Living Well with Parkinson’s Disease: Insights from PASWFL’s Annual Symposium

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.

Education Empowers Living Well with PD
A central theme of the symposium was the importance of education. Understanding the disease, its progression, and treatment options allows individuals with PD and their care partners to make informed choices, advocate for themselves, and access support earlier in the disease journey.

One of the keynote speakers was Dr. Ihtsham ul Haq, MD, FAAN, Division Chief of the Movement Disorders Department of Neurology at the University of Miami Health Systems. Dr. Haq provided a foundational overview of Parkinson’s and how it manifests in the body.

“Parkinson’s Disease is a clinical diagnosis,” explained Dr. Haq. “It primarily involves the loss of dopamine. In fact, 60–80% of dopamine-producing neurons are already lost by the time motor symptoms become noticeable.”

This underscores the importance of recognizing non-motor symptoms early, which often precede the more visible physical signs.

The 5 Cardinal Features of Parkinson’s Disease:
Dr. Haq outlined the five cardinal features of PD, dividing them into motor and non-motor categories:

Motor Features
1. Rest Tremor – Usually begins on one side of the body, often in the hand, and may improve with voluntary movement.
2. Bradykinesia – Slowed movements, reduced facial expression, shorter stride length, and decreased arm swing.
3. Postural Instability – Abnormal gait, stooped posture, and a tendency to shuffle or fall backward (retropulsion).

Non-Motor Features 
1. Fatigue and Chronic Pain 

• ​Persistent tiredness not relieved by rest or sleep, mental fatigue, muscle or joint pain.
• Lack of motivation or mental energy (mental fatigue)
• Generalized muscle or joint pain
• Burning, aching, or stabbing sensations
• Pain that shifts locations or increases with movement
• Reduced ability to perform daily tasks due to fatigue

2. Low Blood Pressure (Orthostatic Hypotension)

• Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up
• Feeling faint or episodes of fainting
• Blurred or tunnel vision
• Weakness or fatigue after changing positions
• ​Nausea or a “floating” sensation upon standing

3. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

• Uncomfortable sensations in the legs (tingling, crawling, itching, burning)
• ​Strong urge to move the legs, especially when at rest
• Symptoms that worsen in the evening or at night
• ​Temporary relief after walking or stretching
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep

  4. Bladder and Bowel Issues
   Bladder-related symptoms:

• Sudden, urgent need to urinate (urinary urgency)
• Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
• ​Leakage or incontinence
• Difficulty starting urination or feeling of incomplete emptying

   Bowel-related symptoms:

• Constipation (fewer than three bowel movements per week)
• ​Hard, dry stools
• Straining during bowel movements
• ​Feeling of incomplete evacuation
• Bloating or abdominal discomfort

  5. Sleep Disturbances

• Insomnia or difficulty staying asleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness or sudden sleep attacks
• ​Vivid dreams or nightmares
• Acting out dreams (REM sleep behavior disorder)
• Restlessness or frequent movement during sleep
• ​Waking frequently to use the bathroom

 6. Difficulty Swallowing or Managing SalivaSwallowing difficulties (dysphagia):

• Coughing or choking while eating or drinking
• Sensation of food getting stuck in the throat
• Difficulty chewing or managing certain textures
• Slow eating or avoiding meals

   Saliva management (sialorrhea):

• Drooling, especially when not speaking or eating
• Wet pillow in the morning
• Lip or chin irritation due to constant moisture
• Frequent throat clearing

  7. Changes in Eating Patterns and Excessive SweatingEating pattern changes:

• Reduced appetite or lack of interest in food
• Early fullness after small meals (early satiety)
• Weight loss without trying
• Difficulty with utensils or preparing food
• Altered sense of taste or smell

   Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis):

• Sweating more than normal with little exertion
• Facial or upper body sweating
• Night sweats
• Temperature sensitivity
• Social discomfort due to visible perspiration

Recognizing these symptoms and addressing them early through a combination of medical treatment, physical therapy, and wellness programs can lead to better long-term outcomes.

How PASWFL Supports Living Well with PDFor over twenty-five years, the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida has been empowering individuals and families through education, enrichment, and engagement.

Every week, PASWFL offers over 25 free programs and support groups for people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners. These include:

• Parkinson-specific exercise classes
• Voice therapy
• Educational workshops
• Support groups for both patients and caregivers

There are no fees associated with becoming a member, and everyone affected by PD in Southwest Florida is welcome to join.

​To learn more and receive updates:
Click here to sign up for PASWFL’s newsletter
Membership is free:
Click here to join PASWFL

Parkinson’s may change your path—but with the right knowledge and support, you can still live well every step of the way. 

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