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/

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. 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