Articles on Parkinson's Disease & Symptom Management

Our collection of resources features in-depth articles on Parkinson’s Disease designed to inform, inspire, and empower those living with the condition, along with their families, caregivers, and supporters.

From recent research to practical tips for daily living, our Parkinson’s Disease articles cover a wide range of topics, including symptom management, exercise benefits and nutrition guidance. These articles offer valuable insights to help you navigate your journey with confidence.

What are the Best Exercises for Parkinson’s Disease?

Written by: Colleen Bridges, M.Ed, NSCA-CPT, PDFS, Belmont University Occupational Therapy Advisory Board, 2020 MedFit Education Professional of the Year & Renee Rouleau- M.S. Neuroscience and Bridges for Parkinson’s Medical Science Advisor Parkinson’s affects how the brain communicates with the entire body. It doesn’t impact one muscle or one movement For this reason, the most effective exercise for Parkinson’s must be comprehensive, including: Cardio Strength Balance Movem

Colleen Bridges

Feb 134 min read

Communication

Written By: Kristi Riker OTD, OTR/L Parkinson’s disease can affect communication in a few very specific (and frustrating) ways because it impacts both verbal on nonverbal communication skills. Both of these types of communication rely on precise timing, appropriate force (loud vs soft, big vs small gestures), smooth starting/stopping of movement, and automatic control. PD primarily affects motor regulation , so anything that depends on coordinated movement gets hit—includin

Kristi Riker

Feb 66 min read

How Often Should Someone With Parkinson’s Exercise? (And Why Frequency Matters)

Written by: Colleen Bridges M.Ed, NSCA-CPT, PDFS, Belmont University Occupational Therapy Advisory Board, 2020 MedFit Education Professional of the Year & Renee Rouleau- M.S. Neuroscience and Bridges for Parkinson’s Medical Science Advisor One of the most common questions I am asked is: “How many days a week should I exercise if I have Parkinson’s?” The answer may surprise you—but it’s also empowering. 5 to 6 days per week. This isn’t about overdoing it or pushing your body t

Colleen Bridges

Jan 313 min read

Bridges for Parkinson’s Exercise Prescription You Can ALL Swallow!

Written by: Colleen Bridges, M.Ed, NSCA-CPT, PDFS, Belmont University Occupational Therapy Advisory Board, 2020 MedFit Education Professional of the Year Exercise Is Medicine: Introducing the Bridges for Parkinson’s Exercise Prescription Happy New Year! As we step into 2026, our theme at Bridges for Parkinson’s is simple yet powerful: The miracle is in the movement. Every single week, my team and I witness countless “miracles” that occur because of one thing—your commitment

Colleen Bridges

Jan 242 min read

Parkinson’s Disease and Memory Problems — Part 2

Why Memory Feels Different with PD Written by: Kristi Riker, OTD, OTR/L Living with memory changes in Parkinson’s can make everyday tasks feel harder than they used to—but cognitive changes do not mean cognitive decline is inevitable. The brain is remarkably adaptable, even with Parkinson’s. With the right strategies, structure, and movement, it is possible to support memory, improve thinking efficiency, and reduce the daily mental load that so often leads to frustration and

Kristi Riker

Jan 164 min read

Parkinson’s Disease and Memory Problems — Part 1

Why Memory Feels Different with Parkinson's Disease Written by: Kristi Riker, OTD, OTR/L If you live with Parkinson’s disease (PD), you may notice changes in how your brain processes information. Many people describe experiences such as: “I know it, but I can’t recall it quickly.” “I lost my train of thought.” “My brain just feels slow.” These changes can be frustrating and concerning—but they are also very common in Parkinson’s. Importantly, they do not always mean true memo

Kristi Riker

Jan 103 min read

Caffeine, Coffee and Parkinson’s- Friend or Foe?

Written By: Renee Rouleau- M.S. Neuroscience and Bridges for Parkinson’s Medical Science Advisor I could never live without my coffee machine at home, and I know many of you can relate! Coffee, espresso, and even tea have become daily (or more-than-daily) rituals for many of us—sometimes starting as early as our teenage years. Interestingly, several studies have found that people who regularly drank coffee earlier in life may have a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s diseas

Renee Rouleau

Dec 26, 20253 min read

Hydration, Dehydration, and Aspiration in Parkinson’s Disease - Challenges and Solutions

Written By: Renee Rouleau- M.S. Neuroscience and Bridges for Parkinson’s Medical Science Advisor As we’ve learned throughout the year, Parkinson’s disease (PD) presents many challenges beyond the well-known motor symptoms. One of the most overlooked, but potentially dangerous, issues is dehydration. Individuals living with PD often consume less fluid than people without PD (Sleeman et al., 2025), which can amplify existing symptoms and significantly affect overall health. Und

Renee Rouleau

Dec 5, 20254 min read

Nervous System Regulation

Written By: Kristi Riker OTD, OTR/L Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder, meaning it impacts the nervous system both physically and emotionally . Most people think of PD as a ‘movement disorder’, but the emotional system is just as affected. This article will focus on the ways PD affects the part of the nervous system in charge of emotional regulation and executive functioning . What is the nervous system? The nervous system is the body’s communication network —

Kristi Riker

Nov 28, 20255 min read

Fall Prevention in Parkinson’s Disease: This Fall, Don’t Fall!

Colleen Bridges M.Ed , NSCA-CPT, PDFS, Belmont University Occupational Therapy Advisory Board and founder of Bridges for Parkinson’s Fitness and Wellness Program Fall season brings cooler weather, holiday gatherings, and plenty of reasons to celebrate—but it also brings a surprising rise in fall-related injuries. As days get shorter and environments get busier, balance challenges can increase, especially for older adults. But here’s the good news: falls are not inevitable. W

Colleen Bridges

Nov 15, 20253 min read

Nootropics, Red Light Therapy, and Adaptogens in Parkinson’s Disease: “Separating Hope from Hype”

Written By: Renee Rouleau- M.S. Neuroscience and Bridges for Parkinson’s Medical Science Advisor Social media is full of wellness influencers promising that certain supplements or gadgets can “boost brain power” or even “reverse Parkinson’s Disease.” Buzzwords like nootropics , red light therapy , and adaptogens pop up everywhere. For people living with Parkinson’s, these claims can sound encouraging—but it’s essential to look past the marketing and understand what the scien

Renee Rouleau

Nov 15, 20253 min read

Caring for Care Partners

Written By: Kristi Riker OTD, OTR/L Care Partner Burnout: Studies show that care partners of individuals with PD are at a higher risk for mental health struggles such as anxiety and depression. This may be due to the pressure of their many responsibilities, concern for the health of their loved one, stress over healthcare finances, neglect of their own health to prioritize others, and many other reasons. A care partner’s mental health state is also highly correlated with the

Kristi Riker

Nov 6, 20255 min read

The Truth About Social Media Trends in Parkinson’s Disease

Written By: Renee Rouleau- M.S. Neuroscience and Bridges for Parkinson’s Medical Science Advisor Are you hooked on social media? How many of you spend time scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok? If you do, chances are you’ve seen a flood of health claims—posts promising that you’ll feel amazing in under two weeks if you just buy a recipe book, drink cherry juice by the gallon, sip probiotic sodas, or load up on electrolytes. If you're living with Parkinson’s Diseas

Renee Rouleau

Oct 25, 20253 min read