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

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

Expert Briefing: Mental Health and PD

 [ watch the video ] 

Fact Sheets

Depression and PD: A Non-Drug Treatment Option

 Download [ fact sheet ] 

Podcast

Episode 84: Managing Anxiety with PD

[ Listen to Podcast ]

Call Parkinson's Foundation Helpline: 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636)

Dr. Gilbert Hosts: Treating the Mental Health Challenges of Parkinson’s Disease

https://www.apdaparkinson.org/videos/dr-gilbert-hosts-treating-the-mental-health-challenges-of-parkinsons-disease/

See Slides from Donna Stressel Tice OTR, CDI, CDRS • Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital

The Albany Guardian Society (AGS), in partnership with the Capital Region Transportation Council, publishes the definitive Transportation Directory for older adults in Albany and surrounding counties. The directory details senior transit vans, medical transport, volunteer programs, and technology-based solutions like GoGoGrandparent.

Many individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) can drive safely in the early stages, but symptoms like tremors, slowed reflexes, rigidity, and cognitive changes can eventually impair driving. To ensure safety, obtain a formal evaluation from your neurologist or a specialist and establish a proactive plan for transitioning away from driving.

Key Impacts on Driving

Parkinson's affects both motor and non-motor functions that are critical for operating a vehicle: 

• Physical: Bradykinesia (slowness of movement), involuntary tremors, rigidity, and limited neck rotation can make it difficult to brake, steer, or make safe lane changes. 

• Cognitive: Reduced multitasking ability, slower reaction times, and spatial awareness issues can cause confusion in heavy traffic or at intersections.

• Visual & Sleep: Impaired contrast sensitivity can make nighttime driving difficult, while daytime sleepiness and "off" periods (when medication wears off) significantly increase the risk of accidents.

Actionable Steps and Evaluations

Managing driving fitness requires careful assessment and monitoring as the disease progresses:

• Schedule a Driving Evaluation: Speak with your doctor about a clinical driving assessment. You can also find certified driver rehabilitation specialists through the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists to evaluate your physical, visual, and cognitive readiness.

• Adjust Your Habits: If cleared to drive, stick to short, familiar routes, avoid nighttime and adverse weather conditions, and never drive when feeling drowsy or during the "off" periods of your medication cycle.

• Plan for "Driving Retirement": Because PD is progressive, ceasing to drive will eventually be necessary. Planning ahead and researching public transit, ride-sharing, and community transport services maintains independence without compromising safety. 

For comprehensive guidelines on managing your daily routines, consult the Parkinson's Foundation Activities of Daily Living page or review The Michael J. Fox Foundation Dexterity & Driving Overview to better gauge safety and passenger comfort

3 page PDF file

https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/10900f-drivewell-handout-parkinsons.pdf

Fox Trial Finder: Find Parkinson's Clinical Trials

https://www.michaeljfox.org/trial-finder

Search to find studies based on your location and health history. No login is required. Want to be notified when new studies match your profile? Sign up today.

Read an overview on Fox Trial Finder and its new features. If you have questions or if you'd like help, please email support@foxtrialfinder.org.

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ClinicalTrials.gov:

• A comprehensive, public registry of federally and privately supported clinical trials.

• Enables searches using keywords, locations, and specific disease, such as "Parkinson's disease".

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• Parkinson's Foundation Clinical Trials Page:

  • .Provides resources and links to studies, including genetic-specific trials like thePD GENEration study

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See the list [HERE]

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.