blog - Parkinson's Association of SWFL

Where Does Beta-Amyloid Protein Come From?

4/22/2025

Understanding One of the Brain’s Most Mysterious Proteins
Beta-amyloid protein is frequently mentioned in discussions about Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, but many people wonder: Where does beta-amyloid protein come from? This small but significant protein fragment plays a key role in brain health—and in disease when things go wrong.

Is Pill-Rolling an Early Sign of Parkinson's?

4/21/2025

Understanding the Classic Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, and one of the earliest and most recognizable symptoms is known as pill-rolling. But what exactly is pill-rolling, and is it an early sign of Parkinson’s?

What Can Mimic Parkinson's Disease?

4/21/2025

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. In fact, 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.

So, what can mimic Parkinson’s disease? The answer may surprise you.
Understanding these look-alike conditions is crucial for getting the right diagnosis—and the right treatment.

What Is the Best Medicine for Parkinson’s Disease?

4/16/2025

What Is the Best Medicine for Parkinson’s Disease?

When someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD), one of the first questions often asked is: What is the best medicine for Parkinson’s disease? The answer isn’t always simple, because Parkinson’s affects everyone differently — and treatment needs to be personalized.

Does Parkinson’s disease spread from person to person?

4/13/2025

Understanding How Parkinson’s Disease Affects Individuals
One of the most frequently asked questions we hear is, “How does Parkinson’s disease spread from person to person?” The simple and reassuring answer is...

Can Parkinson’s Be Detected by MRI?

4/12/2025

Understanding the Role of MRI in Diagnosing Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, and coordination. One of the most frequently asked questions when someone begins to experience symptoms like tremors or stiffness is: Can Parkinson’s be detected by MRI?

Is Essential Tremor a Form of Parkinson’s?

4/11/2025

Understanding the Difference Between Essential Tremor and Parkinson’s Disease
Many people often wonder: Is essential tremor a form of Parkinson’s? While both conditions involve shaking or tremors, essential tremor (ET) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are two distinct neurological disorders with different causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches.

What Vitamins Are Good for Parkinson's Disease?

4/10/2025

What Vitamins Are Good for Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex neurological disorder that affects movement and can cause a variety of other symptoms. While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, certain vitamins and supplements may help support overall health and alleviate some of the symptoms associated with the condition.

Has Anyone Ever Recovered from Parkinson's Disease?

4/9/2025

Has Anyone Ever Recovered from Parkinson's Disease?
When someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD), one of the first questions they or their loved ones might ask is: Has anyone ever recovered from Parkinson's disease? While this is a completely understandable question full of hope, the current scientific and medical understanding of PD helps us frame the answer realistically and compassionately.

How Long Does It Take for Parkinson's Disease to Progress?

4/8/2025

Understanding Parkinson’s Progression
One of the most common questions we hear is:
How long does it take for Parkinson's disease to progress? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, as Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects each person differently. However, understanding the general stages and timeline can help individuals and families prepare, plan, and find support.

How Does Parkinson's Disease Affect the Nervous System?

4/7/2025

How Does Parkinson's Disease Affect the Nervous System?

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, coordination, and various functions of the nervous system. But how does Parkinson’s disease affect the nervous system, exactly?

Is Parkinson’s a Neurological Disorder?

4/6/2025

Is Parkinson’s a Neurological Disorder?
Understanding the Nature of Parkinson’s Disease and How It Affects the Brain
When first diagnosed, many people and their families ask: Is Parkinson’s a neurological disorder? The answer is yes—Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement, but can also impact a wide range of bodily functions and quality of life.

What Helps Parkinson’s Tremors? Tips and Treatments to Manage Shaking Symptoms

4/5/2025

What Helps Parkinson’s Tremors? Tips and Treatments to Manage Shaking Symptoms
One of the most common and recognizable symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is tremor—an involuntary shaking or rhythmic movement that typically begins in the hands, fingers, or limbs. It’s natural for individuals living with Parkinson’s and their caregivers to ask: What helps Parkinson’s tremors? While there is no cure for PD, there are many strategies—both medical and lifestyle-based—that can help manage tremors and improve quality of life.

How Does Parkinson's Progress?

4/4/2025

If Parkinson's is not curable, how does it progress?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, and coordination. Over time, individuals with PD may experience increased difficulty with daily activities, mobility, and independence. While PD doesn't directly cause death, complications related to PD are involved.

Where Can I Find Free Resources and Support for Parkinson’s Patients in Southwest Florida?

4/4/2025

Where Can I Find Free Resources and Support for Parkinson’s Patients in Southwest Florida?

A Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. For individuals and families in Southwest Florida, free resources, support groups, and educational programs are available right in your own community. The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) is here to help you live well with PD.

Join the #StrongerTogether Movement: Raising Awareness for Parkinson’s

4/3/2025

Join the #StrongerTogether Movement: Raising Awareness for Parkinson’s
This April, PASWFL invites the community to raise awareness and support individuals living with Parkinson’s. However you are touched by PD, there are many ways you can help our PD community to Live Well with PD.

Living Well with Parkinson’s: Strategies for a Fulfilling Life

4/2/2025

Living Well with Parkinson’s: Strategies for a Fulfilling Life
A Parkinson’s diagnosis doesn’t mean giving up on an active and fulfilling life. The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) provides free programs to help individuals manage symptoms and maintain independence. There are steps you can take to live well with PD.

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month: Recognizing the Early Signs of Parkinson’s Disease

4/1/2025

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month: Recognizing the Early Signs of Parkinson’s Disease
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, a time to educate and empower individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s disease (PD). With 90,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the U.S., including an estimated 7,000 in Southwest Florida, early awareness and proactive care are crucial.

Early Signs of Parkinson’s DiseasePD is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, and coordination. Identifying symptoms early can lead to better management and improved quality of life. Here are some common early signs...

How to Prevent Parkinson’s Disease

3/28/2025

How to Prevent Parkinson’s Disease: Tips and Support from the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, causing tremors, stiffness, and balance problems. While there is currently no guaranteed way to prevent Parkinson’s disease, certain lifestyle choices and early interventions can help reduce your risk or slow the progression if diagnosed. Additionally, the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida is an incredible resource to help those living with PD to live well and stay active in their community. Here are some things that may help:

What Stage of Parkinson's is Michael J Fox in?

3/27/2025

What Stage of Parkinson's Is Michael J. Fox In?
Michael J. Fox, the beloved actor known for roles in "Back to the Future" and "Family Ties," was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's disease (PD) in 1991 at the age of 29. Over the past three decades, Fox has been open about his journey with PD, sharing insights into how the disease has affected his life. Michael J. Fox Foundation

What Does Parkinson’s Disease Do?

3/26/2025

What Does Parkinson’s Disease Do?
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. But what does Parkinson’s disease do, and how does it impact daily life? PD occurs when dopamine-producing neurons in the brain deteriorate, leading to motor and non-motor symptoms that can significantly affect a person’s quality of life.

What Are the 5 Stages of Parkinson’s Disease?

3/25/2025

What Are the 5 Stages of Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, and coordination. While every individual’s experience with PD is unique, the disease typically progresses through five stages as symptoms gradually become more noticeable. Understanding these stages can help individuals and their care partners prepare and seek the right support.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

3/24/2025

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, coordination, and overall motor function. But what is Parkinson’s disease, and how does it impact those diagnosed? PD occurs when dopamine-producing neurons in the brain begin to decline, leading to a range of symptoms that worsen over time.

How Do You Get Parkinson’s Disease?

3/23/2025

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, and coordination. But how do you get Parkinson’s disease? While the exact cause is not fully understood, researchers believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors play a role in its development.
How Do You Get Parkinson’s Disease?

How to Prevent Parkinson’s Disease?

3/22/2025

How to Prevent Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and quality of life. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent Parkinson’s, research suggests that certain lifestyle choices may help reduce the risk. So, how can you prevent Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson's Association of Southwest Florida
2575 Northbrooke Plaza Drive
Suite#301, Naples, FL 34119
239-417-3465
[email protected]

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday 9 am - 5 pm
Friday 9 am - 3 pm

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