Connecting Resources, Building Community for People Living with Parkinson’s
​
On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) invites you to join us for our annual Mingle & Share event—an uplifting, community-centered gathering focused on helping individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s disease live well. The event will take place from 10:00 am to Noon at the beautiful Hilton Naples. Registration is $25 and open to the public.

Living with Parkinson’s can present unique challenges, but it doesn’t mean you have to navigate them alone. That’s the driving purpose behind Mingle & Share. This event was created to bring together people with Parkinson’s, care partners, healthcare professionals, and service providers to build connections, offer support, and share valuable tools that can improve quality of life

The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) recently hosted its Annual Living Well with PD Education Symposium, bringing together some of Florida’s top Parkinson’s Disease (PD) specialists to share the latest insights into research, diagnosis, and management strategies for living well with PD.
As the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the U.S., Parkinson’s Disease affects nearly 1 million Americans, and the number is expected to grow. While there is currently no cure, the good news is that both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions can dramatically improve the quality of life for people living with PD—and may even slow disease progression.

When living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), many people wonder what else they can do—beyond medications and therapy—to support their brain and body. One of the most common questions is: “What supplements are good for Parkinson’s?”
While supplements aren’t a cure for Parkinson’s, certain vitamins, minerals, and nutrients may help support overall wellness, ease symptoms, or counteract side effects of medication. Always speak with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you are taking prescription medications.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD), you’ve likely heard a lot about dopamine. But what exactly is dopamine, and what does it do in Parkinson’s? Understanding the role of this essential brain chemical can help you better grasp the symptoms, treatment, and ongoing care related to PD.

When someone receives a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD), one of the first and most personal questions that often follows is: "How long can you live with Parkinson’s?" It’s a natural concern—for individuals, families, and care partners alike—and while Parkinson’s is a progressive condition, it’s not considered a direct cause of death. With the right treatment, support, and lifestyle modifications, many people live long and meaningful lives with PD.

​The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) is pleased to announce new appointments to its all-volunteer Board of Directors, reflecting the organization’s ongoing commitment to strategic growth and community impact.
​
As of July 1, 2025, Kimberly Adams has been elected Treasurer, and David Linz, MD, along with Stephen Schahrer, Esq., have joined the board as directors at large. These additions bring fresh energy and valuable expertise to an already dedicated board, which includes Chair Anthony Maglione, Vice Chair Danielle Dyer, Secretary Karim Mawji, and members John Botsko Jr., Claire Bisignano Chesnoff, Larry Sternberg, MD, and Charles Weinrich.

​Have you or a loved one with Parkinson’s disease noticed that your handwriting is getting smaller or more cramped over time? This subtle but significant change is called Micrographia, and it’s a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease that can often be frustrating and confusing. A new virtual PD Talk on July 6, 2025, can help you understand and alleviate these symptoms.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, coordination, and many other bodily functions. One of the central biological components of Parkinson’s is the neurotransmitter dopamine. So, what role does dopamine play in Parkinson’s disease—and why is it so important?

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is commonly associated with older adults, but did you know it can also affect younger people? One of the most compelling questions people ask is: What is the youngest age someone can be diagnosed with Parkinson’s? The answer might surprise you.

Understanding the Variations of a Complex Condition
When most people hear the term “Parkinson’s disease,” they often think of tremors or movement difficulties. But Parkinson’s is not a one-size-fits-all condition. In fact, one of the most frequently asked questions is: Are there different types of Parkinson’s disease? The answer is yes. Parkinson’s can present itself in a variety of forms, each with its own unique symptoms, progression, and treatment approach.
Understanding these differences is key to providing effective care and improving quality of life. Let’s explore the main types and how support organizations like the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) can make a real difference.

Exploring the Latest Advancements in Parkinson’s Disease Treatment:
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects millions of people around the world. While there is currently no cure, medical advancements continue to improve the quality of life for those living with PD. If you're asking, “What are the newest medications available for Parkinson’s?”, you’re not alone. It’s a common and important question among patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers alike.
​
Let’s take a look at the most recent breakthroughs in medication and how they’re helping individuals manage Parkinson’s more effectively.

Understanding Parkinson’s Treatment Options Beyond Sinemet:
​Sinemet, a combination of Levodopa and Carbidopa, is widely considered the gold standard in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). It works by replenishing dopamine in the brain, which helps manage motor symptoms like tremors, rigidity, and slowness of movement. But is Sinemet the only option? If you're wondering, Are there alternatives to Sinemet for treating Parkinson’s? — the answer is yes.

Levodopa/Carbidopa is one of the most effective medications used to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). If you or a loved one is taking this medication, you may have wondered: What foods should I eat when taking Levodopa/Carbidopa? Nutrition plays a key role in how well the medication works and how you feel throughout the day.

Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people around the world, with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) being two of the most common. Both are progressive, chronic disorders of the brain, but they differ in their symptoms, causes, and progression. This often raises the question: What causes Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s—and are they related?

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, coordination, and many aspects of daily life. One of the most common questions asked after a diagnosis is: What are the most effective medications for Parkinson’s disease? While there is no cure for PD, a variety of medications are available that can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

​Parkinson’s disease (PD) is more than just tremors and stiffness. It’s a progressive neurological condition that affects how the brain communicates with the rest of the body. Many people ask, “What happens to the body during Parkinson’s disease?” Understanding the changes that occur can empower individuals and families to seek appropriate care, treatment, and support early on.

A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease often brings with it a host of questions—from managing symptoms to understanding long-term health outcomes. One of the most frequently asked questions is: What is the average life expectancy for someone with Parkinson’s disease? This is an important topic, not just for individuals living with PD, but also for their care partners and loved ones.

When it comes to understanding movement disorders, many people wonder: What’s the difference between Parkinson’s disease and Parkinson’s syndrome? Though the terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to distinct medical conditions. Knowing the difference can help individuals get the right diagnosis, treatment, and support.