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Parkinson's Disease Articles & 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.
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The Miracle Is in the Movement- The Rainbow
By Colleen Bridges, M.Ed, NSCA-CPT, PDFS, Belmont University Occupational Therapy Advisory Board, 2020 MedFit Education Professional of the Year Have you ever stopped to think about how much movement goes into an ordinary day? Before you even leave the house, you may have already rolled over in bed, stood up, walked to the bathroom, stepped into the shower, reached for shampoo, dried your hair, brushed your hair (including the back of your head!), you bent down to put on you
Colleen Bridges
Sep 35 min read
Mirroring The Movement- Part One
If you've taken a class at Bridges for Parkinson’s, you've probably heard me say:
“Watch me.”“Mirror me.” “Move BIG!”“Eyes up!”
You may have even wondered: Why does Coach Colleen make us watch her so much? Is she just showing us how to do the exercise?
Colleen Bridges
Aug 144 min read
The Gut Microbiome’s Connection to Parkinson’s Disease
What is the Gut Microbiome? The gut microbiome is the community of trillions of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses) that live in the digestive tract. These microbes are essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, the immune system, and creating compounds that influence the brain. While the gut microbiome is essential to human life, when it becomes unbalanced, it can promote inflammation and contribute to disease. While a healthy gut microbiome is essential for overa
Kristi Riker
Jul 205 min read
Fall Prevention in Parkinson’s Disease
Fall Risk with PD Fall prevention in Parkinson’s disease is essential, as a higher fall risk can be a daunting and sometimes inevitable part of living with the condition. A comprehensive review found that “45–68% of people with Parkinson's experience at least one fall each year, roughly three times the rate of healthy older adults” (Murueta-Goyena, 0224). Around half of those falls lead to secondary injuries including fractures and head injuries. Those who experienced recurre
Kristi Riker
Jun 296 min read
All About Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
Written by: Kristi Riker OTD, OTR/L What is DBS? “Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has revolutionised treatment of movement disorders over recent decades, providing remarkable relief to patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other profoundly debilitating disorders” (Pycroft, 2018). DBS involves surgically implanting thin electrodes into specific brain regions. The electrodes connect to a small battery-powered device (called an implantable pulse generator) placed below the ski
Kristi Riker
May 277 min read
The Neurological Benefits of Repetition in Parkinson’s Exercise
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 Fighters love to tease me about my inability to count repetitions correctly — and about how many times I make them repeat an exercise during a one-hour class! And honestly… they’re not wrong. The counting? That’s just a busy mind trying to keep up with
Colleen Bridges
May 224 min read
Apathy and Dopamine
Written by: Kristi Riker OTD, OTR/L What is apathy? Apathy is defined as, “a loss of motivation leading to a reduction in goal-directed behaviors” (Béreau, 2023). Apathy, which often shows up in Parkinson's disease, isn’t just “feeling lazy” or even necessarily feeling sad. Apathy occurs when the brain’s motivation system gets dialed down. This causes a desire to act without internal push to do so. This is heavily tied to the brain’s dopamine pathways or "reward circuit.” Do
Kristi Riker
May 95 min read
“Walking, Pickleball, and the Gym—So Why a Parkinson’s Program?”
Activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, or traditional group exercise classes don’t consistently target the underlying neurological symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as bradykinesia (slowness of movement), balance deficits, coordination challenges, and cognitive-motor integration.
Colleen Bridges
Apr 243 min read
Stretching, Yoga, and Tai Chi
Early signs of Parkinson’s disease can begin years—even decades—before diagnosis, often appearing as subtle changes like loss of smell, sleep disturbances, or mood shifts. This article explores key early warning signs and emerging research, including the “gut-first” theory, highlighting how earlier recognition may open the door to earlier treatment and improved outcomes.
Colleen Bridges
Apr 113 min read
Parkinson’s Disease: Early Warning Signs
Early signs of Parkinson’s disease can begin years—even decades—before diagnosis, often appearing as subtle changes like loss of smell, sleep disturbances, or mood shifts. This article explores key early warning signs and emerging research, including the “gut-first” theory, highlighting how earlier recognition may open the door to earlier treatment and improved outcomes.
Kristi Riker
Mar 283 min read
The Science Behind Cardio and Parkinson’s
Aerobic exercise does more than strengthen the heart — it fuels the brain. This article breaks down the science behind cardio’s role in improving cognition, supporting neuroplasticity, and protecting bone health for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.
Colleen Bridges
Mar 73 min read
Energy and Fatigue
Written by: Kristi Riker OTD, OTR/L Fatigue in PD is characterized by an abnormal lack of energy and difficulty initiating or sustaining both physical and mental activities. Though this symptom is often overlooked and requires more research, it is highly prevalent , affecting an estimated 36-60% of people with PD. Fatigue often presents as a distinct overwhelming sense of exhaustion that is not proportional to activity level. Fatigue can still be debilitating even with wis
Kristi Riker
Feb 275 min read
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
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