By: Mallory Bachmann When Lena Loyd arrived on campus her freshman year, she knew college would require a new level of independence. What she did not anticipate was how often she would draw on the self-advocacy skills she developed while learning to manage Tourette syndrome. When the Symptoms Began Halfway…
By: Meredith Bauer-Mitchell and Eva Sailly A major challenge with Parkinson’s disease is managing tremors. Typically, one way they are treated is by taking medications that increase dopamine. But what if instead, the prescription could be a plate of beans? That’s what researchers at the University of…
By: Grace Huff GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Long-term exposure to common air pollutants may increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease-related dementia and Lewy body dementia, according to new research led by University of Florida Health. The study, published May 14 in JAMA Network Open, examined whether exposure to fine particulates…
As Parkinson’s Awareness Month comes to a close, the need for education, support and connection continues year-round. Whether you are living with Parkinson’s, caring for someone who is, or simply looking to learn more, having access to trusted resources can make a meaningful difference. Below are a few organizations and…
By: Grace Huff At the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, research fellow A. Enrique Martinez-Nunez, M.D., Movement Disorders neurologist and ALS research fellow, is working to answer one of the most urgent questions in neurodegenerative disease: why does ALS progress differently from one patient to another?…
By: Mallory Bachmann GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Whether it’s the simple tick of a metronome or the thumping bassline in a disco classic, not all beats are created equal. A University of Florida Health research team that tested how rhythmic cues influence walking found that both those with Parkinson’s disease and…
Promoting Awareness Marketing Toolkit The Parkinson’s Foundation is working hard to spread awareness about Parkinson’s disease throughout Parkinson’s Awareness…
By: Grace Huff Lourdes “Lou” Dosal standing beside Kelly Foote, M.D., and Michael Okun, M.D. For most of her life, Lourdes “Lou” Dosal never had to think about movement. She navigated boats to the Bahamas, played tennis and helped her sons as they became parents. Her body responded without hesitation, …
By: Mallory Bachmann Parkinson’s disease is widely recognized for its motor symptoms, including tremors, bradykinesia and rigidity. But for many people, symptoms may actually begin in the gut. Gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, abdominal discomfort and reduced gastric motility are increasingly believed to appear years before a formal diagnosis. For …
By: Grace Huff December is a time for family, friends and loved ones to gather together and celebrate the holiday season. From traveling to see relatives, attending parties or simply enjoying traditions at home, the holidays bring many meaningful moments. For those living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), these activities can…
