American Parkinson Disease Association

08/28/2026

The second Advisory Council on Parkinson’s Research, Care, and Services (ACPRCS) took place this past Monday, August 24. Below are key takeaways and next steps, including ways for YOU to have a say in the Council’s efforts to develop a national strategy to prevent, diagnose, treat, and ultimately cure Parkinson’s disease (PD).

The meeting featured:
· Presentations from non-profit organizations (including APDA) focused on PD and related disorders
· An update on the federal inventory of Parkinson’s programs
· Updates from the Research & Regulatory Program Subcommittee and the Care, Services, & Supports Subcommittee
· People living with PD shared moving and inspirational personal stories and urged the Council to address the non-motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s, engage in policy efforts to ensure timely delivery of PD medication, and the need to invest in disease-modifying treatment.

Read the full meeting recap here: https://www.apdaparkinson.org/apda-advances-parkinsons-priorities/ and join us for the next ACPRCS meeting on November 9!

08/28/2026

Communication changes are common in Parkinson’s — but they don’t have to limit connection, confidence, or participation in daily life.

As part of our four‑week workshop series, PD Voice Lab, speech‑language pathologist Sarah Awde is helping participants build their own personalized voice and speech home‑practice program, step by step, working together as a group.

🎥 Watch Session 4: Fight Against Facial Masking today to learn practical strategies to strengthen facial expression, boost communication confidence, and support more meaningful interactions every day.

About the Series: Communication changes are common in Parkinson’s —...

08/26/2026

We are thrilled to congratulate Dr. David Standaert on his well-earned and exciting promotion to Vice President for Research at University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) UAB Medicine UAB Department of Neurology.

Dr. Standaert is the chair of APDA’s esteemed Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), a renowned neurologist and researcher. He is a tremendous advocate for the PD community and truly dedicated to pushing PD research forward. Dr. Standaert also sits on our national board of directors.

We are not only lucky to have him as partner in the fight against PD, but so grateful to consider him part of our APDA family!

Learn more about all our accomplished Scientific Advisory Board members here: https://www.apdaparkinson.org/about-apda/scientific-advisory-board/

08/26/2026

Available now! Session 2 of our free training course, Bridging Mental Health and Parkinson’s Care: A Training Course for Mental Health Practitioners, is now open.

This session, called Mental Health & PD, offers practical guidance for addressing depression, anxiety, and apathy in people with Parkinson’s. You’ll learn clinical approaches to treatment and best practices for therapy interventions.

🧠 The five‑part series gives mental health practitioners deeper insight into the emotional experience of people with PD, the needs of care partners, and strategies to strengthen your clinical skills and provide more compassionate, informed support.

It's not too late to enroll and review Session 1. The full course is free, and each session offers one CE credit.

Learn more: https://www.apdaparkinson.org/training-course-for-mental-health-practitioners/

08/24/2026

We’re proud to announce the launch of APDA’s new Spanish‑language microsite, which expands access to trusted information and resources for Spanish-speaking people living with Parkinson’s disease, care partners, and families.

The new microsite builds on APDA’s existing Spanish-language resources and website content, providing a more extensive collection of essential, up-to-date information. All materials have been carefully translated by APDA’s Spanish-speaking staff to ensure they are linguistically accurate and culturally relevant.

On the microsite, you’ll find:
🩺 Information about PD symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and more
🧘 Guidance for living well with PD, with a focus on nutrition, exercise, mental health, therapies, and other topics
🌐 Educational webinars and resources, including downloadable publications and the free APDA Symptom Tracker App
💞 APDA programs, support groups, and ways to stay connected

Check it out today! www.apdaparkinson.org/es
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Nos place anunciar el lanzamiento de la nueva página web en español de la APDA, la cual amplía el acceso a información y recursos confiables para las personas de habla hispana que viven con la enfermedad de Parkinson, al igual para sus cuidadores y familiares.

La nueva página complementa los recursos y contenidos web en español que la APDA ya ofrece, brindando una colección más extensa de información esencial y actualizada. Todos los materiales han sido cuidadosamente traducidos por el personal hispanohablante de la APDA para garantizar su precisión lingüística y relevancia cultural.

En la página encontrará:
🩺 Información sobre los síntomas, el diagnóstico y las opciones de tratamiento de la enfermedad de Parkinson, entre otros temas
🧘 Orientación para vivir bien con la enfermedad, con énfasis en la nutrición, el ejercicio, la salud mental, las terapias y más
🌐 Seminarios web educativos y recursos, publicaciones descargables y la aplicación gratuita de la APDA para el seguimiento de síntomas (Symptom Tracker App)
💞 Programas de la APDA, grupos de apoyo y la manera de mantenerse conectado a su comunidad

¡Visítelo hoy mismo! www.apdaparkinson.org/es

08/24/2026

Join long-time Yoga for PD instructor Peter Lynch on Tuesdays from 1:30–3:00pm PT for live Zoom classes. Yogis of all abilities are welcome, there is something for everyone. Gain a greater sense of well-being and movement through increased flexibility, strength, breath and balance. Register once and join every week!

Yoga for PD classes are brought to you by the APDA Northwest Chapter: https://www.apdaparkinson.org/events/yoga-for-people-with-parkinsons-disease/

08/21/2026

New webinar recording now available! Deep brain stimulation (DBS), focused ultrasound (FUS), and stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) are evolving fast — and it's great news for people with PD!

If you or a loved one is exploring treatment options for PD, this session is a clear, easy way to understand:

What these procedures are and how they work
Which symptoms they may help — and which they don’t
How to know if you’re a candidate
Where these treatments are offered
…and more.

🎥 Watch the full recording of Dr. Gilbert Hosts: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), Focused Ultrasound (FUS) & Stereotactic Radiotherapy for PD here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIZIhsX7mMM

08/20/2026

🚨 Deadline is 8/22 — make you voice heard!
Act fast to submit a public comment for the next Advisory Council on Parkinson’s Research, Care, and Services (ACPRCS) by this Saturday, 8/22. They are collecting comments in advance of the next ACPRCS meeting on Monday, 8/24.

Submit a public comment at http://apda.link/CouncilComment

You can also read a recap of the last meeting from Amy Bany Adams of NINDS here: http://apda.link/CouncilRecap

08/19/2026

Don't forget to register for the 4th Annual APDA Virtual Parkinson’s Conference: Educate, Empower, Engage! It's a FREE two-day virtual event for people with Parkinson’s disease, care partners, friends, family, and anyone who wants to learn more. Reserve your spot today to join us online September 16-17.
The first 100 people to register are entered to win prizes! https://www.apdaparkinson.org/events/the-4th-annual-apda-virtual-parkinsons-conference/

08/18/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bill Rasmussen, founder of ESPN, longtime friend of APDA, and a dedicated ambassador for the Parkinson’s disease community.

After publicly disclosing his PD diagnosis in 2019, Bill used his voice and platform to raise awareness, inspire optimism, and help others affected by the disease. Around that time, APDA’s Dr. Gilbert had the opportunity to interview Bill, and he shared this advice for anyone living with PD:

“Some people hear the word Parkinson’s and they think, ‘Life’s over. I can’t do anything else.’ And that’s far from the truth. Don’t let your brain say, ‘That’s the end. I can’t do anything.’ Let your brain take the challenge and say, ‘Now what can I do? What do I have to change so I can continue to live a healthy and positive life?’ Giving up is not an option, and I think a positive attitude is what counts.”

Our heartfelt condolences are with Bill’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. We are truly honored that APDA has been designated for memorial gifts in lieu of flowers.

Learn more about Bill’s remarkable life and legacy: https://espnpressroom.com/press-release/espn-founder-bill-rasmussen-dies-at-93/

Pictured: Bill Rasmussen with APDA Regional Director Jean Allenbach.