It often starts with something small--maybe a slight tremor in a hand or subtle changes in handwriting. But beneath the surface, Parkinson’s disease is a complex neurological condition that affects the brain in ways many people don’t fully understand. Whether you or someone you love is newly diagnosed or you're just curious, understanding how Parkinson’s affects the brain can be the first step toward living well with the disease. So how exactly does this progressive condition change the brain—and what can be done about it?

Micrographia and Parkinson’s Disease – When Handwriting Tells a Story
One of the lesser-known but deeply personal symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is micrographia—a condition that causes handwriting to become abnormally small, cramped, and difficult to read. For many people living with Parkinson’s, the act of writing becomes frustrating and even emotional, especially when once-clear penmanship begins to shrink and fade.

But what causes micrographia, and what can be done to help manage it?

When news broke that rock legend Ozzy Osbourne had been living with PRKN2, a rare form of Parkinson’s disease, many people were left wondering: What is PRKN2? How does it differ from typical Parkinson’s disease? And what does it mean for those diagnosed with it or supporting someone who is? PRKN2 may sound like a scientific mystery, but understanding it could make all the difference for families navigating the complexities of Parkinson’s. Whether you’ve recently received a diagnosis or are simply trying to learn more, this post will guide you through what PRKN2 is, who it affects, and where you can find trusted support right here in Southwest Florida.

Living Well with Parkinson’s: Inspiring Stories from Familiar Faces
A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) can feel life-changing—but it doesn’t have to mean the end of a full, meaningful life. Many well-known individuals have not only continued to pursue their passions but have become vocal advocates, educators, and examples of resilience. Their stories remind us that with the right support, medical care, and community, it is possible to live well with PD.
Here are just a few public figures who continue to show the world what it looks like to live well with Parkinson’s:

When rock icon Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76, fans worldwide asked two poignant questions: What stage of Parkinson’s did he have? Did Parkinson’s cause his death?  The answers are a mixture of compassion, facts, and hope—and can offer comfort to anyone facing this journey.

It often begins quietly—perhaps a subtle tremor in your hand, a stiffness in your muscles, or a slight change in your walking pace. These early signs can be easy to overlook or dismiss as aging or fatigue. But for many, these seemingly minor symptoms are the first indicators of Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, balance, and more over time. Let's look at these symptoms further...

Understanding What May Trigger This Complex Condition
If you or someone you love has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, one of the first questions that may come to mind is, “What caused this?” Parkinson’s can feel mysterious and even frightening, especially because symptoms often develop slowly and seem to appear without warning.

While researchers haven’t found a single cause, ongoing studies continue to uncover key factors that increase a person’s risk. If you’re searching for clarity, hope, or guidance, read on--understanding the possible causes of Parkinson’s is an important step toward empowerment and effective care.

Recognizing Look-Alike Conditions That May Cause Similar Symptoms
When someone begins experiencing tremors, stiffness, balance issues, or slowness of movement, it’s natural to wonder: Is this Parkinson’s disease? While these hallmark symptoms are commonly associated with Parkinson’s, they are not exclusive to it. Several other conditions can closely mimic Parkinson’s disease (PD), leading to confusion, delayed treatment, or misdiagnosis.

Understanding these “look-alike” conditions is critical for receiving the right diagnosis and, in many cases, avoiding unnecessary worry or pursuing more effective treatment strategies. We cover those conditions in this post.

 Connecting Resources, Building Community for People Living with Parkinson’s
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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.
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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.