A hospital stay can be a stressful situation for everyone, whether you are the person receiving care or the support person providing comfort. People with Parkinson’s (PD) are at a higher risk of hospitalizations, so it is crucial to be prepared ahead of time for when the situation arises. The Parkinson’s Foundation recently created the Hospital Saf…

Los trabajadores de salud comunitaria (TSC o CHW, por sus siglas en inglés) o promotores ayudan a cerrar la brecha entre los profesionales de la salud y los miembros de la comunidad proporcionando educación y recursos culturalmente competentes y relevantes a la comunidad local. Desempeñan un papel vital en la interacción con la comunidad para ident…

Gene-based therapy for Parkinson’s disease is an area of research that is currently being developed. It works by introducing genetic material into the brain, which can then “instruct” cells to produce compounds that can potentially alleviate symptoms of Parkinson’s. Although years have gone by since the first gene-based clinical trial, there is sti…

This month, we are honoring and celebrating our Parkinson’s Foundation volunteers. Every volunteer helps make a difference in the everyday lives of people living with Parkinson’s disease, whether it’s by helping organize a local community walk, serving as a research advocate providing feedback and collaborating with scientists on research studies, …

Carbidopa-levodopa is considered the “gold standard treatment” for Parkinson’s disease. Levodopa works to replace levels of dopamine in the brain, thereby alleviating PD symptoms, while Carbidopa works to reduce adverse effects in the rest of the body. Although years have passed since the creation of this treatment, it is still commonly known to be…

Black and African American people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) face disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, potentially leading to decreased access to care, resources, and research opportunities. It is crucial to recognize their unique needs and experiences so that scientists can better understand how PD impacts diverse communitie…

Black and African American people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) face disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, potentially leading to decreased access to care, resources, and research opportunities. It is crucial to recognize their unique needs and experiences so that scientists can better understand how PD impacts diverse communitie…

As we start the new year, we wanted to turn the tables on our podcast host and moderator, Dan Keller. Dan has hosted our Substantial Matters podcast series since it began more than five years ago. In this episode, we share some insight into his background, his experience, and how he came to host this series, starting as a laboratory researcher, to …

Recibir un diagnóstico de la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) puede ser una experiencia que cambie su vida, pero hay pasos que puede tomar desde el principio para ayudar a crear y mantener una vida de calidad con la EP. Aprender más acerca de la enfermedad, identificar una red de apoyo y formar un equipo de profesionales de la salud son algunos de los …

Los cuidadores y aliados de cuidado brindan un apoyo inestimable a las personas que viven con la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP). Con el tiempo, el papel del cuidador puede tener que ajustarse y adaptarse a medida que avanza la enfermedad. Aunque el cuidado pueda parecer la tarea principal que lo abarca todo, es vital que usted sea capaz de encontrar …

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive disease that affects both the person with Parkinson’s and the care partner. Considerations need to be made to deal with the present challenges, while also anticipating future caregiving needs. Patsy Ponder Dalton was the caregiver for her husband, David, since he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the…

Early-onset, also called Young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD), affects about 4% of the one million people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in the United States, with a diagnosis before age 50. Although there are many characteristics similar to late-onset PD, there are a few differences such as disease progression, response to medications, and geneti…

Considered “atypical Parkinsonian syndromes,” over half of people with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA) are initially misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) due to similarities in early symptoms as well as lack of awareness of these rare, neurodegenerative diseases among man…

Considered “atypical Parkinsonian syndromes,” over half of people with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA) are initially misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) due to similarities in early symptoms as well as lack of awareness of these rare, neurodegenerative diseases among man…

Researchers have discovered several genes that are associated with the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD). To better understand this relationship, the Parkinson’s Foundation is conducting a large population study, PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinson’s Disease, a national initiative that offers genetic testing and counseling for …

Considered “atypical Parkinsonian syndromes,” over half of people with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD)/corticobasal syndrome (CBS), and multiple system atrophy (MSA) are initially misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) due to similarities in early symptoms as well as lack of awareness of these rare, neurode…

Typical treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) consists of oral levodopa/carbidopa, along with other oral medications. Although there is no one-size fits all treatment, people with PD may experience more “off” periods, or symptom fluctuations, as the disease progresses. In this case, non-oral treatments, such as pump therapy, may be another option t…

Variants of several genes have been identified that raise the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinson’s Disease is the Parkinson’s Foundation groundbreaking initiative that seeks to uncover the relationship between genetics and one’s risk for PD. The goal is to eventually help people better manage…

Existen diversas causas de los problemas del sueño que pueden experimentar las personas con Parkinson. Entre los trastornos del sueño más comunes están la apnea del sueño (asociada normalmente a un ronquido fuerte), el insomnio y el trastorno donde las personas actúan los sueños mientras duermen. También sabemos que los problemas emocionales, que s…

Of the one million people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in the United States, nearly one-third of them will have a hospital encounter each year. When hospitalized, three out of four people with PD will not receive their medications on time, possibly leading to worsening symptoms, medical emergencies, and a significantly increased length of s…

Intimacy is a significant part of any relationship, and sexuality is an important aspect of intimacy. Parkinson’s disease (PD) can present challenges for both intimacy and sexuality, both for the person with PD and for the care partner. The Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline can be a good resource for coping with these issues. In this episode, Anna Mo…

Since routine outpatient procedures may pose special needs and risks for someone with Parkinson’s disease (PD), extra planning is in order for the period before, during, and after the procedure. The procedures may be medical or dental, for example, teeth cleanings, colonoscopy, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Fortunately, the Parkinson’s Found…

There’s a new and greater understanding of the relationship of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and art. Engaging in artistic practices can enhance mood, cognitive function, and enjoyment of life for people with PD. Importantly, how art causes these effects is giving greater insight into the neurobiological basis of how people in general create and respond…

Besides being a movement disorder and affecting other physical functions, such as the digestive system, blood pressure control, and sleep, Parkinson’s disease (PD) can alter cognition, other mental functions, and mood. Apathy can be part of the disease, resulting in a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or motivation. It can result in a vicious cycle, de…

Las investigaciones han encontrado que 3 de cada 4 personas con la enfermedad de Parkinson no reciben medicamentos a tiempo cuando están internadas en el hospital. Cuando esto ocurre, 2 de cada 3 personas experimentarán complicaciones innecesarias. Con visitas hospitalarias más a menudo y una alta sensibilidad a la frecuencia y dosificación de los …