American Parkinson Disease Association

10/23/2026

Wondering if physical therapy can help with your Parkinson's symptoms, or how to find a physical therapist near you? Check out our latest "Ask the Physical Therapist" Q&A with Teresa Baker, PT, DPT, for answers to common questions like how to know which exercises are best for PD, how to improve balance, and more!

https://www.apdaparkinson.org/dd-f26-article5/

10/22/2026

Curious about advocacy? It can be a powerful way to find purpose, feel empowered, and take meaningful steps toward positive change for the PD community. But where do you begin? Join us for an engaging panel discussion exploring different ways to get involved. Panelists will share their personal journeys, how they overcame challenges when getting started in advocacy, and the benefits they’ve experienced along the way.

Register to join us on 11/4: https://www.apdaparkinson.org/events/unlocking-strength-within-advocacy-purpose-and-connection/

10/21/2026

What creative activity brings you joy or helps you feel grounded?
Music, painting, dancing, writing… anything that feels meaningful to you.
Share it in the comments — words, pictures, or videos welcome!

10/20/2026

Creative activities like music, dance, writing, and visual art can help people with PD express themselves, connect with others, and support skills like cognition, dexterity, and movement. And you don't need any prior experience or special talent to reap the rewards!

APDA offers a variety of arts-related programs designed for people with PD and their care partners. Learn more about the unique benefits of the creative arts and explore upcoming classes and programs available online and in person through APDA.

https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/creativity-parkinsons-and-artistic-activities/

10/19/2026

Make your voice heard!
Deadline October 26 at 5pm ET

The next meeting of the national Advisory Council on Parkinson’s Research, Care, and Services (ACPRCS) will take place on November 9. Submit a public comment sharing why the National Plan to End PD is critical and personally important to you by 10/26.

How to do it:
- Not sure what to write? Use our template as a starting point, customizing it with your personal experiences and connection to PD. https://www.apdaparkinson.org/template-letter-for-public-comment10_26/
- Email your comment to [email protected]
- Include the phrase “public comment” in both the subject line and the body of the message.

Have questions? Our Public Policy & Advocacy team is here to help! Reach out to [email protected]

10/19/2026

The APDA Massachusetts Chapter is proud to announce that Kristin Stapleton, long-term volunteer with the APDA Massachusetts Chapter, will be honored at this year's Magic of Hope Gala for her exceptional leadership, generosity, and dedication to APDA and the Parkinson's community. Kristin has been involved with APDA since 1995. Serving on the Massachusetts board as a member at large, Vice President and President until 2025.

Kristin has seen the effects of Parkinson's first-hand. Her mother, Sandy Howard, was diagnosed when she was just 48 years old. At the time, Kristin's parents searched for answers. Together with her father, Kirby, she spearheaded the yearly “Putt for Parkinson's” celebrity golf tournament in Wayland. Over its 13-year run, the event raised more than $350,000 to fund research and support families.

“My mother and father got involved with anyone and everyone they could find who knew anything about Parkinson's disease,” Kristin said. “My mother became president of the local support group and [met] with the folks at Boston University Medical Center and the APDA Information and Referral Center. It was this meeting that would forever change my life and would connect me to the world of Parkinson's disease, those living with it, those helping to make living life a little easier with it, and those trying to cure it.”

10/16/2026

Join the APDA Missouri Chapter Friday, 11/6 for an in-person PD Essentials session at our office in Chesterfield!

If you’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the past two years, PD Essentials is a one-hour, educational session where you can ask questions, ease concerns, and get connected to helpful local and national resources.

Register to attend: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/aslc/event/pdessentials-nov62026-inpersoncopy/

10/16/2026

Live from Nepal! Dr. Mark Witcher and Dr. Rajiv Jha will join Dr. Gilbert to share the inspiring story of how the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine Nepal Neurosurgery partnership came to be and about the Nepali people they have helped. They’ll highlight disparities in care across the world and tell how a small group of people can really make a difference.

Surgical treatment for Parkinson’s disease was previously unavailable to this population. All the people of Nepal now have access to world class neurosurgical care, including deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders, regardless of their financial situation.

RSVP to save your spot and get a link to the recording after: https://www.apdaparkinson.org/events/dr-gilbert-hosts-bringing-deep-brain-stimulation-to-the-people-of-nepal/

10/15/2026

📍Attn: Polk County
Join us on Sunday morning, Nov. 15, for the 2026 Polk County Optimism Walk for Parkinson's in Lakeland! Not only will you have the chance to meet your neighbors, get some exercise, and have fun, your fundraising dollars will go directly to the local community. You’ll help us expand programs and services to help more people with Parkinson's disease live life to the fullest, and fund cutting-edge research to find better treatments and ultimately a cure.

The Walk starts at 11:30 am!

Register to join us at http://apda.link/PolkWalk

10/15/2026

La serie Hablemos de Parkinson continúa con un nuevo seminario dedicado a comprender cómo la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) puede afectar la memoria, la atención, la toma de decisiones y otros aspectos del pensamiento.

En esta sesión, los especialistas profundizan en los distintos tipos de cambios cognitivos, cómo se evalúan, qué significan para la vida diaria y qué sabemos hoy sobre las enfermedades neurodegenerativas que pueden coexistir con la EP. Se trata de una conversación clara, accesible y muy útil para quienes viven con esta enfermedad, cuidan de una persona con Parkinson o desean comprender mejor estos desafíos.

En este seminario web, se explicará de manera clara y sencilla cómo la enfermedad de Parkinson puede afectar la cognición, es decir, funciones como la memoria, la atención, la organización, la resolución de problemas y la comunicación. También se hablará sobre cambios que algunas personas p...