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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.
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Fall Prevention
Fall Risk with PD Higher fall risk is a daunting but sometimes inevitable part of life when living with Parkinson’s disease. 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 recurrent falls reported a wide range about 5-60 fall
Kristi Riker
Jun 295 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
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
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