Every six minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD). That’s 90,000 people every year. 

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month and the Parkinson’s Foundation encourages you to take just six minutes to learn how to live better with PD. 

AFTER A PD DIAGNOSIS

A recent study found:

• Age is the biggest risk factor, with most cases occurring in people 65 and older
• Men are more likely to develop PD than women

A Parkinson’s diagnosis can feel overwhelming. But understanding your options, setting goals and building a care team can make it more manageable.

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment. Most people take medications to address dopamine deficiency in the brain—often the cause of many PD symptoms. Treatment may also include physical, occupational, speech or mental health therapy.

Take six minutes to explore resources for those newly diagnosed at Parkinson.org/NewlyDiagnosed

LIFESTYLE MATTERS

Exercise is a powerful tool in managing PD. Just 2.5 hours of activity each week can improve mobility, balance and even non-movement symptoms like depression and constipation.

A healthy diet is also important. Some foods may help ease symptoms and brain health, while others can affect the way medications work. Anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, oily fish and berries can support brain health. Small nutrition tweaks may ease constipation, fatigue, sleep issues and other symptoms.

Take six minutes to find a fun, healthy recipe. 

STAY CONNECTED

More than 1 million people in the U.S. live with Parkinson’s—a number expected to grow to 1.2 million by 2030.

Get involved with the PD community and build your support network by finding PD-specific wellness and exercise classes or joining a local support group.

Take six minutes to connect with a local support group or chapter or sign up for a virtual or in-person event at Parkinson.org.

HOW TO TAKE ACTION

This April, help raise awareness and share resources that could change someone’s life. Take six minutes to:

• Sign up for a webinar at Parkinson.org
• Call the Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (273-4636) or email [email protected].
• Share your connection to Parkinson’s at Parkinson.org/MyPDStory
• For more resources at Parkinson.org/Awareness or ParkinsonRockies.org
• Sign up for a local Rock Steady Boxing class—available in Delta and Fruita! Learn more at RockSteadyBoxing.org