Find them here:

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

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/

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

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.

Dancing Your Way to a Better Quality of Life with Parkinson'shttps://parkinsonsdisease.net/living/dance-therapy

Dancing Helps People With Parkinson's Diseasehttps://www.forbes.com/sites/evaamsen/2019/04/30/dancing-helps-movement-for-people-with-parkinsons-disease/

“You get a sense of your body and are pushing your body to do things you con’t think you can accomplish,” says Brown, who was diagnosed in 2008 with the neuro­degenerative disease. “There is something about the music and movement together that seems to help at a different level. … I come out of the class feeling energized and relaxed, all at the same time, and ready to move.”https://stanmed.stanford.edu/2017winter/dance-for-parkinsons-disease-at-the-stanford-neuroscience-health-center.html

Evidence from more than 40 peer-reviewed scientific studies serves to underpin the effectiveness and benefits of the Dance for PD teaching approach. The program has been featured in such media channels as The New York Times, USA Today, NBC, CNN, NPR, and The Guardian and has received multiple awards for its groundbreaking work.

https://danceforparkinsons.org/

Boxing has emerged as a popular and feasible exercise intervention for people with Parkinson’s disease. Clinical research indicates that boxing, often performed in group settings with PD-specific modifications, can improve balance, physical fitness, and quality of life - although the improvements may be modest and vary by individual. Adding techniques like kicking does not significantly enhance benefits but can increase exercise variety and motivation. Safety is generally good, with few adverse events reported in supervised programs.

1. Boxing with and without Kicking Techniques for People with Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2. Boxing with and without Kicking Techniques for People with … - PMC

3. Effects of boxing interventions on physical fitness and health-related quality of life in older people with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

4. Neuropsychological Effects of Rock Steady Boxing in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Comprehensive Analysis

Up Ending Parkinson’s (UEP): Climbing for PD Therapy

Up Ending Parkinson’s (UEP) started in 2012 with the goal of providing accessible and beneficial therapeutic activities for people living with Parkinson's Disease (PD). We have worked with individuals from their mid-thirties to their early 90s and are passionate about using our experience to help others better understand and manage this multifaceted disease.

Website: https://www.upendingparkinsons.org/

Why Climbing?

UEP is dedicated to helping people with PD by raising awareness and making rock climbing an accessible therapy.1 We have seen firsthand its positive impact and recently published a study in the Archives of Physiotherapy (available in the attachment) validating its benefits.

Climbing is a full-body activity performed in a controlled, safe environment.2 It directly challenges and improves skills often affected by PD, including balance, coordination, movement speed, and planning skills.

Our local UEP chapter, started in June 2025, meets every Tuesday from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM at:

• Hudson Boulders
  195 Troy-Schenectady Rd, Latham, NY 12110

How to Sign Up

The cost is a $20 day pass, which covers the climbing harness, chalk, and shoe rental.

Trained volunteers are provided for assistance and support.

• Registration: Walk-ins are welcome, or you can call ahead to the gym at (838) 221-7673 or use the online registration link https://hudsonboulders.com/

For more insights, you can view the recent feature on WNYT 13: https://wnyt.com/top-stories/tamara-tries-rock-climbing-for-strength-balance-at-hudson-boulders/

Remember, it’s only UP from here!

Jeremy Wood

Lead Volunteer, Up Ending Parkinson’s - Hudson Boulders, Latham NY

518-791-7362

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting movement but also causing non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbances, mood changes, and cognitive challenges. Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation, and while there is no cure, a variety of medications, therapies, and lifestyle approaches can help manage symptoms. Many trusted organizations provide regularly updated FAQ resources for patients and caregivers to aid understanding and day-to-day management

Myths around Parkinson’s Disease are common but can hinder early diagnosis and effective treatment. Understanding and sharing accurate information helps improve outcomes and reduce stigma for those affected. Continued education for patients, families, and providers is vital.

Everyone with PD has tremor

About 80% of patients experience tremor, but many do not, especially early on. Some have primarily stiffness or gait problems.

Tremor is common and recognizable but not universal. PD symptoms vary greatly among individuals.