Southwest Florida is one of the highest-prevalence regions for Parkinson’s disease in the United States. While Parkinson’s disease affects approximately 1.1 million Americans overall, its impact is especially concentrated in aging communities like Lee, Collier, Charlotte, and Sarasota counties.

Because Parkinson’s disease primarily affects older adults, about 90% of individuals with the condition are covered by Medicare. This makes Medicare-based data a strong indicator of local prevalence and service needs. Keep reading to see the numbers.

Can Parkinson’s Disease Cause Depression or Anxiety?
​Parkinson’s disease is often thought of as a movement disorder, known for symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and slowed movement. However, Parkinson’s also affects mental and emotional health. Many individuals living with Parkinson’s disease experience depression, anxiety, or other mood-related symptoms at some point during their journey.
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What surprises many people is that depression and anxiety are not simply emotional reactions to a diagnosis—they can actually be direct symptoms of Parkinson’s disease itself. Changes in brain chemistry linked to Parkinson’s may affect mood, motivation, stress levels, and emotional well-being long before movement symptoms even appear. Keep reading to learn how Parkinson’s disease impacts mental health and what treatments and support can help.

Parkinson’s disease is often associated with tremors, but many individuals experience another common symptom that can significantly affect daily life: rigidity. Parkinson’s rigidity refers to muscle stiffness and tightness that can make movement more difficult, uncomfortable, and tiring. Understanding what Parkinson’s rigidity feels like can help individuals recognize symptoms earlier and seek appropriate medical care and support.

For many people, Parkinson’s rigidity feels more than simple stiffness. It can feel like the body refuses to move naturally, with muscles becoming tight, heavy, achy, or resistant to movement. Tasks that once felt automatic—getting out of bed, walking, turning, or even swinging the arms--may suddenly require more effort. Keep reading to learn how rigidity affects the body and what can help manage this challenging Parkinson’s symptom.

Vermont has become the first state in the nation to ban the herbicide paraquat, marking a major milestone in public health and Parkinson’s disease advocacy. The move comes after growing scientific concern linking long-term paraquat exposure to an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD), a progressive neurological disorder affecting movement, balance, and quality of life.
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Could a common agricultural chemical be contributing to Parkinson’s disease risk?

Exercise is increasingly recognized as one of the most powerful tools for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Research continues to show that movement does more than strengthen muscles—it can actually help the brain form new connections and improve function through a process called neuroplasticity.

What if one of the most effective ways to support brain health with Parkinson’s wasn’t found in a prescription bottle—but through movement itself? Discover how exercise may help the brain adapt, improve balance and coordination, and support better quality of life at PASWFL’s upcoming FREE PD Talk. (Click to read more)

What Are the First Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease often begins with subtle symptoms that can easily be mistaken for normal aging, stress, or other health conditions. Because symptoms usually develop gradually, many people may not recognize the early warning signs right away. Understanding the first symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can help individuals seek medical evaluation earlier and begin managing symptoms sooner.

The earliest signs of Parkinson’s disease are not always dramatic tremors. In fact, some of the first symptoms may include changes in handwriting, sleep, movement, facial expression, or even sense of smell. Keep reading to learn the most common early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease and when it may be time to speak with a doctor.

How Fast Does Parkinson’s Disease Progress?
One of the most common questions people ask after a Parkinson’s diagnosis is, “How fast does Parkinson’s disease progress?” The answer can vary widely from person to person. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition, but the speed and severity of progression are different for every individual. Some people experience slow changes over many years, while others may notice symptoms advancing more quickly.

The good news is that Parkinson’s disease often progresses gradually—and many people continue living active, meaningful lives for years after diagnosis. Understanding what influences progression and what symptoms to expect can help individuals and families feel more prepared, informed, and empowered for the journey ahead.

Does Parkinson’s Disease Cause Dementia?
Understanding Cognitive Changes in Parkinson’sParkinson’s disease is most commonly known for movement-related symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and slowed movement. However, many people are surprised to learn that Parkinson’s can also affect thinking, memory, and cognitive function over time. Understanding the connection between Parkinson’s disease and dementia can help individuals and families recognize symptoms early and seek the right support.

Memory changes with Parkinson’s disease are often misunderstood—and they don’t look the same for everyone. Some people experience mild cognitive challenges, while others may develop more significant symptoms later in the disease. Keep reading to learn what Parkinson’s dementia is, what symptoms to watch for, and how support and treatment can help improve quality of life.

Movement, music, balance, confidence, connection--what if a Parkinson’s class could feel less like therapy and more like joy? The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) is introducing a new program designed to do exactly that with its FREE PD Talk and sample class: “Intro to Rhythm and Motion for PD” presented by Mitzi Montgomery on May 20, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. via Zoom.

What if movement could help reawaken confidence, improve balance, and reconnect people living with Parkinson’s to joy and creativity? That’s exactly the idea behind Rhythm and Motion for PD—and participants will get to experience it firsthand during this free online event. Keep reading to learn more.

Designer handbags, sparkling jewelry, champagne, raffles, delicious cuisine, and the excitement of bingo all come together for one of Naples’ most anticipated annual charity events. The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) invites the community to join them for Bingo for Bags & Baubles on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Vineyards Country Club in Naples.

But this isn’t your average bingo night. Keep reading to learn more.

Stories of Strength: Living Well with Parkinson’s in Southwest Florida
A Parkinson’s diagnosis can bring uncertainty, fear, and many questions about the future. Yet across Southwest Florida, individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s disease continue to show incredible resilience, determination, and hope. Through support, education, wellness programs, and community connection, many people are finding ways to live active and meaningful lives despite the challenges of Parkinson’s.
Behind every Parkinson’s diagnosis is a story of courage. From rediscovering confidence through fitness classes to building lifelong friendships in support groups, people in Southwest Florida are proving that life with Parkinson’s can still be filled with purpose, strength, and connection. Keep reading to discover how community support is helping individuals live well with PD.

Nutrition Tips for Managing Parkinson’s Symptoms
Nutrition plays an important role in overall health, but for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, the right dietary habits may also help support energy, digestion, medication effectiveness, and daily well-being. While there is no specific “Parkinson’s diet,” healthy nutrition choices can help people better manage symptoms and maintain quality of life.

What you eat may have a bigger impact on Parkinson’s symptoms than many people realize. From improving digestion to helping medications work more effectively, simple nutrition strategies could make daily life easier and more manageable. Keep reading to learn practical tips that support brain and body health with Parkinson’s disease.

For many people, living near a golf course represents beauty, recreation, and a peaceful lifestyle. But a new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests there may be hidden health concerns associated with living close to golf courses—particularly when it comes to Parkinson’s disease risk.

Could the landscaping practices designed to keep golf courses lush and green also expose nearby residents to harmful chemicals linked to Parkinson’s disease? Researchers say the findings deserve attention—especially in communities where golf course living is common. Keep reading to learn why.

Parkinson’s Awareness Month: How Does MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Work with Parkinson’s Disease?
During Parkinson’s Awareness Month, many individuals and families are exploring new and emerging treatment options that may help manage Parkinson’s disease symptoms. One treatment generating significant attention is MRI-guided focused ultrasound, a non-invasive procedure designed to help reduce tremors and improve quality of life for certain people living with Parkinson’s.

Imagine treating Parkinson’s symptoms without traditional brain surgery. MRI-guided focused ultrasound is changing how doctors approach tremor management by using sound waves and advanced imaging technology—without incisions, implants, or lengthy recovery times. Keep reading to learn how this innovative treatment works and who may benefit from it.