Improving Fine Motor Skills
A loss of fine motor skills is a common symptom of neurologic conditions. Try these creative ways to improve dexterity or adapt to changes. As a child growing up in…
Spinal Cord Stimulation as PD therapy
A new study finds that spinal cord stimulation could represent an alternate therapy for people with Parkinson’s disease that is resistant to conventional treatments. The researchers claim that this emerging…
Best Workout for Brain Health
We know that exercise is stellar for brain health, and a good sweat can even help generate new neurons in the hippocampus—aka, the brain region associated with memory, learning, and emotions.…
Interview with Andrea Williams, Milwaukee Radio Group
We recently sat down with Andrea Williams from Milwaukee Radio Group. Gary Garland, WPA’s executive director, and Anna Warren, who lives with Parkinson’s, were featured. Take a listen here:
March 2021 Activity Calendar
Check out this activity calendar to keep yourself active and engaged this month!
Stress Linked to Harsher Parkinson’s Symptoms, but Mindfulness May Help
People with Parkinson’s disease experience more stress than those without this disease, and high stress levels associate with a worsening of symptoms, research based on a patient survey reported. Mindfulness, a practice of…
February 2021 Activity Calendar
Check out this activity calendar to keep yourself active and engaged this month!
WPC Launches Dual Language Webinar Series
The World Parkinson Coalition is headed to Spain for the 6th World Parkinson Congress from June 7-10, 2022. In order to help prepare delegates who live with Parkinson’s or care…
People with Parkinson’s disease have a higher risk of dying from COVID-19
A new study of approximately 80,000 patients shows that people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have a 30% higher risk of dying from COVID-19 than people without the neurodegenerative condition. The…
Long Distance (Virtual) Caregiving: Staying Connected
When someone you love is sick, it can cause stress and anxiety. Illness, especially Parkinson’s, can take a physical and emotional toll on caregivers and family, particularly when they are far away. For…
“Black individuals don’t get as much time with doctors, studies show”
Dayne Beccano-Kelly shares his experience as a black professional working in Parkinson’s research, explains why visibility and education are the key to increasing diversity – and how unrepresentative studies and…
3 Ways Connecting to Tech Can Help Keep Seniors Connected
In this fast-paced world, staying connected can be difficult enough for seniors. Add in a pandemic for which people 65+ are most vulnerable, and you have a situation that can…
Why do people with Parkinson’s develop addictive behaviours?
In the latest in Parkinson’s Life’s ‘Ask the expert’ series, psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr Philip Mosley explains how behavioural addictions can affect the lives of people with Parkinson’s – and…
Hiring Home Services or Repairs During COVID-19
CDC offers the following tips for staying safe and slowing the spread of COVID-19 while scheduling services or repairs inside the home. This may include installation and repair of plumbing,…
Diet, Nutrition, and Parkinson’s: What you Need to Know
Diet and nutrition have been found to play a crucial role in Parkinson’s. In a recent ‘Ending Parkinson’s Disease: Live’ webinar on Parkinson’s EU, Parkinson’s expert Dr Bastiaan Bloem, epidemiologist Dr Alberto…
Coronavirus and treatment for Parkinson’s
What do we know about the relationship between coronavirus and Parkinson’s? Joaquim Ferreira, neurologist, Portugal: There is still scarce information regarding many clinical aspects of this infection and its potential short-…
“You’re superhuman up there”: Parkinson’s in space
Journeying into space is an incredible feat – it’s even more impressive when you’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Michael ‘Rich’ Clifford found out he had the condition in 1994. Two…
How to Deal with Cabin Fever
Cabin fever is often associated with being cooped up on a rainy weekend or stuck inside during a winter blizzard. In reality, though, it can actually occur anytime you feel isolated…
May 2020 Activity Calendar
Check out this activity calendar to keep yourself active and engaged in May!
LOL: Reduce Caregiver Stress with a Good Laugh
For family caregivers, the mountains of laundry, endless messes that must be cleaned up, constant doctor’s appointments, complete surrender of one’s personal life and the painful process of watching aging…
Therapy Fights Depression for People with PD
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that increases awareness of negative thinking and teaches coping skills. About 50% of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease will experience depression, and…
Phlegm-busting Drug Ambroxol Shows Promise in Parkinson’s
One of the major genetic risk factors believed to contribute to the development of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is having a mutation in the gene called GBA1 (glucocerebrosidase). Unable to do its job…
Study: People skip Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s meds as prices rise
Rising drug costs are hampering the care of patients with debilitating neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s, a new study finds. Patients are less likely to fill necessary prescriptions…
Pingpong May Help Reduce Some Parkinson’s Symptoms
The game of pingpong, or table tennis, may hold promise as a form of physical therapy for Parkinson’s disease, according to a preliminary study presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 72nd…
For Caregivers: Respite for Two
Adult day care centers provide a break (respite) to the caregiver while providing health services, therapeutic services and social activities for people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, chronic illnesses,…
Estrogen Therapy for Men? Maybe.
Men are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease (PD) than women, and the onset of PD in men happens at a younger age. However, women with PD have a higher mortality rate,…
6 Ways to Be a Great Long-Distance Caregiver
At some point, you may end up being a caregiver for one of your senior loved ones. Whether your parent or your grandparent needs your assistance, you might be wondering…
Parkinson’s & Driving Safety
The topic of driving can be a sensitive subject for folks with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their care partners. Fortunately, just because one has a PD diagnosis does NOT necessarily…
Doctors Prescribing Music Therapy
Music has proven time and again to be an important component of human culture. From its ceremonial origin to modern medical usage for personal motivation, concentration, and shifting mood, music…
Teen Scientist Working on Parkinson’s Treatment
In North Texas, bright young minds are hard at work and one in particular may be on the verge of shaping the future for patients with Parkinson’s disease. At 14…
Your Parkinson’s tremor printed in 3D
Parkinson’s Life talk to two of the creatives behind ‘Printed by Parkinson’s’, a Berlin-based art collection that saw 3D printers ‘affected’ with the data of six people with Parkinson’s in…
“Poor Me”? Or “Lucky Me!”
Laurie Prochnow is a recruiter and a business owner in Wausau. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 6 years ago, and she launched a PD Support Group in Wausau in early…
Why some Parkinson’s patients develop harmful addictive behaviours
A QIMR Berghofer study has discovered how the medications given to people with Parkinson’s disease cause some patients to develop addictive behaviours such as problem gambling, binge eating, hypersexuality and…
‘It is not hopeless’: Parkinson’s disease doesn’t stop Austin duo from making popular art
One day, Verna Earl Hamilton Grice discovered she could not walk up the driveway. That was the first sign. Later, she felt tremors on one side of her body. Ten…
Innovative gene therapy trial for Parkinsons disease
In people affected by Parkinson’s disease (PD), parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years resulting in motor symptoms including tremor, rigidity and bradykinesia (slowness of movement). This…
Holiday Help: Relieving Caregivers’ Stress
Who doesn’t feel overwhelmed sometimes by the bustle of the holiday season? Add to that the responsibility of caring for a frail elderly loved one, and burnout is simply a…
Scientists identify early signs of Parkinson’s disease years before symptoms develop
Scientists at King’s College London have identified the earliest signs of Parkinson’s disease in the brain up to 20 years before patients present with any symptoms. The findings challenge what…
A Wearable Device Is Changing the Way Clinicians Manage PD
A recently published study in Functional Neurology suggests that using data from an FDA-cleared watch-like device called the Personal KinetiGraph (PKG) provides an objective and more effective approach to assessing motor fluctuations…
Linda Ronstadt on the sound of her life
This article from LA Times focuses on Linda Ronstadt, who was diagnosed with supranuclear palsy, a variant of Parkinson disease, in 2013. READ THE ARTICLE HERE.
Parkinson’s differences in women and men
There is growing evidence that Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects women and men differently. In this insightful review, published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, scientists present the most recent knowledge about…
Parkinson’s and depression: it’s not all in your mind
Depression is a very real and debilitating condition that many Parkinson’s disease sufferers experience. ParkinsonsLife guest writer Dr Nicola Davies explores the causes of and treatments for depression and Parkinson’s.…
Nutrition-packed summer recipe for people with Parkinson’s
Jane McClenaghan, a nutritional therapist and author based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, runs cookery classes and diet clinics which help people living with Parkinson’s. This two-course meal, from her book…
Do You Know How Lucky You Are?
While my grandkids were here last week, we read books every night before bed. And, of course, each night at least one book had to be by Dr. Seuss. The night…
Could this newly discovered protein help treat Parkinson’s?
Researchers have found a protein that could help reduce the aggregation of toxic proteins in the brain — a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease. But does their discovery offer fresh hope…
Caregivers: 8 Things Caregivers Need
It’s not uncommon for spouses to decide to leave when the other gets sick. I think it could be a matter of “having had it up to here” and then…
The Story Changes, While the Message Endures
Parkinson disease was in the national spotlight recently with the passing of auto industry icon Lee Iacocca, as well as ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen’s recent announcement that he has been living…
Heel, Toe: Walking with Mindfulness
“Mindfulness isn’t difficult, we just need to remember to do it.” — Sharon Salzberg The ability to walk is something many of us, myself included, have always taken for granted. Now…
IBM unveils fingernail sensor that can monitor PD
Recently IBM unveiled its latest innovation that could change the way how we monitor health. It’s prototype AI-powered fingernail sensor will let its users place the sensor over their fingernail to…
Free and inexpensive resources to help on your Parkinson’s journey
We asked, and you answered! Here are a few of your favorite FREE or INEXPENSIVE resources and tips that you have found helpful in dealing with your Parkinson’s. Barb in…
Caregivers: Overcoming the Grief Caused by Parkinson’s
One thing that many people might not associate with experiencing Parkinson’s disease is grief. Experiencing grief with this disease is real. It can be felt deep down in your soul, whether you are…
Using EEG data to diagnose Parkinson’s disease
Currently, diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease relies on a neurologist’s professional opinion. Researchers behind a new study believe that an EEG may be a more effective alternative. Parkinson’s disease affects more than 10…
Developing a Biomarker for Parkinson Disease
Identifying, studying, and verifying a potential biomarker can be a lengthy affair. However, success often means clinicians have a new tool to better diagnose a condition like Parkinson disease and…
Virtual reality reduced PD symptoms for 10 people
A new virtual reality game has helped Parkinson’s sufferers keep walking without losing their balance, falling or struggling to turn. Over time, the incurable neurodegenerative disease restricts muscles more and…
Caregivers: Considering an adult day program? Trust your instincts.
Baby Boomers, more than 77 million strong, are also known as the Sandwich Generation. They are the ones raising their own kids and having to care for their aging parents…
“Sometimes, art can communicate what words cannot”
Framing OFF Through Art is a monthly art series inspired by the stories of people with Parkinson’s and their carers. Each piece of art is made by artists with a personal…
Turn, stop, then sit: A research-based guide for Parkinson’s patients
Tel Aviv University team studies why patients with Parkinson’s disease have difficulty transitioning from walking to sitting, leading to greater instability and falls People with Parkinson’s disease — a debilitating…
Digital Management of Parkinson Disease: Is Technology the Future?
With the ever-increasing integration of technology into nearly every aspect of modern life, its applications in medicine continue to expand, including in the area of Parkinson disease (PD). A recent…
For Caregivers: What is a Parkinson’s Care Partner?
Parkinson’s impacts the whole family, especially those most involved in the day-to-day care. As a Parkinson’s care partner, it can be easy to lose sight of your own health and…
Parkinson’s Awareness Posterboards
April was Parkinson Awareness Month, and we were busy! In addition to TV, RADIO, PODCASTS, we also had BILLBOARDS around southeastern Wisconsin, and POSTERBOARDS at 34 gyms, clinics and YMCAs across…
Can Imaging Genetics Analysis Effectively Identify Depression In Parkinson Disease?
A model using imaging genetics analysis was able to predict and explain the degree of depression in Parkinson disease (PD) with a lower error and higher correlation than other models over a…
WPA on The Morning Blend!
Jeremy Otte, director of outreach & education, and Dale Luedtke, a musician with Parkinson disease, were featured on The Morning Blend, a morning talk show on TMJ4 Milwaukee. Check it out!
Educating the Educated About Parkinson’s Disease
This column appeared in Parkinson’s News Today. I went to the dermatologist yesterday for a skin check. Those of us who have Parkinson’s disease (PD) should make a habit of…
Exercise can improve non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
Exercise has potential to improve non-motor as well as motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), including cognitive function, report investigators in a review published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease. PD…
WPA on the Radio!
WPA Executive Director Gary Garland was interviewed by Milwaukee Radio Group host Andrea Williams last week. Listen here!
Manganese and Parkinson’s: Mechanism may explain link
New research, published in the journal Science Signaling, details the mechanism through which exposure to manganese can trigger protein misfolding in the brain — which may, in turn, lead to Parkinson’s-like…
For Caregivers: When and How To Say “No” to Caregiving
When is it time to say “No”? How does a caregiver know when he or she can no longer manage the daily caregiving routines and planning responsibilities? What signals alert…
WPA Podcast
We recently launched a Podcast/Online Radio Show! We will create a new episode every other week, and we’ll interview doctors, people with Parkinson’s, caregivers, therapists and more! Listen to past…
For Caregivers: 8 Ways to help someone you love manage PD
When someone you care about has Parkinson’s disease, you see firsthand the effects the condition can have on someone. Symptoms like rigid movements, poor balance, and tremors become part of…
Can We Repair the Brain?
Cell replacement may play an increasing role in alleviating the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in future. Writing in an open access special supplement to the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, experts describe how newly…
Coffee and Parkinson’s: Protection in the Making?
For years, drinking coffee has been associated with having a reduced risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD). In fact, a 1968 study suggested that coffee drinkers were less like to…
Radical PD treatment tested in patients
A radical Parkinson’s treatment that delivers a drug directly to the brain has been tested in people. Patients in the trial were either given the drug, which is administered via…
WPA in the Community
Assisted living communities are prepared to care for older adults, but they aren’t always familiar with Parkinson disease. When a new resident has Parkinson’s, they turn to WPA for help.…
How gut bacteria affect PD treatment
Patients with Parkinson’s disease are treated with levodopa, which is converted into dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain. In a study published on 18 January in the journal Nature Communications, scientists…
Top Senior Scams to be on the Lookout For
Eras Senior Network of Waukesha County coordinates S.T.O.P. – an awareness program focusing on frauds and scams aimed at older adults. In 2014, the Federal Trade Commission created the Pass…
12 of the best domestic tools for people with Parkinson’s
From attachable plate guards to ergonomically designed grabber tools, there are lots of products that make home living that little bit easier. We’ve put together a room-by-room roundup of some of…
VA Changes Aid & Attendance Benefit
Starting Oct. 18, the VA will review not just current assets, but records from the previous three years when deciding a veteran’s asset-based eligibility for VA Pension benefits — commonly…
For Caregivers: Moving in with Family? Issues to Consider
Too often, the decision to move into a family member’s home is made when a crisis develops or as a last resort. Sudden illness or injury strikes and the family…
2018 was a big year!
The whole Symposium was excellent from beginning to end, including the meals and the informational booths. It was the best program I have attended. Thank YOU for all the wonderful…
For Caregivers: Nourishing Holidays
Ah, “‘Tis the season….” But for many of us, it is another day of the same old thing, or, maybe worse, it is a time when there are even more…
Experimental cancer drug repurposed for Parkinson’s
As promising as a drug candidate may be, the unfortunate truth is that not all of them end up performing as hoped – but that doesn’t mean they’re completely useless.…
Did George HW Bush have Parkinson’s?
The recent death of former president George HW Bush from vascular parkinsonism led many to question the difference between the condition and Parkinson’s disease. Parkinsonism is the umbrella term for…
Parkinson’s to be included in new CDC database
Throughout the year, you’ve heard about a new database at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to collect vital demographic information on people living with neurological diseases. Earlier this fall, Congress…
How Music Transforms a Man with PD
View the video HERE. Before Parkinson’s disease changed his life, Larry Jennings loved to sing, dance and play his guitar. A decade after his diagnosis, the 73-year-old Oklahoma man is…
Study examines links of age, smoking, and physical activity with Parkinson’s
A new study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology examines the links of age, smoking and physical activity as factors associated with Parkinson’s. Previous studies have examined the…
How to be a Parkinson’s Caregiver
As any caregiver knows, Parkinson’s disease is both chronic and progressive. It persists over a long period of time and the symptoms worsen. Often the disease has been present for…
Musician Dale Luedtke to play at WPA’s Holiday Reception
When Dale Luedtke retired from his job in IT at US Bank in October, he was looking forward to relaxing, enjoying more time with his family, and getting back to…
November is National Caregivers Month
“An empty lantern provides no light. Self-care is the fuel that allows your light to shine brightly.” – Unknown During National Family Caregivers Month, we encourage you to take time…
Irish entrepreneur uses technology to fight PD
Ciara Clancy is no ordinary entrepreneur, with her company Beats Medical far less concerned with making money than it is with helping people live with various neurological conditions. At the…
Long-Distance Caregiving: Tips for Success
Know What You Need to Know Experienced caregivers recommend that you learn as much as you can about your family member or friend’s illness, medicines, and resources that might be…
Study Reveals Mechanisms Underlying Pain Processing in PD
Parkinson’s disease is a condition affecting the human brain that becomes worse over time. The most common symptoms are tremors, muscle spasms and movements that are much slower than normal;…
Protein might become candidate for drug development
Researchers have modified the protein Nurr1 so that it can enter cells from the outside. Nurr1 deficiency may be one of the causes of Parkinson’s disease. Even though Nurr1 has…
Characterization of Parkinson Disease With Restlessness
Highlights A study was conducted of restless leg syndrome, leg motor restlessness, and their variants in Parkinson disease and related disorders. A total of 49.2% of PD patients had any…
How to Date when you have Parkinson’s
In my wildest imagination, I never would have predicted that I’d be in my 50s, single, living with Parkinson’s and living on long-term disability. Nevertheless, here I am. I was…
Brian Grant Foundation launches free PD exercise program
The Brian Grant Foundation (BGF) has launched an online training program for physical therapists, personal trainers and group fitness instructors to develop safe and effective exercise classes for people living…
The eyes may have it, an early sign of Parkinson’s disease
The eyes may be a window to the brain for people with early Parkinson’s disease. People with the disease gradually lose brain cells that produce dopamine, a substance that helps…
Intimacy Issues & Parkinson’s
Warning: This article contains adult-themed issues and terms. This article summarizes a presentation on sexual disfunction by Gila Bronner, MPH, MSW, CST, Director of Sex Therapy at the SHEBA Medical…
Caregivers: Caregiving Issues Facing the Multi-Generational Family
There are many family situations today where you can find three, four or even five generations living under one roof. While the circumstances that result in multi-generational living vary from…
Training v. Exercise
As a physical therapist who treats many people with Parkinson disease (PD), I often see people drastically improve during their time in therapy. To some degree, it’s likely due to being more…
5 TED talks for people with Parkinson’s
TED Talks – an online series where expert speakers share their knowledge – has covered a wide range of Parkinson’s-related topics. We’ve picked some of our favourites: 1. Emma Lawton: Is…
Contact sports increase Parkinson disease risk
Injuries from playing contact sports, such as rugby, boxing, and martial arts, have been linked to a heightened risk of dementia. A new study now says that contact sports may…
Caregivers: Important discussion topics to have with your loved one
A care partner is an essential, active participant with the person with Parkinson’s in their care. While most care partners are spouses, children, siblings, parents and even friends can all be considered…
Artificial intelligence to monitor Parkinson’s symptoms
Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US have developed an artificial intelligence system that can monitor Parkinson’s symptoms from the other side of a solid wall. The x-ray technology –…
Video: Not all disabilities are visible
In this video from Parkinson’s UK, people all over the world talk about their Parkinson’s.
Driving Dilemmas: Risk vs. Independence
Driving a car is a symbol of independence and competence and is closely tied to an individual’s identity. It also represents freedom and control and allows older adults to gain…
How to Travel (with greater ease) with Parkinson’s
For the average person, traveling is a minor frustration. Security lines, delays, crowded airports and cramped and long lines at snack shops and restaurants are par for the course. However,…
WPA on The Morning Blend
Jeremy Otte, our director of outreach & education, and board member Ron Mohorek were on the The Morning Blend on TMJ4 this morning talking about Parkinson’s and our upcoming Symposium! Thanks…
Joe & Patty Schlicher presented with Tulip Award
Four years ago, Joe & Patty Schlicher took over a community golf outing that had been held for many years to support WPA. Together with their friends and family, they…
8 Early Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms That Are Too Easy to Miss
This movement disorder is more treatable when caught early, but Parkinson’s disease symptoms can appear quite differently from one person to another. Talk to your doctor if you’re worried about…
New Medicare Cards
When you’re enrolled in Medicare, you’ll get your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail. If you’re automatically enrolled, you’ll get your red, white, and blue Medicare card in…
For Caregivers: Dealing with Caregiver Guilt
Caregivers often carry around undeserved guilt, believing that they aren’t doing enough for their loved ones. This guilt can make the caregiving role even more stressful than it already is.…
Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson Disease
This article appeared in the Spring 2018 issue of The Network magazine. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an advanced therapy for patients with Parkinson disease (PD) suffering from complications of carbidopa/levodopa…
New Reports Measure Parkinson’s Motor Progression
Two recent papers outline the progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD) movement or motor symptoms in distinct study populations. While these findings do not provide an absolute picture of how one…
Children as Caregivers
“It’s my responsibility,” he told me. “We’re family.” His name is Joel and he is 11. His 13-year-old brother, Scott, feels the same way, explaining that it’s “just something you…
How to get up from the floor MacGyver Style!
Watch how occupational therapist Rhonda promotes creative “out of the box” thinking to inspire new ideas for getting up from the floor after a fall in the home! Video…
Former LPGA Golfer Cherie Zaun to Participate in Parkinson’s Fundraiser
In the 1970s, Golfer Cherie Zaun was on her way toward a promising career, and put her career on hold to raise two children. In the 1990s, with her children…
Storming the Hill
By: Samantha Barbian We came. We saw. We conquered. From March 19-21st my dad, Craig, and I attended the Parkinson’s Policy Forum in Washington DC. We were joined by approximately…
Maximize your Mobility with Fall Prevention
https://vimeo.com/147745733 Video from Davis Phinney Foundation.
Exercise Improves Cognition in Parkinson’s Disease
It’s well known that exercise invigorates both body and mind. Exercise studies in Parkinson’s disease (PD) have shown improved mobility and quality of life, and possibly slower rate of disease…
Don’t Get Mad, Get Funny
No matter how much we love them, caring for family members can be a very stressful job. And all that stress can take its toll on our health and make…
Fly Fishing Clinic
Fly fishing is a great activity that can help improve balance, coordination and increase mobility… all important for someone with Parkinson disease! Join us for a free fly fishing clinic on May…
Could caffeine in the blood help diagnose Parkinson’s?
Blood caffeine levels could be promising diagnostic biomarkers for early-stage Parkinson’s, Japanese researchers reported in the journal ‘Neurology’ earlier this month. The study found that people with Parkinson’s had lower…
Shedding a tear may help diagnose Parkinson’s disease
Tears may hold clues to whether someone has Parkinson’s disease, according to a preliminary study released today that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 70th Annual Meeting…
The Secret to Living Longer may be your Social Life
The Italian island of Sardinia has more than six times as many centenarians as the mainland and ten times as many as North America. Why? According to longevity researcher Susan…
7 Home Safety Tips
After a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, adjustments and renovations both small and large can help make your home more comfortable — and safer — for yourself or a loved one with Parkinson’s disease,…
Lifestyle Changes in Improving Quality of Life in PD Patients
In this video, Susan H. Fox, MB ChB, MRCP(UK), PhD discusses the importance of lifestyle in dealing with PD, emphasizing the importance of sleep and exercise. Video from Panorama…
WPA’s revamped Mission Statement
In order to realign WPA’s Mission Statement with our goals and program offerings, our Board of Directors recently revamped the statement: Providing hope, community, support, and resources for people with…
LRRK2 Drug Trial Shares Promising Results
In December, Denali Therapeutics announced positive results from its first-in-human LRRK2 inhibitor clinical trial. The experimental treatment is safe, and it lowers LRRK2 protein activity in humans’ body cells. This…
Participate in Research from Home
Researchers from the University of Rochester’s Department of Neurology are conducting a study to identify the needs of people living with Parkinson’s and opinions and knowledge about palliative care. The…
Understanding Parkinson Disease Psychosis
If you are the caregiver of someone with Parkinson’s disease (PD), you are likely well aware of the common motor symptoms associated with the condition, like tremors. However, you may…
10 Tips for a ‘Common Sense Approach’ to Life With a Chronic Illness
While living with a chronic illness can be challenging, there are ways that you can make life easier and live a happy and fulfilling life. Establishing good habits and routines takes time, but…
Dancing can reverse the signs of aging in the brain
As we grow older we suffer a decline in mental and physical fitness, which can be made worse by conditions like Parkinson’s disease. A new study, published in the open-access…
Backup Plans: When a family caregiver dies before their patient
When Kristen Beatty lost her mother suddenly in 2012, her grief was complicated by another challenge: how to care for her 74-year-old father, who has Alzheimer’s disease. He’d been diagnosed…
Duopa device among newer treatments for Parkinson’s disease
Until August, Kern Jackson avoided going out in public. Parkinson’s disease had progressed far enough that the levadopa pills he’d taken since 2008 weren’t as reliable to ease the symptom…
New smell test could aid early detection of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
Nisha Pradhan was seven when she began to suspect she was missing out on something. Her sister seemed to have an uncanny knack for predicting what their mother was making…
Super foods: what to eat to help prevent anxiety in Parkinson’s
We know that people with Parkinson’s can often experience non-motor symptoms such as anxiety and panic disorders. However, there is evidence to suggest that a diet rich in certain nutrients…
12 Medication Management Tips That May Save Your Life
What can be done to help older adults take medications safely? Take care to avoid some of the more common medication mistakes, such as taking drugs incorrectly or taking more than…
Gifting Appreciated Stock to WPA
A gift of stock to Wisconsin Parkinson Association may make sense for you. It’s a simple process that can have a big impact on WPA. Why gift stock? You can…
Sleuth-ebrating the Holidays
This holiday season can also be a time to be a loving (but slightly nosey) detective. If you are traveling to visit your loved ones who may be in need…
Tips on Traveling with Parkinson Disease
Traveling soon? If you have Parkinson’s disease or are traveling with someone who has Parkinson’s, some extra planning can help make the trip run smoothly. Our social media community shared advice on…
Parkinson’s on the ROPES: Exercise programs incorporating boxing skills
When Preston Moon was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 53 in 2008, he never dreamed he’d be bobbing and weaving in a boxing gym or pounding punching bags one…
‘7 Years of Camera Shake’: photographer with PD publishes book
Last month, wildlife photographer David Plummer launched his coffee table book, ‘7 Years of Camera Shake’, in aid of Parkinson’s UK. Within its pages are more than 200 photos showcasing…
Longtime Antidepressant Could Slow Parkinson’s
Michigan State University scientists now have early proof that an antidepressant drug that’s been around for more than 50 years could slow the progression of Parkinson’s. In a proof-of-concept study,…
Be a Savvy Science News Consumer
News is everywhere, all the time. It overtakes Facebook pages, overflows email inboxes and blasts from the television. We’re inundated with information and, unfortunately, often misinformation as well. But separating…
Taylor Finseth, MD joins WPA’s Medical Advisory Committee
We are pleased to welcome Taylor Finseth, MD, Aurora Health Care to our Medical Advisory Committee. Dr. Finseth provides management of movement disorders including Parkinson disease, tremor, dystonia, restless legs and…
9 Power Foods that Boost Immunity
You’re washing your hands, using Purell like crazy, and sneezing into your elbow. Now add these superfoods to your diet for an extra flu-fighting punch. Flu-fighting foods It takes more…
Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project
Studies confirm that caregivers play host to a high level of compassion fatigue. Day in, day out, workers struggle to function in caregiving environments that constantly present heart wrenching, emotional…
What is Tremor?
Tremor is an involuntary, rhythmic muscle contraction leading to shaking movements in one or more parts of the body. It is a common movement disorder that most often affects the…
Brain Rewiring in PD May Contribute to Abnormal Movement
The brain’s own mechanisms for dealing with the loss of dopamine neurons in Parkinson’s disease may be a source of the disorder’s abnormal movement, according to a Northwestern Medicine study published in Neuron.…
WPA Open – Thank you!
WPA hosted our 6th Annual WPA Open Against Parkinson Disease on September 12, 2017 at The Legend of Merrill Hills in Waukesha, WI. This golf outing and dinner are the…
Scratch-and-Sniff Test Could Predict Parkinson’s Even Earlier
A new study provides further evidence that a simple scratch-and-sniff test could predict Parkinson’s disease even earlier than previously thought. According to Michigan State University researcher Honglei Chen, lead author…
Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
Parkinson’s disease creates many challenges to getting a good night’s rest. Try these tips to help you get enough rest and sleep, which is an important component of overall health…
First Drug Approved for Dyskinesia in Parkinson’s Disease
Adamas Pharmaceuticals recently announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of an extended-release formulation of amantadine (GOCOVRI) to treat dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease. This is the first drug indicated…
Singing Helps Early-stage Parkinson’s Patients Retain Speech, Respiratory Control
Singing may help people with Parkinson’s disease — especially in its earlier stages — because it strengthens muscles involved in swallowing and respiratory control, suggests two studies from researchers at Iowa State University. One…
Next Stop for PD Research: Outer Space
In an effort to find new treatments for Parkinson’s disease, researchers are sending their experiments to space. On Monday Aug. 14, researchers launched a key Parkinson’s disease protein, called LRRK2, to the…
7 Helpful Hand Exercises for Parkinson’s
Follow along as a physical therapist walks through 7 “handy” Parkinson’s exercises to help you improve finger and hand dexterity. For more helpful Parkinson’s resources and exercise videos, visit www.invigoratePT.com.
Free Water Levels Provide a New Biomarker for PD Progression
According to a recent study, a newly discovered biomarker, free water, can track changes in the brain that are associated with Parkinson’s disease, which ultimately may aid in developing new drugs that…
At-Home Exercises
At our Symposium in June, two of the breakout sessions focused on exercise. Ceilia Maccani, one of our presenters, put together some general exercises you can do at home to…
UW Otolaryngology Research Study
Have you been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease within the last 5 years, and are your motor symptoms mild? Dr. Timothy McCulloch’s research lab at the University of Wisconsin Hospital is…
Legal Tools for Caregivers
If you are caring for a loved one, there are certain legal strategies and tools that you need to utilize to ensure that your loved one gets the best quality…
People with Parkinson’s should be monitored for melanoma, study finds
People with the movement disorder Parkinson’s disease have a much higher risk of the skin cancer melanoma, and vice versa, a Mayo Clinic study finds. While further research is needed…
6 of the Best Apps for Chronic Illness Management
Managing a chronic illness can be difficult. There are many different medications to take (often at different times), appointments to remember, symptoms to keep track of, and lots of information to absorb. Thankfully, living…
Substantial Matters: Life and Science of Parkinson’s – podcasts
The Parkinson’s Foundation has produced a series of podcasts, titled ‘Substantial Matters: Life and Science of Parkinson’s’. The free episodes, hosted by Dan Keller, will discuss a wide range of…
Support Group Facilitator Training
Our Symposium draws attendees from far and wide to learn more about Parkinson’s treatments and resources, and to connect with others who have PD. Many attendees are involved in one…
Predicting cognitive deficits in people with Parkinson’s disease
NIH-funded tool may improve clinical trial design and aid in treatment development. Parkinson’s disease is commonly thought of as a movement disorder, but after years of living with the disease,…
Statins may not be used for protection against Parkinson’s disease
Use of statins may speed up the onset of Parkinson’s disease symptoms in people who are susceptible to the disease, according to Penn State College of Medicine researchers. Some previous…
Parkinson’s and malnutrition: what are the risks and how do you prevent it?
Parkinson’s is a complicated condition and while many people with Parkinson’s live a long and healthy life, this is not the case for everyone. A recent study found that possibly…
Microsoft shows off watch that quiets Parkinson’s tremors
SAN FRANCISCO — Tech company developer conferences always feature a wacky demo or three. But at Build 2017 in Seattle Wednesday, Microsoft went for the waterworks at the conclusion of…
Could Parkinson’s Disease Start in the Gut?
Parkinson’s disease may start in the gut and spread to the brain via the vagus nerve, according to a study published in the April 26, 2017, online issue of Neurology®,…
31st Annual Parkinson Disease Symposium | June 23, 2017
WPA will host its 31st Annual Parkinson Disease Symposium on Friday, June 23, 2017 at Country Springs Hotel & Conference Center in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Beginning at 8:00am, attendees can check in…
A Practical Guide on Navigating the Workplace with Parkinson’s
The decision to share a Parkinson’s diagnosis at work is personal. Many individual factors contribute to if or when you’re ready to disclose this information. And once the conversation begins,…
The Power of Exercise Video
Exercise is one of the most important ways people with Parkinson’s can help control their symptoms. Through a grant from the Wisconsin Physical Therapy Fund, a group of physical therapists…
Recent Photos
Check out some photos from WPA staff’s recent visits to support groups and exercise classes in Wauwatosa and Lake Geneva. To see more photos, visit our Facebook page. …
How to Cook for a Loved One with Dysphagia
The simple act of eating is anything but for those who experience dysphagia, the medical term for difficulties swallowing or eating. Millions of Americans have the condition, especially aging adults:…
How Google Glass can help people with Parkinson’s
Moving Through Glass, an experimental app for Google Glass, offers people with Parkinson’s dance-based visual and musical cues routines to help them move and exercise. http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2015/06/09/google-glass-app-for-people-with-parkinsons.cnnmoney/
Study Making Strides Toward Parkinson’s Biomarker
At the current time, there is no identified biomarker for Parkinson’s disease (PD). In other words, there is no objective measure — no lab or imaging test, for example —…
April is Parkinson Awareness Month
Nearly one million Americans live with Parkinson’s – more than Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, and Muscular Dystrophy combined. Over 20,000 Wisconsinites have been diagnosed with the disease. Parkinson disease is a…
Parkinson’s Tulip
You may have noticed that WPA uses an image of a tulip throughout our website and publications. Have you ever wondered why? The tulip is the official symbol within the…
FDA approves drug to treat Parkinson’s disease
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved Xadago (safinamide) tablets as an add-on treatment for patients with Parkinson’s disease who are currently taking levodopa/carbidopa and experiencing “off” episodes. An…
Students developing invention to help Parkinson’s Patients
Last fall, WPA was contacted by a group of Project Lead The Way students from Catholic Memorial High School in Waukesha, WI. The students were tasked with “finding a problem they could…