​Parkinson’s disease can gradually change the way a person walks, turns, stands, and maintains balance. Smaller steps, stiffness, slowed movement, reduced arm swing, freezing, and balance problems can make everyday activities more difficult—and can be frustrating for both the person with Parkinson’s and their partner. The good news is that there are strategies that can help maintain mobility, safety, and independence.
​
Walking together may look different after Parkinson’s—but that doesn’t mean you have to stop moving forward together. Learning how to recognize movement changes and respond to them as a team can make everyday life safer and less frustrating.

If you have Parkinson’s disease, you may wonder whether there is a treatment that can do more than control symptoms—one that could actually slow or stop the disease from progressing. As of 2026, there are no approved disease-modifying therapies proven to slow, stop, or reverse Parkinson’s disease. However, researchers are actively studying treatments that target the underlying biology of Parkinson’s, and several promising approaches are being tested in clinical trials.

So what is happening behind the scenes—and could a disease-modifying treatment finally be getting closer? The Parkinson’s research pipeline has never been more active, and understanding what is being studied can help you make informed decisions about your care.

Exercise is one of the most important tools people with Parkinson’s disease can use to protect mobility, independence, and quality of life. Research shows that regular physical activity can improve walking, balance, strength, flexibility, mood, and other Parkinson’s symptoms. It may also have a protective effect on the brain and help slow aspects of Parkinson’s progression.

Could the right exercise routine actually help you stay stronger and more independent for longer? Research suggests that regular, intentional movement may do more than simply make you feel better today—it may help your body and brain better manage Parkinson’s over time.

When most people think about Parkinson’s disease, they think about tremors, stiffness, or slowed movement. But Parkinson’s can affect much more than movement. Depression, anxiety, apathy, and irritability are common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s and can significantly affect quality of life. 
The frustrating part? These symptoms can look very different from person to person—and sometimes the person experiencing them doesn't realize Parkinson’s may be contributing.

Knowing when someone with Parkinson’s disease needs additional help can be one of the hardest decisions a family faces. The goal isn't to take away independence—it is to provide enough support to keep the person safe, healthy, and living as independently as possible.
But how do you know when “a little help” is no longer enough? Recognizing the warning signs early can help families explore options before a crisis, fall, hospitalization, or caregiver burnout forces a decision.

Parkinson’s disease affects much more than movement. Depression and anxiety are common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s and can significantly affect quality of life, relationships, motivation, sleep, and the ability to manage everyday activities.
If you or someone you love with Parkinson’s has been feeling unusually sad, worried, withdrawn, or overwhelmed, there are reasons for these changes — and there are things you can do to feel better.

When most people think about Parkinson’s disease, they think about tremors, stiffness, or slowed movement. But Parkinson’s can also affect the senses. A reduced or lost sense of smell is a common non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s and may appear years — sometimes even decades — before a diagnosis.
Could losing your sense of smell be connected to Parkinson’s — and is there anything you can actually do about it? Understanding why it happens can help you recognize an important symptom and find ways to maintain nutrition, safety, and quality of life.

Memory problems, confusion, and changes in thinking can be some of the most difficult non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. While Parkinson’s is often associated with tremors and movement problems, it can also affect attention, memory, judgment, problem-solving, and the ability to process information.
The good news is that cognitive changes do not automatically mean dementia — and there are steps you can take to understand what is happening and get the right support.

Falls are one of the most common concerns for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Changes in balance, walking, posture, freezing, muscle stiffness, and blood pressure can increase fall risk—but small changes around the home can make a significant difference.
Your home should work with you, not against you. A few simple changes to floors, lighting, bathrooms, bedrooms, and everyday routines can help reduce hazards and make it easier to move around with confidence.

Parkinson’s Hallucinations & Delusions: What Caregivers Should Do
Watching someone you love experience hallucinations or delusions can be frightening and confusing. But these symptoms can occur in Parkinson’s disease and do not mean your loved one is “going crazy.” Hallucinations, delusions, and other changes in perception can have several causes, including Parkinson’s itself, medications, infections, or other medical problems. 

The most important thing you can do is not argue with what your loved one is experiencing—and not ignore it, either. Knowing how to respond can reduce fear, prevent conflict, and help the medical team find the right treatment.

A Parkinson’s diagnosis does not automatically mean it is time to stop driving. Many people with Parkinson’s disease continue to drive safely for years after diagnosis. The important question is whether Parkinson’s symptoms, medication side effects, or changes in vision, thinking, attention, or reaction time are beginning to affect driving ability.
The tricky part? Driving problems can develop gradually—and sometimes the person behind the wheel may not realize that anything has changed. Knowing the warning signs can help you protect independence while also protecting yourself and everyone else on the road.

If you or someone you love has Parkinson’s disease and has begun experiencing unusual, involuntary movements, you may wonder: “Is this Parkinson’s, or is something else happening?” Dyskinesia is a common concern for many people living with Parkinson’s, particularly those who have been taking levodopa for several years.
The good news? Dyskinesia does not mean you simply have to live with uncontrolled movements. Understanding why it happens is the first step toward finding a treatment approach that works for you.