Expert Briefing: Nourishing Wellness - Nutrition for Parkinson's
March 12, 2025
Food is more than just fuel—it plays a powerful role in how we think, feel, and move. This session explores the connection between nutrition and Parkinson’s, covering how diet influences brain health, gut function, and overall well-being. We’ll discuss the impact of food on the body’s systems, the role of protein in medication effectiveness, and how to use nutrition as a tool to enhance quality of life.
Carolee Horner, MS, NBC-HWC
Functional Nutritionist
Health Coach
Raise Awareness
Nuestros 10 videos más populares acerca del Parkinson en español
Tanto si está recién diagnosticado con la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) como si lleva años viviendo con ella, ¡a veces un breve video es todo lo que necesita para aprender algo nuevo!
Eche un vistazo a nuestros 10 videos más populares en español y vea cómo pueden empoderarlo para manejar sus síntomas con confianza.
Desde ejercicios de voz hasta entender las causas de la EP, estos videos en español ofrecen valiosos conocimientos, consejos de expertos y sugerencias prácticas.
Así como la EP afecta el movimiento en otras partes del cuerpo, también afecta los músculos de la cara, la boca y la garganta que se utilizan para hablar y tragar. Acompañe a la Parkinson’s Foundation y a la terapeuta del habla y el lenguaje Leslie J. Ledée Lozada en esta serie de ejercicios para la voz.
No importa en qué punto de la enfermedad de Parkinson se encuentre, el movimiento es medicina. Las investigaciones demuestran que el ejercicio y la actividad física no sólo pueden mantener y mejorar la movilidad, la flexibilidad y el equilibrio, sino también aliviar los síntomas no motores de la EP. Vea este video para aprender por qué debería hacer ejercicio y cómo puede mejorar su calidad de vida.
Aunque cada persona experimenta el Parkinson de manera distinta, existen algunos puntos en común. Vea este video para saber cómo están relacionados los factores genéticos y ambientales con la EP.
Aunque los síntomas y la progresión de la enfermedad son únicos para cada persona, conocer los estadios típicos del Parkinson puede ayudarle a anticipar y manejar mejor los cambios a medida que ocurren.
Hay mucho que saber acerca del Parkinson y el manejo de los síntomas. En este video, aprenda cómo se trata y, lo más importante aún, cómo vivir mejor con la EP.
Descubra cómo la atención plena (mindfulness) y la respiración consciente pueden ayudar a reducir el estrés y mejorar su bienestar. En esta sesión de Lunes de Atención Plena aprenderá técnicas sencillas para relajarse, centrarse en el presente y cultivar un mayor equilibrio emocional en su vida diaria.
I’d like to take you on a journey back to October 2011, when I ran the Silver Comet Half Marathon in 1:45:45, which I thought was not bad for a 35-year-old. But I wanted to conquer a full marathon next, so I plunged into training after a few days of rest. I was on mile 7 of a 10-mile run when my left leg locked up. It was as if that leg had a mind of its own.
I focused on stretching and more time off between runs. The same thing happened during a 6-mile run; and then a 2-miler; soon, I couldn’t run ¼ mile without my left leg locking up. It took 4 years of chasing this issue including many visits and tests with my orthopedist, podiatrist, general practitioner and neurologists before getting the early-onset Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis in 2015 at the age 39.
I wasn’t satisfied with the subjective clinical diagnosis, so I had a DATscan in Jan 2016. This plus my levodopa response confirmed that it was indeed Parkinson’s disease.
I was ashamed and hid my diagnosis for about 4 years, but my symptoms progressed quickly. I was taking up to 24 doses of Levadopa per day as my off-time increased. My neurologist suggested I get vetted for deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery in 2019 and I finally had the surgery in 2022.
Now, Parkinson’s is an integral part of my life, but I refuse to let it define me. I’ve immersed myself in learning about the disease, volunteering and connecting with others who’ve shared my journey.
Each story inspired me to embrace my own. I’ve discovered new passions — like trail running, cycling, rock climbing and volunteering. I’ve learned to celebrate small victories, from mastering a new exercise to sharing musical experiences with friends.
This disease became part of my narrative, but it doesn’t overshadow the richness of life.
Now I am preparing for the challenge of a lifetime, tackling the 2025 Boston Marathon as a Parkinson’s Champions athlete through the generous support of Team Abbott.
Run as a Parkinson’s Champion today! Help raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular endurance events.
These fundraisers and volunteers inspire us as they passionately spread Parkinson’s awareness and make Parkinson’s Foundation events a success. Meet Cindy, Hailey, Peggy and more community members who help us move toward a cure:
Cindy Builds Community Through Caregiving
Cindy George set out to learn as much as she could about Parkinson’s disease after her husband, Dale, was diagnosed 13 years ago. Together, they have grown their local PD community by starting a support group, participating in Moving Day Salt Lake City and more.
“People with Parkinson’s are superheroes who deserve to be recognized, and that’s what happens at Moving Day. It highlights the importance of exercise for people with Parkinson’s and provides so much education and information.”
Hailey Honors Dad, Rallies Friends through Parkinson’s Revolution
After her dad was diagnosed with PD, Hailey Harn wanted to wanted to find a positive and productive way to channel her energy toward a mission that would make an impact. She was touched when friends and other members of her community wanted to make an impact alongside her.
“Friends enthusiastically joined my team to raise money through Parkinson’s Revolution — we all realized PD touches far more people than we thought. With each donation came a story of a relative, colleague or friend who also had a connection to PD, and gratitude for working toward PD education, care and a cure!”
Peggy Completes 50 Marathons in 50 States to Raise Parkinson’s Awareness
Peggy was halfway to her goal of completing 50 marathons in 50 states when she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. She didn’t let this deter her, and finished her final marathon as a part of Parkinson’s Champions on September 24, 2024.
“I found out during a race, around mile 20 when my gait and balance started to suffer, that I was going to have to work harder to make this goal happen with Parkinson’s. Other concerned racers asked if I needed help or medical attention. I thanked them for their concern and said, ‘This is what Parkinson’s looks like; help us find a cure.’”
Piedmont Fayetteville Unites Parkinson’s Community with First Community Walk
When Evan M. Johnson, MD, MSc, joined Piedmont Fayette Hospital in Fayetteville, GA, as a movement disorders specialist, he told his team his goal was to reach as many people as possible to support those with Parkinson’s and educate others. Organizing a Moving Day Community Walk for Fayetteville allowed them to unite their community and raise almost four times their fundraising goal.
“Community events like this are special moments to recognize and celebrate all individuals who are connected to Parkinson’s. Doing so helps reinforce to patients that they are not alone but are a part of a large community of peers and support.”
Picture this: you are brand new to the field of personal training. You have never in your life met someone with Parkinson’s disease (PD) let alone trained anyone yet. An older woman purchases sessions for her husband who has Parkinson’s and has fallen a few times recently. She chooses you to be his trainer. This is how my story began.
I immediately went to work researching Parkinson’s and exercise, programming sessions to correlate to his goals — reducing falls and better overall movement.
Seeing my client become stronger (gait was better, he was better able to get in and out of a chair), was inspiring.
Members of the YMCA where I work began telling me about their loved ones with PD after observing our sessions, curious about the training.
Now that I realized just how prevalent this disease is, I continued to research and came across a certification program for personal trainers. This allowed me to specialize in Parkinson’s. After I attended the Delay the Disease certification program in Ohio, my clientele with PD grew to 90%.
It’s been more than 13 years now and I’ve seen and worked with it all — young-onset PD to late stage, with and without cognitive decline, people who have had DBS surgery and every symptom.
I’ve taken additional certification courses, including Brain Health Trainer, which allows me to program physical plus cognitive challenges together to boost function. And I started my own LLC.
My programming is a blend of Parkinson’s-specific exercises, including movement/gait training plus other important pieces of the puzzle necessary to allow people to stay independent as long as possible.
I craft personalized exercise programs taking into account the stage of PD, symptoms, prior exercise history and any limitations. As the saying goes, “if you’ve met one person with Parkinson’s, you’ve met one person with Parkinson’s.”
When I think of the words courage and strength, I think of my beautiful mom. Her name is Deanna and at her wise age of 77, she still manages to find ways to inspire me. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) a few years ago after my parents retired and moved to a little beach town in the coast of Ecuador. But you never know what being diagnosed really means until you actually face it.
The first time I saw my mom after her diagnosis, PD became very real. Seeing her unable to control the tremors and drag her feet made her seem so frail. I felt hopeless but my mom doesn’t give up easily and every day she finds ways to feel like herself.
Overcoming the Challenges
To say that witnessing my mom’s battle with PD from thousands of miles away is difficult, is an understatement. I only see my mom once a year and through the physical distance is challenging, our emotional bond has only gotten stronger.
I’m grateful for the small ways I can support her even from afar. Despite everything she’s endured since her diagnosis, my mom refuses to let Parkinson’s define her and embraces every day with a positive attitude. She shares her story to bring awareness and help those who also need the strength not to give up.
My Advice
I am not equipped to offer advice to anyone newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s, but as someone watching her mom manage PD, I can say that showing kindness and patience can be the best act of love. Simple things like signing your name, walking and even talking can be difficult for people with PD. When I’m with my mom I do things at her pace. When we’re on the phone, I take the time to really listen.
Proud of Our Supportive Community
My employer ChromaDex, makers of Tru Niagen, is a pioneer in healthy aging research and a proud sponsor of the Parkinson’s Foundation and I love how supportive they’ve been of my involvement in Parkinson’s initiatives. Working at ChromaDex and having direct access to scientific research on NAD+ has helped me better understand the science behind cellular health and how lifestyle stressors may affect the way we age. It’s given me a new perspective and further motivation to find ways to help my mom.
Through the Parkinson’s Foundation, my mom is able to use their online mobility and education classes since they’re available in multiple languages, including Spanish. These resources have proven to be especially valuable for my mom.
My friend and colleague Suhad, whose father was also affected by PD before his passing in 2015, has joined me as a Parkinson’s Champion to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s research. As we prepare for our 10K run at the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend event in Anaheim, CA, we are most appreciative for all the physical abilities we have that allow us to run and honor our parents today.
After living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) for more than 30 years, I know how it impacts a person’s life and their loved ones.
I first noticed tremors in my arm while participating in a fox hunt. It took more than eight years and several specialist visits to finally confirm my symptoms were a result of Parkinson’s disease.
While my journey has not always been smooth, I’ve found happiness in keeping PD at bay by taking control of my treatment and working to overcome the physical and emotional effects of Parkinson’s. I’ve learned that viewing life through Parkinson’s can help you cherish each positive moment and work toward fulfilling your dreams.
After all I’ve been through with this disease, I want to offer some advice that has worked for me to manage Parkinson’s. I recently wrote “Thirty Years with Parkinson’s Disease The Unscientific Truth” as a free study or self-help guide, using my life experience as an example. If you are interested in reading it, please contact Kelly Austin at kaustin@parkinson.org. Here are some of the thoughts I share in it:
Create an action plan that includes several small steps you can take on gradually.
Be your own advocate. Ask questions and don’t be afraid to question your treatment plan.
Find a quarterback in a doctor, someone who can help you navigate PD.
Determine what matters most to you and those you care about. Use this as a guide for your care plan so that you can achieve your goals and pursue your interests.
Add lots of exercise and mental stimulation into your life to keep your brain and body working. Don’t crawl into a fox hole and never get out.
I would not have been able to fight this disease for so long if it were not for the support of my late wife, Adrienne, my family and my doctor. For more than 20 years, I drove 100 miles to see Dr. Lucien Côté, at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence. He was an incredible man and doctor. He spent so much time with each of his patients, asking them questions and taking meticulous notes and forming treatment plans that were tailored to each patient. I am forever grateful to him, and I miss his kindness, comfort and wisdom.
Explore Parkinson’s Foundation resources for the PD topics and symptoms that matter most to you right now.
I want to learn more >>
I am also grateful for organizations like the Parkinson’s Foundation. Parkinson’s is not episodic, but I’ve found the medical world is set up to treat things in snapshots. That is not how Parkinson’s works, so people are often stuck looking for resources and support themselves. The Parkinson’s Foundation is wonderful because it provides education and helps people navigate the disease to live well. As proof of my gratitude for their educational work, I have made a substantial planned gift to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
I firmly believe every person should have a life, even if they are fighting a disease like PD. I’m very protective of “me” and I don’t let the disease control me. I prioritize exercise and singing in my church choir. I’ve traveled and spent many years riding my motorcycle around the country with my wife. Today I ride a tadpole-configured, fat boy recumbent trike. I have never run from PD. I embrace it and the surprises it brings to my life. I hope these tips help others do the same.
Make a lasting impact with a planned gift to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Learn more at Parkinson.org/PlannedGiving.
From Yoga to Boxing: 10 Fitness Videos to Energize Your At-Home Routine
Research has shown that 2.5 hours of weekly exercise, along with medication, can significantly improve the quality of life for people living with Parkinson's. Our Fitness Friday at-home video series is all about helping people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their loved ones try new exercises that can help with strength, balance and symptom management.
From Yoga and Tai Chi to full body classes, Fitness Friday videos let you choose the workout that works for you. Explore our most popular Fitness Friday workouts below:
1. LSVT BIG Movements
In our all-time most popular Fitness Friday video, follow along with LSVT BIG exercises that focus on making “BIG” movements with your arms, legs and torso in all directions. Learn how to work through the small, slow movements that are common with Parkinson’s.
2. Posture and Strength
Parkinson’s can impact posture, leading to stooped or rounded shoulders or the forward lean of the head or whole body, making you look hunched over. Learn exercises and tips for maintaining posture. Roll through this great workout designed for everyone — take the class standing, seated or both.
3. Non-Contact Boxing
This high-intensity boxing class will help you move with strength. Stretch and warm up and learn boxing training techniques. This class concentrates on improvement and maintenance of proper boxing form and technique with a focus on complex combinations, footwork drills and fall recovery.
4. Tai Chi for PD
In this great introduction to Tai Chi, an internal Chinese martial art, follow along with the slow, rhythmic motions that stretch the muscles and joints. Work on stimulating balance, coordination and mental focus that promotes overall health and well-being.
5. Move to Improve
This video aims to help you feel stronger and more confident with everyday movement. This class incorporates strength, mobility and balance training. Exercises are first done in a seated position then transition to standing.
6. Dance for Parkinson's
Dance/movement therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses movement in all forms. Join a medium intensity, creative dance class that encourages large movements, multi-tasking, dynamic balance, weight shifting and aerobic rhythmic coordination. Grab a sturdy chair for this session.
7. Full Body Workout with InMotion
Join two instructors through an immersive full-body class as they guide you through cardio, strength, balance, agility, brain exercises and flexibility. This immersive and fun workout brings all fitness components together.
8. Gentle Yoga for Parkinson’s
This soothing and supportive gentle yoga class is designed with PD in mind. Through a series of accessible yoga poses and guided meditation, this video focuses on gentle movements, mindful breathing techniques and relaxation exercises to promote flexibility, improve balance and reduce muscle stiffness commonly associated with PD.
9. Strong & Steady
This video focuses on exercises aimed to improve gait mechanics and reduce fall risk. Try standing exercises aimed to help improve posture along with the muscles associated with sound walking mechanics, and gait drills that can help you stand strong and move steadily.
10. Moving for Better Balance
This fun and effective video offers movements to help you become stronger, steadier and safer. These exercises target the specific components of balance that are often impacted by Parkinson’s.
Episode 171: Allied Health Spotlight: Physical Therapy Recommendations for Exercising Safely
Allied health professionals are a group of healthcare providers whose role and expertise complement the work of physicians. These include specialists such as physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, nutritionists, and many more. They are just as important as your Movement Disorders Specialists and Neurologists, and play a vital role in creating a comprehensive, well-rounded Parkinson’s care team that caters to your individual needs and addresses your overall well-being.
In this first episode of our Allied Health Spotlight series, we explore the benefits of including physical therapy in your care plan. Exercise is a vital component for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) to maintain balance, mobility, and activities of daily living. It should be part of the standard practice of care for every person with PD. Research has shown that exercise is the only intervention with the potential to slow the progression of the disease. In this episode, Physical Therapist Patricia Brown, PT, DPT, NCS of Chapman University in California, who specializes in neurologic diseases, discusses some considerations for exercising safely, taking into account the particular needs of people with PD. She also talks about how to get and stay motivated to exercise and where to find classes or programs.
Released: August 13, 2024
Patricia S. Brown, PT, DPT is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy. She has over 30 years of experience in rehabilitation of persons with neurologic health conditions and certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists in Neurology since 1999. Currently, she is an Associate Clinical Professor teaching future health care professionals in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Chapman University’s Rinker Health Science Campus in Irvine, California.
She has a passion for both rehabilitation and wellness applied to those with Parkinson’s disease. She is a certified LSVT BIG clinician and a faculty trainer for LSVT Global. She is also a certified PWR! Clinician, a graduate of the Parkinson’s Foundation Team Training for PD, and a graduate of the Parkinson’s Foundation Faculty Training Workshop. Dr. Brown is currently active with PEP4U, a non-profit providing no-fee exercise, education and social support to people impacted by Parkinson’s disease in Orange County, California.
Across the country and beyond, Parkinson’s Foundation volunteers are going out and making a difference in the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their loved ones. They help us spread awareness and resources to those who need it most.
The dedication from our volunteers is what makes the Parkinson’s Foundation what it is today. We are honored to recognize five exceptional volunteers at the national level, who each received a 2024 volunteer award.
Dr. Reversa Joseph - Great Lakes Chapter
Paul Oreffice Volunteer of the Year
“Volunteering for the Parkinson's Foundation is more than just a commitment; it’s a deeply personal mission. Each effort, whether it’s a presentation, a lecture, or a podcast, is a step towards improving the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s, honoring my father’s struggle, and ensuring that every patient receives the comprehensive, integrative care they deserve.”
“Along the way I have learned that there are many things, tips and tricks that the people who live the best with this disease share: exercise, positive thinking, being around others like themselves and giving back. The Parkinson’s Foundation is a great way to give back.”
As the somber saying goes, a parent should never have to bury their child. But in March 2023 Roland and Shelley Frankel had to do just that. Their son Graeme had been fighting Parkinson’s for five years and passed from an asthma-related emergency. To keep Graeme’s memory alive, the family decided to start a DIY fundraiser with the Parkinson’s Foundation.
“I really enjoy volunteering. I see it as another way to celebrate movement. I move my brain cells around; I motivate my soul to do good things; and volunteering moves forward the search for a cure.”
There are many powerful ways to get involved and support the Parkinson’s Foundation and our work to make life better for people with Parkinson's. Get started with our How You Can Help page. This page will give you options for volunteering, starting your own DIY Fundraiser, or even just donating to the cause.
You can also fill out a volunteer interest form to chat with our volunteer engagement team about how we can best put your skills to use. Help us bring life-saving information and resources to the hands of those who need them most.
