Parkinson’s Awareness Month

April is Parkinson’s Awareness month. This month is all about raising awareness about Parkinson’s and the available resources developed to make life better for people living with Parkinson’s, their care partners, family members and friends.

Did you Know?

April was chosen as Parkinson’s Awareness month to honor James Parkinson and his discoveries. Dr. Parkinson was a neurologist who published a paper in 1817 “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy”. The disease was later named after Dr. Parkinson many years after getting noticed by the medical community. Read the full essay here

The red tulip is the symbol of Parkinson’s Disease. This red tulip was developed by J.W.S. Van der Wereld, a Dutch horticulturist who had Parkinson’s disease. He dedicated and named this tulip for James Parkinson.

There is no standard diagnostic test for Parkinson’s. Many individuals living with Parkinson’s are not diagnosed for several months if not years after noticing their first symptom.

The cause is unknown. Genetics cause about 10 to 15 percent of all Parkinson’s. The other 85 to 90 percent of cases are classified as sporadic (or occasional). Although there is no cure, treatment options vary and include medications, surgery and lifestyle modifications.

Want to know more?

There are a number of great resources on Parkinson’s Disease, and you can learn in a lot of different ways.

DOWNLOADABLE DOCUMENTS

The Parkinson’s Handbook

Published by the American Parkinson Disease Association, 2019

This 48 page handbook provides information about Parkinson’s along with symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Every Victory Counts

Published by the Davis Phinney Foundation, 2019

People living with Parkinson’s, their care partners and families, and friends of those living with Parkinson’s want reliable and practical information that will help them improve their quality of life today and every day.

PODCAST:

Parkinson’s: Substantial Matters

Every other Tuesday, The Parkinson’s Foundation brings you a new episode of Substantial Matters: Life and Science of Parkinson’s. Host Dan Keller, PhD, interviews Parkinson’s experts to highlight the treatments and techniques that can help you live a better life now, as well as the research that can bring a better tomorrow. Episodes focus on a range of topics relevant to your daily life, including new levodopa delivery methods, exercise, clinical trials, nutrition and more!

The Parkinson’s Podcast

The Parkinson’s Podcast™ is produced by the Davis Phinney Foundation and covers topics ranging from Parkinson’s basics to how to talk to kids and families about Parkinson’s to new topics in the field like palliative care and much more.

 

Unleashing the Power of Pickleball for those with Parkinson’s
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Unleashing the Power of Pickleball for those with Parkinson’s

Unveiling the Comprehensive Nature of Parkinson’s Disease: Exploring Motor and Non-Motor Impairments
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Unveiling the Comprehensive Nature of Parkinson’s Disease: Exploring Motor and Non-Motor Impairments

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Parkinson’s Disease and Vision: Navigating Common Visual Problems

Empowering Minds
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Empowering Minds

The Power of Strength Training for Parkinson’s Disease: Enhancing Health and Well-being
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The Power of Strength Training for Parkinson’s Disease: Enhancing Health and Well-being

2023 Navigating the Parkinson’s Path Expo: Insights and Information for Improved Living
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2023 Navigating the Parkinson’s Path Expo: Insights and Information for Improved Living

Women with Parkinson’s Support Group
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Women with Parkinson’s Support Group

Nutritional Superstars for Parkinson’s: The Best Fruits and Veggies
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Nutritional Superstars for Parkinson’s: The Best Fruits and Veggies

The MIND Diet for Parkinson’s
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The MIND Diet for Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s – A Family Affair
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Parkinson’s – A Family Affair

Enjoy the Holidays with Parkinson’s
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Enjoy the Holidays with Parkinson’s

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10 Tips for Care Partners

Celebrate #GivingTuesday 2022
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Celebrate #GivingTuesday 2022

My Story: Dan Bell
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My Story: Dan Bell

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Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s Hosts 4th Annual Navigating the Parkinson’s Path

Dirt Therapy – Benefits of Gardening with Parkinson’s
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Dirt Therapy – Benefits of Gardening with Parkinson’s

SKIN AND PARKINSON’S DISEASE
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SKIN AND PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) FAQs
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Parkinson’s Disease (PD) FAQs

My Story: Bonnie Kays
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My Story: Bonnie Kays

Nutrition and PD
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Nutrition and PD

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Art & Parkinson’s

In February 2019, the Peterson Painters was established. The Peterson Painters is a creative art support group for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners. Lead by program coordinator, Gail Torrence, the Peterson Painters provides a nurturing space where participants learn about various artists, techniques and partake in monthly activities.

The Peterson Painters not only enjoy making art but enjoy sharing their pieces with the community. In April 2019 some of the group painted red tulip bookmarks in honor of Parkinson’s Awareness Month and their collaborative art projects were displayed at the Franklin Art Crawl in October 2019. “Every month I look forward to seeing everyone in this group and catching up. We are helping the brain make new connections through learning new things, and having fun doing it. I am thankful for the support from PFP and providing this opportunity to those living with Parkinson’s and their care partners.” stated Gail Torrence. In addition to watercolor paintings, the painters are dabbling with other art media such as oil pastels, transparent film, and sharpie paints.

The Painters have met in-person every month in 2021 after a long absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During their January class they learned about French artist, Henri Matisse, followed by Marc Chagall in February. The group is learning about artists, styles of art, and art media, but being able to meet in person provides invaluable support from all the participants. An art support group can be beneficial for those living with Parkinson’s as well as for care partners.  For more information on Peterson Painters contact info@petersonforparkinsons.org.

Art-making can be used to address specific symptoms of Parkinson’s.

  • Tremor: Nearly 70% of people living with Parkinson’s experience tremors at some point during their diagnosis. These tremors can worsen with stress, by relaxing one can reduce or soothe tremors. When focusing on a process (art) and not the problem or outcome it enables the central nervous system to calm and lessen the tremor.
  • Freezing: Some people with Parkinson’s experience the temporary, involuntary ability to move, called freezing. When focusing on art, the movements are more deliberate, shifting less from every day “autopilot” movements and help decrease the likelihood of freezing.
  • Impaired Speech: Art making allows individuals the opportunity to express their feelings and thoughts through a creative outlet, increasing self-esteem for patients experiencing speech problems.
  • Isolation and Depression: Depression is a very common symptom of Parkinson’s and the social and emotional connections one forms by sharing a safe, creative space are invaluable for combating isolation and depression.

 

Click here to view more Peterson Painters photos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unleashing the Power of Pickleball for those with Parkinson’s
Blog

Unleashing the Power of Pickleball for those with Parkinson’s

Unveiling the Comprehensive Nature of Parkinson’s Disease: Exploring Motor and Non-Motor Impairments
Blog

Unveiling the Comprehensive Nature of Parkinson’s Disease: Exploring Motor and Non-Motor Impairments

Blog

Parkinson’s Disease and Vision: Navigating Common Visual Problems

Empowering Minds
Uncategorized

Empowering Minds

The Power of Strength Training for Parkinson’s Disease: Enhancing Health and Well-being
Uncategorized

The Power of Strength Training for Parkinson’s Disease: Enhancing Health and Well-being

2023 Navigating the Parkinson’s Path Expo: Insights and Information for Improved Living
Uncategorized

2023 Navigating the Parkinson’s Path Expo: Insights and Information for Improved Living

Women with Parkinson’s Support Group
Uncategorized

Women with Parkinson’s Support Group

Nutritional Superstars for Parkinson’s: The Best Fruits and Veggies
Blog

Nutritional Superstars for Parkinson’s: The Best Fruits and Veggies

The MIND Diet for Parkinson’s
Blog Wellness Matters

The MIND Diet for Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s – A Family Affair
Blog My Story

Parkinson’s – A Family Affair

Enjoy the Holidays with Parkinson’s
Blog

Enjoy the Holidays with Parkinson’s

Uncategorized

10 Tips for Care Partners

Celebrate #GivingTuesday 2022
Blog

Celebrate #GivingTuesday 2022

My Story: Dan Bell
Blog My Story

My Story: Dan Bell

News

Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s Hosts 4th Annual Navigating the Parkinson’s Path

Dirt Therapy – Benefits of Gardening with Parkinson’s
Blog

Dirt Therapy – Benefits of Gardening with Parkinson’s

SKIN AND PARKINSON’S DISEASE
Blog

SKIN AND PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) FAQs
Blog

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) FAQs

My Story: Bonnie Kays
Blog My Story

My Story: Bonnie Kays

Nutrition and PD
Blog

Nutrition and PD

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