance training also improves executive function and attention.  

2. Practice mindfulness

A 2004 study looked at how 20 people with mild to moderate Parkinson's and 10 people who didn't have PD performed a task as layers of complexity were added. 

Researchers discovered that while increasing demands on attention contributed to performance and gait disturbances across all participants, the people who had Parkinson's slowed down even more. Practicing mindfulness, focusing on one thing at a time and blocking out distractions, can help you function optimally with Parkinson’s. 

3. Eat a nourishing diet

The MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay), a combination of the Mediterranean diet and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), is an evidence-based diet for neurological health. Recommendations include eating: 

  • at least 3 portions of whole grains daily. 

  • a minimum daily serving of one dark, leafy green salad and one serving of vegetables. 

  • at least 30 grams of nuts daily. 

  • beans or legumes at least every other day. 

  • berries at least twice a week. 

  • poultry at least twice a week. 

  • fish at least once a week. 

And limiting:   

  • butter or margarine to no more than a tablespoon a day (use olive oil instead). 

  • cheese, fried or fast food to no more than once a week. 

  • pastries or sweets to less than five times a week. 

4. Get good sleep

Quality sleep plays a role in making and recalling memories and may also remove some of the abnormal proteins associated with memory loss. It also helps the body realize the gains of exercise.  

Parkinson’s-related brain changes and symptoms can disrupt slumber. Practicing behaviors that get you in the optimal state to relax can help you fall asleep and stay asleep. A healthy sleep routine includes: 

  • a regular sleep-wake schedule (try to set aside at least 8 hours). 

  • a quiet, dim bedroom. 

  • minimal screen time. 

Talk to your doctor about sleep issues or concerns. You can work together to find the best tools to address your symptoms. 

5. Stay socially connected

Finding and building healthy social relationships benefits the brain and body. Look to community resources for a starting point, including local exercise classes, art activities, support groups or volunteer opportunities. In-home visits, phone calls or online programs can benefit those who have difficulty getting out. 

Social isolation and loneliness can be dangerous.  

  • Social isolation is associated with a 50% increased risk of dementia, and significantly increases the risk of premature death, rivaling the risks of smoking, obesity and physical inactivity.  

  • Research shows isolation increases the risk of heart disease and stroke by about 30%. 

Loneliness can increase anxiety, depression, confusion, delusions, memory and communication problems and can impact problem-solving skills. Isolation also increases care partner strain, which can lead to burnout.  

6. Explore treatment

Your doctor may recommend you work with a specially trained neuropsychologist or speech-language pathologist who can offer ways to compensate for memory or thinking problems. 

Some prescription medications can also improve symptoms of PD dementia. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors boost acetylcholine (a chemical important for memory and more) in the brain. These include rivastigmine (the only FDA-approved PDD medication), donepezil and galantamine. 

Memantine is a medication that protects the brain from excess levels of a chemical called glutamate. It is sometimes used in combination with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.  

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