Parkinson’s Foundation Great Lakes makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) by improving care and advancing research towards a cure. Whether you are newly diagnosed with PD or have been managing it for years, are a care partner, family member or friend of someone with PD, we are here to help you.
Staying active, engaged and involved is important for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), their care partners and families. We encourage you to find local programs and services in your area that offer the opportunity to learn, connect and share experiences. We have compiled a list below to help with your search.
Wellness & Exercise
For people with Parkinson’s, exercise is not only healthy, but a vital component to maintaining balance, mobility and daily living activities.
Benefits of exercise:
Symptom management. Research has shown that exercise can improve gait, balance, tremor, flexibility, grip strength and motor coordination.
Possibly slowing disease progression. There is a strong consensus among physicians and physical therapists that improved mobility decreases the risk of falls and some other complications of Parkinson’s disease.
Research from the Parkinson’s Foundation Parkinson’s Outcomes Project, the largest Parkinson's clinical study, has proven that 2.5 hours of exercise per week has a significant difference on the quality of life for those with PD. Regular physical activity is linked to improved mobility and less cognitive decline.
Unless otherwise specified, listings are independent and unaffiliated with the Parkinson’s Foundation and are not an endorsement or recommendation of a specific resource or service.
If you would like to submit your program for public listing or have changes to a listed program, please fill out this form.
Benefits of Support Groups
We strongly encourage people with Parkinson’s, family members, friends, care partners and everyone in the PD community to attend one of the many support groups offered. Support groups provide an opportunity for people to meet regularly for mutual support and to exchange coping skills with one another in matters relating to Parkinson’s.
Support groups may change the date and time of their meeting. Consider confirming times and dates with support groups before attending.
If you would like to submit your support group for public listing or have changes to a listed support group, please fill out this form.
Interested in having a Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador speak to your group? Our Ambassadors are trained volunteers who talk to support groups about various topics including our mission, resources and hospital care. If you are interested in inviting an ambassador to speak to your group, in person or virtually, please fill out a Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador Engagement Request. If you are interested in becoming a Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador, visit Parkinson.org/Volunteer.
Parkinson's Foundation Helpline
Contact our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) or Helpline@Parkinson.org for programs, support groups and referrals to Parkinson’s specialists near you. Helpline specialists can assist you in English or Spanish, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET.