AdvocacyRSSYesterday
This article discusses an important challenge that families with Parkinson's disease face: deciding when a loved one should stop driving or reduce their independence due to safety concerns. The piece uses the example of noticing a parent swerving while driving to illustrate how difficult these conversations can be. It explores the tension between keeping someone safe and respecting their right to make their own choices.
WHY IT MATTERSParkinson's disease patients and caregivers need guidance on recognizing when symptoms like freezing episodes or motor control problems make activities like driving unsafe, so they can have informed conversations about maintaining safety without unnecessarily restricting independence.
PolicyRSS3 days ago
Vermont has become the first state in the US to ban paraquat, a weed-killing chemical that scientists have linked to a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Similar bans are being considered in about a dozen other states, including New York, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota. This action is based on research showing that exposure to paraquat may increase the chances of getting Parkinson's disease.
WHY IT MATTERSIf you have Parkinson's disease or a family history of it, this ban reduces your potential exposure to a chemical that research suggests may trigger or worsen the condition.
AdvocacyRSSMay 13
The American Parkinson Disease Association released a free card game called ParkinSex: The Game to help people with Parkinson's disease and their partners deal with intimacy problems caused by the disease. Parkinson's can affect physical and emotional closeness between partners. The game is available for free on the APDA website.
WHY IT MATTERSThis resource directly addresses sexual dysfunction and intimacy challenges that many Parkinson's patients experience but rarely discuss with doctors, offering a practical tool to improve quality of life and relationships.
AdvocacyRSSMay 12
A caregiver shares their experience learning to accept help and support while caring for someone with Parkinson's disease. Because Parkinson's symptoms and medication effects change daily, the caregiver's job also changes constantly. The article highlights how caregivers must adapt to new challenges and learn that asking for and accepting help is an important part of managing this long-term illness.
WHY IT MATTERSCaregivers of people with Parkinson's disease often struggle to accept support, but learning to do so can reduce caregiver burnout and improve the quality of care for both the patient and their support network.
AdvocacyRSSMay 4
The Michael J. Fox Foundation held a 1.2-mile walk in Central Park on April 25, 2026, where over 3,000 people participated to raise money for Parkinson's disease research. The event raised almost $2 million, and an anonymous donor is matching donations dollar-for-dollar up to $1.4 million through the end of May. This fundraising will support research efforts to find better treatments and a cure for Parkinson's disease.
WHY IT MATTERSFunds raised from this walk directly support Parkinson's research initiatives that aim to develop new treatments and accelerate progress toward a cure for patients living with this progressive neurological condition.
AdvocacyRSSApr 29
Taking care of someone with Parkinson's disease can be exhausting and stressful over time. Caregivers may experience burnout from the daily work and emotional weight of their role. The article suggests that recognizing early warning signs of burnout and building healthy self-care habits can help caregivers stay well while still supporting their loved one.
WHY IT MATTERSCaregiver burnout directly impacts the quality of care patients receive and their own health outcomes, making caregiver wellness essential to Parkinson's disease management.
AdvocacyRSSApr 29
A landscaper is calling for a ban on paraquat, an herbicide commonly used in agriculture and landscaping. Scientific research has found that exposure to paraquat increases the risk of developing Parkinson's disease, a neurological condition that affects movement and coordination. The article argues that paraquat should be prohibited to protect workers and the public from this health risk.
WHY IT MATTERSPeople with occupational or environmental exposure to paraquat—including farmworkers, landscapers, and those living near agricultural areas—now have evidence that this chemical significantly increases their Parkinson's disease risk, making exposure reduction a critical health priority.
AdvocacyRSSApr 27
Parkinson's disease can cause hallucinations—seeing or hearing things that aren't really there—especially as the disease progresses or with certain medications. This article shares practical tips for family members and caregivers on how to respond calmly when a loved one experiences hallucinations and how to redirect them to safer, calmer activities.
WHY IT MATTERSHallucinations affect many people with Parkinson's disease and can be frightening for both patients and caregivers, so learning evidence-based strategies to manage these moments can reduce distress and improve quality of life for the whole family.
AdvocacyRSSApr 22
As Parkinson's disease progresses to advanced stages, it creates serious challenges for both patients and their caregivers—physically, emotionally, and financially. One family shares what they wish they had known earlier about preparing for these later stages and what lessons are helping them cope now.
WHY IT MATTERSPatients and caregivers can learn from this family's experience to better prepare emotionally, physically, and financially for advanced Parkinson's before crisis situations occur.
AdvocacyRSSApr 22
This article is a personal account from someone living with both Parkinson's disease and bipolar disorder at the same time. The author discusses how having these two conditions together creates unique challenges for their mental and physical health. The piece highlights the importance of addressing mental health alongside neurological symptoms in Parkinson's care.
WHY IT MATTERSPatients with Parkinson's disease who also have bipolar disorder often face overlooked mental health needs, as treatment plans may focus primarily on movement symptoms while psychiatric care gets deprioritized.
AdvocacyRSSApr 22
Talking to family and friends about your Parkinson's diagnosis doesn't have to be complicated. The key is to keep explanations simple and be honest about what you're experiencing. When people understand what's really going on, they're better able to help and support you in meaningful ways.
WHY IT MATTERSClear communication with your support network helps reduce isolation and ensures family and friends can provide practical help tailored to your actual needs as your condition changes.