Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurological disorders, affecting movement, balance, and overall quality of life. For many, the first question after noticing tremors, stiffness, or slowed movement is: Is there a test for Parkinson’s disease?

👉 The short answer may surprise you: there is currently no single definitive test for Parkinson’s. Instead, doctors use a combination of clinical evaluations, medical history, and specialized imaging to make an accurate diagnosis. Keep reading to learn how Parkinson’s is diagnosed, what tests are available, and why early detection is so important.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, speech, and overall quality of life. Understandably, one of the most common questions people ask is: Can Parkinson’s disease be prevented?

👉 While there is no guaranteed way to prevent Parkinson’s, research suggests that lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and genetics all play a role. Read on to explore what science says about lowering risk and how you can take steps to support brain health.

Living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) can feel overwhelming at first, but research shows that proactive lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference. While there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, the choices you make each day—especially when it comes to physical activity, nutrition, and social connection—can improve symptoms, slow progression, and enhance quality of life.
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👉 So, can lifestyle or exercise help manage Parkinson’s? The answer is yes—and it may be one of the most powerful tools available to you today. Keep reading to learn why movement, wellness practices, and supportive resources matter.

When someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD), one of the most common questions is: “What are the stages of Parkinson’s, and what do they mean for me or my loved one?” Understanding the stages of Parkinson’s doesn’t just help patients and families prepare—it also provides hope by showing how much can be done at each stage to preserve independence and quality of life.

👉 Keep reading to learn how Parkinson’s typically progresses, what each stage means, and how the right support can make all the difference.

When Is DBS Appropriate for Parkinson’s Disease Treatment?
Receiving a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis can feel overwhelming, and many families wonder what treatment options are available beyond medication and therapy. While exercise, medication, and support programs are critical, some individuals with Parkinson’s may reach a point where additional interventions are considered. One such option is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS).

👉 So, when is DBS the right choice for someone living with Parkinson’s disease? Keep reading to learn what makes a person a good candidate for this treatment and how it fits into the larger care journey.

Tremors are often one of the first and most noticeable symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). For many, these involuntary shaking movements can make everyday tasks—like writing, eating, or holding a cup of coffee—challenging and frustrating. While tremors don’t affect every person with Parkinson’s the same way, they are among the most common motor symptoms.

The good news? There are several ways to manage Parkinson’s tremors—through medications, therapies, lifestyle changes, and support programs. Keep reading to learn what works best and how you or your loved one can regain confidence in daily life.

When the legendary NFL quarterback Brett Favre took the stand before Congress in late 2024, his statement did more than address policy—it revealed something deeply personal: his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease.

Dive deeper to learn how Favre’s health challenge highlights the importance of early signs, traumatic brain injury connections, and why awareness—not fear—is our greatest ally.

Living in Southwest Florida means sunshine, palm trees, and the beauty of coastal living—but it also means preparing for hurricane season each year. For individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, storm readiness takes on an added layer of importance. From medications to mobility, thoughtful planning can make all the difference in keeping you safe and confident if a hurricane threatens our community.
So, how can you prepare for hurricane season in SWFL with Parkinson’s disease? Let’s explore practical steps and trusted resources that ensure peace of mind before the next storm arrives.

When tremors, stiffness, or balance issues appear, one of the first questions people ask is: Could this be Parkinson’s disease? Unlike many conditions, there isn’t a single blood test or scan that can confirm Parkinson’s. Instead, diagnosis relies on a careful medical evaluation.

👉 Hook: Because Parkinson’s can look like other movement disorders, such as essential tremor or atypical Parkinsonism, getting an accurate diagnosis from a specialist is critical. Keep reading to learn how doctors determine if it’s Parkinson’s—and what steps come next.

When people first notice symptoms like tremors, muscle stiffness, or trouble with balance, their first thought might be Parkinson’s disease. But not all Parkinson-like symptoms point to that diagnosis. Some people are living with what’s called Atypical Parkinsonism—a group of neurological conditions that resemble Parkinson’s but have important differences.

👉 So, what exactly is Atypical Parkinsonism, and how does it differ from Parkinson’s disease? Let’s take a closer look.

Can stress cause Parkinson’s disease? It’s a question many people ask when first noticing symptoms or after receiving a diagnosis. Stress impacts the body in countless ways—raising blood pressure, affecting immunity, and contributing to chronic illness. But when it comes to Parkinson’s disease (PD), the answer is more nuanced.
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👉 Keep reading to discover what research shows about the connection between stress and Parkinson’s, and how managing stress can support better quality of life for those living with PD.

When a loved one begins to show signs of memory loss, movement difficulties, or changes in behavior, families often wonder: Is it Parkinson’s Disease or something else? One condition that is often confused with Parkinson’s is Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). Because the two disorders share overlapping symptoms, it’s common for people to feel uncertain or overwhelmed.

👉 So, is Lewy Body Dementia the same as Parkinson’s Disease? Continue reading to discover the differences, their interconnection, and why support is crucial for navigating both effectively.

When a person begins to notice shaking in their hands or other parts of their body, one of the first questions that comes up is: Is this Parkinson’s disease—or could it be something else, like essential tremor? Both conditions can look similar at first, but they are distinct disorders with different causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Understanding the difference between Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor is crucial—not only for an accurate diagnosis but also for finding the right treatment and support. Keep reading to learn the key distinctions that can help bring clarity and peace of mind.

When neurologist Michael Okun, MD, first used the phrase “Parkinson’s pandemic” over a decade ago, his warning was dismissed as alarmist. Today, the numbers show he may have been ahead of his time. In 2020, Dr. Okun projected there would be 12 million people living with Parkinson’s by 2035.
Shockingly, the latest estimates already put the global number at 11.8 million cases — and rising rapidly. As he told Katie Couric Media, “The growth has been explosive.”

This dramatic increase in Parkinson’s disease cases is sparking urgent questions: What’s driving the rise? What can be done to slow it? And how can individuals protect themselves?

Receiving a Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis often brings a flood of questions. One of the most common—and understandably most urgent—is: How long can someone live with Parkinson’s disease?

👉 The answer is encouraging: with modern treatments, lifestyle adjustments, and the right support, many people with Parkinson’s live for decades after their diagnosis. Life expectancy can be close to that of the general population, especially when symptoms are managed well.

When someone hears the word Parkinson’s, one of the most common fears that arises is dementia. Because Parkinson’s is known as a neurodegenerative disease, it’s natural to wonder: Does everyone who has Parkinson’s eventually develop dementia?

👉 The answer may surprise you. While cognitive changes are possible, not all people with Parkinson’s develop dementia—and for many, symptoms are manageable with the right strategies and support.

For many people living with Parkinson’s disease, changes in speech can be one of the most frustrating symptoms. Words may become soft or mumbled, conversations harder to follow, and expressing feelings more difficult. These changes, known as hypophonia (reduced voice volume) and dysarthria (slurred or unclear speech), are caused by the effects of Parkinson’s on the muscles used for speaking and breathing.

👉 But here’s the good news: speech exercise programs can make a big difference—helping people maintain stronger voices, clearer speech, and better communication with family and friends.

When someone begins to experience symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, or difficulty with balance, the first thought might be Parkinson’s disease. However, not all conditions that resemble Parkinson’s are the same. Some fall under the broader term Parkinsonism. Understanding the difference is important for diagnosis, treatment, and support.

👉 So, what exactly separates Parkinson’s disease from Parkinsonism? Keep reading to find out — the answer can help families navigate care more effectively.

When someone in your family is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, it’s natural to wonder: Is Parkinson’s hereditary? It’s a question that often carries fear and uncertainty, especially for children or grandchildren who may worry about their own risk.

👉 Keep reading to learn what science tells us about genetics and Parkinson’s — and why family history is only one piece of the puzzle.

If you think yoga is just about stretching, think again. At the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL), yoga is so much more—it’s a lifeline for balance, flexibility, mental focus, and emotional well-being. For individuals living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), each movement matters. Yoga offers a safe, supportive way to build strength, improve mobility, and ease stiffness—while also providing a sense of calm and control over the unpredictable nature of PD. And the best part? These classes are free for members and tailored to meet the needs of every participant, no matter their experience level. Let's dive deeper into the benefits of Yoga as a form of exercise for PD.

Living with Parkinson’s disease doesn’t always mean you need round-the-clock assistance. For many, the need for help comes and goes — and that’s where intermittent support comes in. This flexible approach allows individuals to get the assistance they need only when they need it, empowering them to stay as independent as possible while still having help available during challenging times.

Here’s the thing -- intermittent support can make the difference between feeling isolated and staying connected, between struggling alone and having the right resources at the right time. Let’s take a closer look at how it works and why it matters.

Receiving a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis can be daunting, and some may feel tempted to “wait and see” before starting treatment. But ignoring Parkinson’s symptoms can have serious consequences — not only for your mobility and health but also for your overall quality of life. The truth is, Parkinson’s is a progressive condition, and early intervention can make a profound difference in slowing symptom progression, preserving independence, and maintaining emotional well-being. Learn why early intervention matters.

Understanding Hypokinetic Dysarthria in Parkinson’s Disease
For many people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), speech changes can be one of the most frustrating symptoms. Friends and loved ones may start asking them to “speak up” or “slow down,” and conversations may require more effort than before. These changes are often the result of a condition called hypokinetic dysarthria—a speech disorder directly linked to the effects of PD on the brain and muscles used for speaking.

Why does Parkinson’s affect speech in the first place—and more importantly, what can be done to improve communication? Keep reading to discover how PD impacts the voice and how speech exercise can help people be heard again.

When you or a loved one hears the words “You have Parkinson’s disease,” the first question is often, “What’s the best treatment?” While there is no cure yet, the number one treatment for managing Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains medication—particularly levodopa—which helps replenish dopamine levels in the brain to improve motor symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slowness.
For decades, levodopa, often paired with carbidopa, has been the gold standard for PD symptom control. These medications work by replacing the dopamine the brain no longer produces in adequate amounts, allowing many people to move more freely and with less discomfort. In many cases, medication can be life-changing, restoring independence and quality of life for years. But here’s the thing--medication is just one piece of the puzzle.

If you’ve ever smiled through a silly improv game and felt lighter afterward, you’ve already experienced a small version of what improvisational theatre can do for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Improv isn’t just fun—it’s a therapeutic tool that helps with communication, cognitive flexibility, mood, and social connection. In Naples, Florida, the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) is among a small number of community groups offering regular improv for PD—led by Margot Escott, LCSW, who has trained with top improv teachers and used applied improvisational theatre (AIT) in clinical settings for 15 years. PASWFL offers these classes for free on Saturdays via Zoom, making this creative therapy accessible to people across Southwest Florida and beyond.