Reframing Your Thoughts with Mindfulness
Substantial Matters: Life & Science of Parkinson’s
Release Date: 01/28/2025
¡EN ESPAÑOL! Envejecer juntos en casa: Apoyo a aliados en el cuidado y familias
Substantial Matters: Life & Science of Parkinson’s
Noviembre es el Mes Nacional de Cuidadores Familiares, una época para honrar a quienes cuidan desinteresadamente de sus seres queridos. Este año, la Parkinson's Foundation destaca las diversas experiencias de los cuidadores dentro de la comunidad de la enfermedad de Parkinson y más allá con nuestro tema: Cuidado real. En cualquier lugar. Cuidar de una persona con Parkinson significa prestar mucha atención, no sólo a los síntomas y las necesidades de su ser querido, sino también a su propio bienestar. Formar un equipo de apoyo, ya sea apoyándose en la familia, los vecinos o los...
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Finding Relief: Bladder Issues in Parkinson’s
Substantial Matters: Life & Science of Parkinson’s
Many people with Parkinson’s disease experience urinary or bladder issues at some point in their journey. These symptoms can take different forms and may affect people differently based on gender. Recognizing the signs is the first step toward understanding how to manage them and when to seek care. In this episode, Dr. Ankita Gupta, MD, MPH, FACOG, a urogynecologist at University of Louisville Hospital, talks about common bladder issues in Parkinson’s, such as urinary frequency, urgency, and nocturia. She explains how these symptoms can affect quality of life and even contribute to...
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Stories From Our Volunteers
Substantial Matters: Life & Science of Parkinson’s
Our Parkinson’s Foundation are the backbone of our outreach, bringing awareness about Parkinson’s disease (PD) directly into local communities. From leading community walks, to staffing tables at resource fairs, to starting meaningful conversations about the urgency of PD -- there are many ways to get involved with the Foundation. Each of our ambassadors has their own story and special reason for choosing to volunteer with us. In this special episode, we speak with Holly Bloom, who was recently recognized as a Rising Star in the South Central Chapter. She shares her volunteer experience...
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Allied Health Spotlight: Partnering with an Occupational Therapist
Substantial Matters: Life & Science of Parkinson’s
are a group of healthcare providers whose role and expertise complement the work of physicians. They 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 attends to your individual needs and addresses your overall well-being. Many people are familiar with physical and speech therapists, but fewer recognize the valuable benefits of working with an...
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What to Know Before Taking Nutritional Supplements for Parkinson’s
Substantial Matters: Life & Science of Parkinson’s
People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) may hear, whether through word of mouth or the internet, about herbs or supplements that claim to ease PD symptoms. It’s important to recognize that nutritional supplements are not federally regulated, and there is limited research supporting their overall effectiveness. You should always speak with your healthcare provider before starting a new medication or supplement. Nutritional supplements can include herbs, vitamins, or other drugs that are often available without a prescription. Since these products are not formally regulated, there is a...
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Make Every Minute Count: Optimizing Your Parkinson’s Doctor Visits
Substantial Matters: Life & Science of Parkinson’s
Medical appointments can feel overwhelming – there may be many questions on your mind and not enough time to address everything with your doctor. Preparing a list of questions and concerns ahead of time can help you focus on what matters most to you and ensure you’re actively advocating for your care. To support this process, the Parkinson’s Foundation created a that offers a step-by-step guide for identifying and prioritizing your top concerns. Advocating for yourself during appointments can be challenging, and at times, uncomfortable. Speaking up is essential to make sure your...
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¡EN ESPAÑOL! Paso a paso: encontrar el equilibrio con Parkinson
Substantial Matters: Life & Science of Parkinson’s
Las caídas y son frecuentes en el Parkinson, sobre todo a medida que avanza la enfermedad. Estos síntomas pueden dificultar las tareas diarias al afectar su capacidad para caminar y moverse con confianza. Comprender cómo afecta el Parkinson al equilibrio y reconocer otras posibles causas es esencial para encontrar las estrategias adecuadas para controlar los síntomas, mejorar la movilidad y mantener la independencia. En este episodio, hablamos con el Dr. Daniel Martinez Ramirez, neurólogo especialista en trastornos del movimiento en Nuevo León, México. El Dr....
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Understanding Depression, Anxiety, and Apathy
Substantial Matters: Life & Science of Parkinson’s
Depression, anxiety, and apathy are common symptoms that are often overlooked in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Nearly half of those living with PD are likely to experience depression or anxiety at some point, but these non-motor symptoms often go unrecognized and undertreated. Because their signs can overlap and mimic one another, it can be challenging to pinpoint exactly what someone is going through. Depression is known for feelings of persistent sadness or hopelessness. Anxiety might look like constant worry, excessive nervousness, or getting upset easily. Apathy, which is...
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Maintaining Independence When Living Alone with Parkinson’s
Substantial Matters: Life & Science of Parkinson’s
Living alone with Parkinson’s disease (PD) presents daily challenges, but it also offers certain benefits, such as the independence to control your own schedule. Whether you choose to live alone, or find that nearby friends and family aren’t as close as you would like, there are resources to support you. Living alone can also bring physical and emotional hurdles. You may experience feelings of isolation or loneliness, and everyday tasks like cooking and cleaning can become more difficult while juggling PD symptoms. There are strategies that can help you feel...
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¡EN ESPAÑOL! Consejos prácticos y recursos para vivir bien con Parkinson
Substantial Matters: Life & Science of Parkinson’s
de la Parkinson’s Foundation cuenta con personal de enfermería, trabajadores sociales y educadores de la salud. Están disponibles por teléfono y correo electrónico para responder a sus preguntas e inquietudes acerca de la enfermedad de Parkinson, tanto en inglés como en español. Nuestros especialistas de la Línea de Ayuda responden llamadas de personas de toda la comunidad de Parkinson, incluyendo a quienes viven con la enfermedad, sus seres queridos, proveedores de atención médica y más. Ofrecen apoyo y recomiendan los recursos que más le interesan, sin importar dónde se...
info_outlineMindfulness is the intentional act of paying attention to one’s body, sensations, thoughts, feelings, or surroundings in the present moment, without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can give a sense of calm, help manage pain, reduce stress, and improve clarity and mental well-being. In being aware of and calmly accepting feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations in a non-judgmental way, individuals can reshape their thoughts and expectations into something more manageable. For people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), mindfulness is particularly good for reducing anxiety and depression, as well as coping with daily stressors.
In this episode, Crista Ellis, Senior Community Program Manager with the Parkinson’s Foundation and a certified yoga and meditation educator, describes what mindfulness is, how easy it is to practice in a short amount of time, and how it can benefit people with PD. She also leads us through a brief mindfulness practice for listeners to participate in.
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