Learn about PD - All Articles

Where to start?

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

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.

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

https://www.davisphinneyfoundation.org/

Who to call for help

First Call Resources for Parkinson’s and Related Support in Albany, NY Region

These resources offer up-to-date information on Parkinson’s disease, referrals to healthcare professionals, emotional support, community resources, and free publications. Contacting any of these will connect you with knowledgeable people to assist with a variety of non-emergency needs.

Resource Name & Contact Description Website / More Info     

Parkinson's Foundation Helpline 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636) General PD support and referrals   

Catholic Charities, Francine Meade Caregiver support +1 (518) 372-5667     ccrcda.org Albany County Services   

Albany County Department for Aging - 

Amy Neumann - Directs to resources including other counties 518-447-7198  

Alzheimer’s Association - Shannon Lawler Caregiver and referral services for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and related conditions (518) 867-4999 ext. 306   

Albany Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NNORC) Supports seniors 60+ to age in place by coordinating community services and maintaining quality of life 518-514-2023     jfsneny.org NNORC   

Albany County NY Connects Assistance for homebound older adults including home-delivered meals 518-447-7177   

LifePath (formerly Senior Services of Albany) Provides aging-related programs and support 518-694-3511     lifepathny.com/programs   

NY State Office for Aging Statewide aging assistance, referrals, and advocacy 1-800-342-9871     aging.ny.gov   

Housing Options for Senior Adults (Capital Region, Albany Guardian Society) Information on senior housing options 518-434-2140  albanyguardiansociety.org/housing   

Statewide Senior Council Advocacy and resources for seniors statewide 

518-436-1006

Please remember that for any health-related inquiries or emergencies, consulting a healthcare professional is essential.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic brain condition that causes progressive damage to brain cells over many years

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

Recommendations or information about books related to Parkinson’s Disease

There is a rich selection of books offering diverse perspectives on Parkinson’s Disease, ranging from personal memoirs and poetry by people living with PD to practical guides for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. These books provide education, inspiration, coping strategies, and raise awareness about the condition. Notable works include memoirs by Michael J. Fox and Alberto J. Espay, poetry collections, and guides addressing both the emotional and physical aspects of living with PD

kinson’s. It wasn’t easy but it was worth it.

“Parkinson’s is not our fault, it’s an unsolicited chal

Every Victory Counts manual by Davis Phinney Foundation

A "Must Have" book  

https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/blog/davis-phinney-every-victory-counts/

• Information on the spectrum of Parkinson’s symptoms ranging from diagnosis through advanced stages

• Ways to manage your health and symptoms, including tips for exercise, diet and nutrition, emotional health, and other therapies

• Stories from over 50 Parkinson’s patients who share their personal insights and experiences

• Worksheets for tracking and managing your symptoms and disease progression

If I Can Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, Why Can’t I Brush My Teeth? Courage, Tenacity and Love Meet Parkinson’s Disease’ by Nan Little

If I Can Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, Why Can’t I Brush My Teeth? Courage, Tenacity and Love Meet Parkinson’s Disease’ by Nan Little

In this honest and emotional memoir, cycling enthusiast Nan Little shares how the sport helped her become physically and mentally stronger after her Parkinson’s diagnosis – in the hope that others will take inspiration from her experience.

“Having Parkinson’s is not easy,” says Nan. “We never know what the next day, or hour, might bring. My book shares my efforts to regain some control of my life through exercise. Even though my fingers couldn’t hold a toothbrush, at age 65 I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro with a group of people with MS and Parkinson’s. It wasn’t easy but it was worth it.

“Parkinson’s is not our fault, it’s an unsolicited chal

My Degeneration: A Journey Through Parkinson’s’ by Peter Dunlap-Shohl

My Degeneration: A Journey Through Parkinson’s’ by Peter Dunlap-Shohl

This humorous graphic novel by former US news cartoonist Peter Dunlap-Shohl guides readers through Peter’s experience of Parkinson’s – from his battle with depression to the impact of the condition on his relationships.

“I resisted the idea of writing a book about Parkinson’s for years,” says Peter. “As novel as the comic format might be in the area of Parkinson’s literature, I didn’t want to merely echo what was already out there in a different form. Then a friend said to me, ‘But you treat your Parkinson’s as an adventure.’ That unlocked the gate for me to write ‘My Degeneration’.

“I hope that readers find inspiration and credible hope in this story, as well as a guide to what their experience of Parkinson’s might look like.”

Shaky Hands – A Kid’s Guide to Parkinson’s Disease’ by Dr Soania Mathur

Shaky Hands – A Kid’s Guide to Parkinson’s Disease’ by Dr Soania Mathur

This book by Canadian writer Dr Soania Mathur is aimed at helping children better understand Parkinson’s – from explaining what it is to offering guidance on how they can help loved ones with the condition.

“The challenges of Parkinson’s extend beyond those diagnosed, to the whole family, including children,” says Soania. “This book is written with contributions from my three daughters, who were all born following my diagnosis of Parkinson’s at the age of 27. Since we fear what we don’t understand, my book serves to enlighten children about all aspects of Parkinson’s and empower them to make a difference.

“Talking about the condition, addressing their concerns and encouraging them to take action – be it going for a walk with their loved one or being patient if activities take longer than expected – can make diagnosis less scary for children.”

Care Partners

You will find some local care partner support groups here [ https://www.cdparkinsons.org/nearby-groups ]

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive neurological condition that gradually impacts movement, cognition, and non-motor functions. Caregiving for someone with PD often starts gently—helping with tasks the person may have difficulty with early on—but as the disease advances, caregiving demands escalate. Caregiving encompasses:

• Physical assistance (help with mobility, daily activities, medication management)

• Emotional support (navigating fluctuating moods, depression, anxiety)

• Practical tasks (appointment scheduling, financial and legal planning)

Roles and Evolution of the Care Partner

The Parkinson’s Foundation outlines caregiving as extending beyond obvious physical tasks—often including emotional and spiritual care, advocacy, and coordination with healthcare teams. Early on, caregivers may not identify fully as “caregivers” because the person with PD can still function independently; however, this role becomes more defined as symptoms progress.

Caregiving often evolves through stages:

• Early stages: learning about PD, adapting to diagnosis, managing mild symptoms

• Middle stages: increasing assistance with mobility, communication, daily living tasks

• Advanced stages: tending to complex medical needs, possible decisions around residential or hospice care

Challenges and Burdens of Caregiving

Caregivers frequently encounter:

• Emotional stress and burnout: The ongoing demands can lead to fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Sometimes, caregivers experience “compassion fatigue,” a depletion of emotional resources due to constant empathy and caregiving demands.[2]

• Physical strain: Assisting with mobility and personal care can be taxing physically.

• Social isolation and lost opportunities: Caregivers may reduce social activities and feel isolated.

• Financial strain: Time off work, medical expenses, and other costs add burden.

Importance of Self-Care for Caregivers

Supporting the caregiver is as important as supporting the person with PD. Self-care practices might include:

• Accessing peer support groups and educational resources

• Taking breaks and respite care to prevent burnout

• Practicing stress reduction techniques

• Seeking counseling or mental health support as needed

Available Resources and Support

Organizations such as the Parkinson’s Foundation provide extensive resources for care partners, such as:

• Helplines and educational programs

• Local support groups and online communities

• Guides on how to prepare for medical appointments

• Tips for caregiving in different PD stages and practical safety measures

Health Disclaimer

Please remember that while caregiving guidance can help, every person’s Parkinson’s journey is unique. It is essential for care partners to work with healthcare providers for personalized advice. Also, caregivers facing significant stress or burnout should seek professional support.

Local Care Partner Support Groups

Find them here:

https://www.cdparkinsons.org/nearby-groups

Care partner Resources

Davis Phinney Foundation

https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/resources/parkinsons-care-partner-resources/

The Parkinson’s Foundation Care Partner Program is designed with care partners in mind and is recommended for anyone caring for someone living with PD, including spouses, partners, children or friends. 

The Care Partner Program: Building a Care Partnership

This Series of Online Courses for Family Care Partners are: Completely Free and available for anyone with an internet connection

Self Paced – each can be completed in 1-2 hours in a single sitting or spread out over days, weeks or months

Designed by the Care Partner Program Committee, made up of current and former Parkinson’s Care Partners

Read more at https://www.parkinson.org/Summit

APDA REaources for care partners

https://www.apdaparkinson.org/resources-support/for-caregivers/

Living Well as a Care Partner

The first Tuesday of every month

12 pm Mountain Daylight Time

(11 am PDT, 1 pm CDT, 2 pm EDT)

If you could use some extra support as a care partner, please join us for our monthly Care Partner Meetup. During these one-hour sessions, Connie Carpenter Phinney and Davis Phinney Foundation Ambassadors and care partners Pat Donahoo and Gail Gitin discuss the concerns, challenges, and questions that many Parkinson’s care partners have today.

Connie has been a care partner to her husband and our founder Davis Phinney since his diagnosis 20 years ago. Pat is a care partner to his wife Cidney and Gail was a long-time care partner to her husband Gene before his passing. Together they have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share, but even more so, as fellow Parkinson’s care partners, they “get” you in a way very few people do.

So, come with your questions or come just to be in the presence of others who are traveling a similar path. If you need support and are eager to find additional ways to connect with others through meaningful conversations, you’re going to love this hour each month with Connie, Pat, and Gail.

Register

Click the button above and fill out the brief form to register. You’ll receive a confirmation email with details for accessing the meetup.

Connie Carpenter Phinney

About Co

Diet plays an important role in managing Parkinson’s Disease symptoms and maintaining overall health.

Many resources here:  https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/?s=diet

Importance of Diet in Parkinson's Disease

People with PD face unique nutritional challenges including weight changes (both loss and gain), gastrointestinal symptoms like constipation and gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying), and complications from medications such as levodopa absorption being affected by protein intake timing. These can impact both overall health and quality of life.

Recommended Dietary Patterns

Research has explored several dietary patterns for PD management, including:

• Mediterranean Diet (MD): Emphasizes whole grains, vegetables, fruits, fish, and healthy fats (like olive oil). Studies suggest it may improve antioxidant capacity, cognitive function, and symptoms related to PD [3].

• Ketogenic Diet (KD): High-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that produces ketone bodies, which may benefit brain metabolism. Some trials showed improvement in mood and non-motor symptoms; results on motor function are mixed [3].

• Low-Protein Diets or Protein Redistribution: Since protein can interfere with levodopa, some people benefit from consuming most protein in the evening to improve medication effectiveness [2].

• Plant-Based Diets: Whole-food, plant-based diets rich in antioxidants may be protective. Research in general population Sources

Diet & Nutrition In Parkinson's Disease | APDA

https://www.apdaparkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons-disease/diet-nutrition/

The Role of Diet and Dietary Patterns in Parkinson's Disease - PMC

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9654624/

Health Disclaimer: This response is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before changing your diet or managing medications.

Explore Parkinson’s Europe collection of Parkinson’s-friendly recipes

Explore Parkinson’s Europe collection of Parkinson’s-friendly recipes here. 

htps://parkinsonseurope.org/parkinsonslife/category/recipes/

Slides Fran Weiss from our Thursday September 11, 2025 Meeting

PRESENTER: Fran Weiss, MS RDN CDN, a Hannaford Dietitian

TOPIC: Eating Healthy with Parkinson's - Fran will talk about guidelines for a healthy diet, tips for managing low blood pressure,  ideas to help alleviate nausea, fast and  easy navigational tools to facilitate healthy grocery shopping,

Click on the "Flyer image to see the slides