Understanding Parkinson's Disease
Living with Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a slowly progressive neurological condition that affects movement, balance, and many other aspects of daily life. While there is currently no cure, treatment, exercise, education, and support can help people with Parkinson’s live active, meaningful lives.
Whether you are newly diagnosed, living with PD for many years, or caring for someone with Parkinson’s, we are here to support you every step of the journey.
What is Parkinson's Disease?
Prevalence
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the nervous system and the body’s ability to control movement. PD is classified as a movement disorder because it can cause:
- Tremors (shaking)
- Muscle stiffness (rigidity)
- Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
- Changes in balance and walking
As Parkinson’s progresses, nerve cells in the brain gradually die, particularly those that produce dopamine, an important chemical messenger involved in movement and coordination.
As Parkinson’s progresses, nerve cells in the brain gradually die, particularly those that produce dopamine, an important chemical messenger involved in movement and coordination.
Parkinson's by the Numbers
Prevalence
Parkinson’s disease affects approximately 1.5 million people in the United States and 35,000 here in Michigan.
Every 6 minutes
Although it most commonly affects people over age 60, Parkinson’s disease can occur as early as age 20. Whatever your age and stage, we are here for you. Parkinson’s impacts individuals and families of all ages, backgrounds, and stages of life
Dopamine and Parkinson’s
Dopamine is a chemical messenger in the brain that allows your body to move smoothly and automatically, without having to think about every step or action.
In Parkinson’s, dopamine-producing cells gradually deteriorate. By the time symptoms appear, approximately 60–80% of dopamine-producing cells have already been lost. This loss disrupts communication in a part of the brain called the basal ganglia, which plays a key role in controlling movement.
What Happens When Dopamine Is Low?
When dopamine levels decline, movement becomes slower, less coordinated, and more difficult to control.
While dopamine plays a central role, Parkinson’s also affects other brain chemicals. This is why many people experience non-movement symptoms, such as:
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety, depression and apathy
- Fatigue
- Cognitive changes
- Constipation
- Changes in blood pressure
Diagnosing Parkinson's
Clinical Diagnosis
There is currently no single test that can definitively diagnose Parkinson’s.
Diagnosis is based on:
- Medical history
- Neurological examination
- Symptoms and physical findings
- Response to Parkinson’s medications
A neurologist, ideally a movement disorder specialist, will complete a detailed medical history and physical examination to look for characteristic signs, including at least two of the four key motor symptoms.
Diagnostic Tools
several tests may help support the diagnosis or rule out other conditions:
- MRI of the brain or cervical spine
- DaTscan to assess dopamine activity in the brain
- Syn-One Skin Biopsy to detect abnormal alpha-synuclein protein
- Emerging biomarkers and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing currently being studied in research
A trial of dopamine medication may also be used to determine whether symptoms improve in a manner consistent with Parkinson’s.
5 Stages of PD
Hoehn & Yahr
In 1967, Hoehn & Yahr defined five stages of Parkinson’s based on the level of clinical disability. Clinicians use it to describe how motor symptoms progress in PD.
Living Life with Parkinson’s
Person with PD
Stay Active
Daily Exercise:
- Walking
- Strength training
- Stretching
- Balance exercises
- Cycling
- Boxing
- Tai Chi
- Yoga
- Dance classes
Manage Stress
Helpful strategies:
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Yoga Classes
- Relaxation techniques
- Take deep breaths
Stay Connected
Talk to:
- Family and friends
- Support groups
- Peer mentors
- Community programs
Nutrition Matters
Eat well, stay hydrated
- Washed fruits and vegetables
- High-fiber foods
- Lean proteins
- Drink Water
- Mediterranean diet
Take Medications, On Time. Every Time
Use reminder:
- Phone alarms
- Medication apps
- Pill organizers
Establish Your Care Team
PD specialist’s:
- Neurologist or Movement Disorder Specialist
- Physical Therapist (PT)
- Occupational Therapist (OT)
- Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
- Support groups
- Mental health professionals (SW, Counselors, Therapists)
Create a Safe Environment
Reduce fall risks:
- Remove clutter and rugs
- Install grab bars and handrails
- Improve lighting, add night lights
- Use assistive device
Create a Safe Environment
Reduce fall risks:
- Remove clutter and rugs
- Install grab bars and handrails
- Improve lighting, add night lights
- Use assistive device
Person with PD
Stay Active
Daily Exercise:
- Walking
- Strength training
- Stretching
- Balance exercises
- Cycling
- Boxing
- Tai Chi
- Yoga
- Dance classes
Manage Stress
Helpful strategies:
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Relaxation techniques
- Take deep breaths
Combat Social Isolation
Stay connected:
- Family and friends
- Support groups
- Peer mentors
- Community programs
Nutrition Matters
Eat well, stay hydrated
- Washed fruits and vegetables
- High-fiber foods
- Lean proteins
- Drink Water
- Mediterranean diet
Take Medications, On Time. Every Time
Use reminder:
- Phone alarms
- Medication apps
- Pill organizers
Establish Your Care Team
PD specialist’s:
- Neurologist or Movement Disorder Specialist
- Physical Therapist (PT)
- Occupational Therapist (OT)
- Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
- Support groups
- Mental health professionals (SW, Counselors, Therapists)
Create a Safe Environment
Reduce fall risks:
- Remove clutter and rugs
- Install grab bars and handrails
- Improve lighting, add night lights
- Use assistive device
Care Partner
Remember: You do not have to do this alone.
Take care of your health
- Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and regular exercise
- Don’t ignore signs of stress, fatigue, or burnout
- Practice deep breathing, mindfulness, or meditation or journaling
- Make time for hobbies and interests
Take breaks without guilt
- Schedule regular time off, even short breaks
- Use respite care or ask others to step in, recharging helps you provide better care
- Know when to ask for help, and accept help when it’s offered
Manage Stress
- Stay organized with calendars, apps, or notebooks to track care needs,
- Break tasks into manageable steps
Stay Connected
- Don’t isolate yourself, maintain relationships with friends and family
- Find support, join a care partner support group, talk to a counselor or therapist
Benefits of Exercise for PD
Moving, Together.
Exercise is beneficial for general health and can assist in managing both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
For those with Parkinson’s, exercise has been shown to:
- Slow the progression of Parkinson’s
- Decrease pain
- Improve sleep, mood, and memory
- Prolong independent mobility
- Boost activity that keeps brain cells healthy
The best exercise for Parkinson’s is one that you will enjoy so you’ll stick with it. It’s important to get your body moving, keeping safety in mind. Research shows that a minimum of three days a week is key to help manage the symptoms of PD.
Aerobic activity, strength training, balance training, agility, Multitasking, and stretching are all great options with unique benefits.
We encourage daily movement activity and offer in-person and virtual PD exercise classes taught by physical therapists who specialize in neurological disorders and instructors certified in Adaptive Yoga.
Medication to manage PD symptoms
On time, Every time
The majority of Parkinson’s medications are designed to replace or mimic dopamine, helping improve movement and reduce symptoms. It’s important to know that these medications do not cure or slow the progression of PD, but they are the most effective way to manage symptoms.
One of the most widely used medications is carbidopa/levodopa (Sinemet). When taking on time every time, the medication keep dopamine levels steady.
Everyone responds differently to medication, finding the right dose is a process and can take time.
- Too little medication may not control symptoms
- Too much may cause dyskinesia (involuntary movements)
Work closely with your doctor to find what works best for you.
Start your Journey with PD101
Whether you are newly diagnosed, have been living with Parkinson’s for years, or are a care partner, family member, friend, or healthcare professional, PD101 is designed to help you better understand Parkinson’s.
Resources & Research
Stay updated on the evolving research for treatments, diagnostics, education and support for Parkinson's and related disorders.
Contact Us
More than 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson's Disease.
affects approximately 1.5 million people in the United States and 35,000 here in Michigan.
You are not alone in your journey.
