new diagnosis?

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra.

 For some, a Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis comes as a relief; an  explanation for previously unexplained symptoms. Others may be stunned, struggling with what the future may look like. As you begin processing your emotions, which can be wide-ranging, it’s important to know you are not alone. 

(Click on the above graphic to learn more about Parkinson's)

Scientists believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors are the cause of Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD is an extremely diverse disorder. While no two people experience Parkinson’s the same way, there are some commonalities.

PD affects about one million people in the United States and ten million worldwide. Currently, there is an  expected 90,000 new diagnoses annually in the U.S. 

(Click on the above graphic to learn more through the Parkinson's Foundation)

It can be hard to tell if you or a loved one has Parkinson's disease (PD).  Below are 10 signs that you might have the disease. No single one of these signs means that you should worry, but if you have more than one sign you should consider making an appointment to talk to your doctor.

(Click on the above graphic to learn more through the Parkinson's Foundation)

Parkinsonism is a term used to describe the collection of signs and symptoms found in Parkinson’s disease (PD). These include slowness (bradykinesia), stiffness (rigidity), tremor and imbalance (postural instability). Conditions other than PD may have one or more of these symptoms, mimicking Parkinson’s.  

Idiopathic Parkinson’s is the most common form of Parkinsonism. However, about 15 percent of those with symptoms suggesting PD have one of several diseases termed, atypical Parkinsonism disorders. (click on the above graphic to learn more through the Parkinson's Foundation)

When a large population of people have a disease like Parkinson’s disease (PD), it’s essential to have accurate numbers of how many people have the disease, where they live and why they have it. This information helps researchers, healthcare professionals and even legislators determine how many resources should be allocated to addressing and treating a disease.

(Click on the above graphic to learn more through the Parkinson's Foundation)

The ABCs of PD are provided by the Parkinson Foundation to expand on your knowledge of Parkinson's disease. 

 BrainandLife.org and Brain and Life Magazine offer the latest news and resources on specific neurologic disorders and brain health. (Free subscription) 

Brain and Life Magazine Article - “The game requires balance, hand-eye coordination, rhythmic movements, concentration, and motor planning—all of which are affected by Parkinson's,” says Linda Egan, a physical therapist and coordinator of the Parkinson's disease program at Lake Forest Hospital. “Among those who play consistently, we see improvements in all of those areas. The activity is physical, cognitive, and social, all of which are so important for people with Parkinson's.”

The Secret Life of Parkinson's is a podcast created by Parkinson's patients, sharing their stories

and interviewing others, on things we deal with on a daily basis. It's hard for people with PD to

talk to others about the disease because sometimes it's difficult for the patient themselves to

describe what they are feeling. Talking to other PD patients helps us express what we are going through in ways we might not be able to express to family and friends. (Subscription Available)

There are so many questions that one may ask when a loved one is diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease that a resource library is a valued commodity. The staff at the Parkinson's Foundation has developed a resource that suited for the layman as they work to answer all questions related to symptoms, mindfulness, and ways to control symptoms. We have included a link to this resource below for your convenience. 

The PD Library is an extensive collection of books, fact sheets, videos, podcasts and more. To get started, use the filters below to search for resources and publications by topic or type.