We usually try to communicate a few things when meeting with newly diagnosed folks:

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1. ​People with Parkinson’s have the same life expectancies as people who don’t have PD.  People don’t die from Parkinson’s. We live with it, hopefully well and fully.

2. Everyone’s PD is different.  You will not get every possible symptom. Also, every symptom you might experience has been experienced and dealt with by some others.  There are ways to deal with it.

3. Exercise is an important part of healthy living for everyone. For those with Parkinson’s disease (PD), exercise is more than healthy — it is a vital component to maintaining balance, mobility and activities of daily living. Research shows that exercise and physical activity can not only maintain and improve mobility, flexibility and balance but also ease non-motor PD symptoms such as depression.

4. PD is a slowly progressing disease.  You have time to learn, process and make decisions over time.  If you have sudden changes to your health, check with your physician- it’s probably not from Parkinson’s.

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We recommend ordering the printed book, Every Victory Counts, from the Davis Phinney Foundation.  

https://www.davisphinneyfoundation.org/​

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic brain condition that causes progressive damage to brain cells over many years. It's characterized by low dopamine levels, a neurotransmitter that helps the brain control movement and coordination. Symptoms can include:

• Unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as tremors, shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination

• Slow movement

• Painful muscle contractions

• Difficulty speaking

• Swallowing problems

• Chewing and eating problems

• Sleep problems, such as waking up frequently throughout the night, waking up early, or falling asleep during the day

See our information for Newly Diagnosed

If you’re struggling with Parkinson’s disease or know someone who is, it’s incredibly helpful to have a list of organizations that can support you or your loved one along the way. The following is not an exhaustive list, but hopefully it will prove to be a helpful resource.

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See a list of Local and NationalTrusted Organizations

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