Ally

Do you have a medical alert device? Do you have questions about which device is the right one for you? Listen to this flash briefing of a column by Lori DePorter all about the different medical alert devices that are available to help people with Parkinson’s disease.

Which type of device are you most interested in and why? Do you have any…[Read more]

Living with Parkinson’s can sometimes feel like facing the impossible every single day. That’s a perspective Dr. C shares in this flash briefing.

Can you relate to Dr. C’s perspective? Do you think living with Parkinson’s has made you more comfortable with or resilient in the face of the impossible? Why or why not?

Have you heard that sweet marjoram team – when combined with other medications – may lessen Parkinson’s symptoms? Listen to this flash briefing to learn more about initial research into this alternative treatment.

Have you tried sweet marjoram tea? Did you notice a difference in your symptoms? If you haven’t tried it, after listening to this…[Read more]

Have you ever wondered how research grants are awarded? Well, the Adira Foundation has a new opportunity for people with neurodegenerative diseases and their caregivers to join a grant proposal review committee. Listen to this flash briefing to learn more about how you can get involved.

Does this opportunity interest you? Have you ever been…[Read more]

Do you remember what your earliest Parkinson’s symptom was? Did you suspect it was Parkinson’s at the time?

In this flash briefing, Jo Gambosi recalls some of her sister’s earliest Parkinson’s symptoms, which at the time she dismissed as normal signs of aging (or wasn’t aware they were happening until someone pointed them out).

How…[Read more]

When you were first diagnosed with Parkinson’s, what is some of the advice you heard from others in the community? From your physician or movement disorders specialist? What about other people in your life? (E.g., pastor, boss, friends and family.)

Was any of the advice really helpful? Was any of it the opposite of helpful? What do you wish you…[Read more]

Are you newly diagnosed? Have you recently moved to a new community? Or are you simply looking for great Parkinson’s care? Check out this flash briefing about what to look for in a top Parkinson’s center.

What do you recommend people look for in a Parkinson’s center? What do you like about your center, if you have one? What are some things…[Read more]

Some people with Parkinson’s embrace being called a ‘Parkie’, while others hate the term. How do you feel? Does the meaning of the word change depending on who is using it?

Check out this flash briefing of a column by Mary Beth Skylis in which she thinks about taking a sensitive, nuanced approach to Parkinson’s-related language and share your p…[Read more]

Artificial intelligence (AI) is permeating every aspect of life, and this is especially true in health care. How would you feel if an algorithm could predict how your Parkinson’s disease will progress? Scientists are getting close to this being possible. Listen to this flash briefing to learn more.

How do you feel about this news? Are you…[Read more]

I’m not sure about where you live, but in Ontario, a fourth wave of COVID is looming on the horizon, and I’m nervous the government will shut down gyms again. Thankfully, this time, I’m prepared. My partner and I invested in a bunch of at-home gym equipment last fall/winter. We have a bench, adjustable weights, yoga mats, a kettle bell, a jump…[Read more]

Are you planning to take any trips now that things are starting to open up again? Listen to this flash briefing of a column by Lori DePorter with her top tips for for letting go of the plan and enhancing the adventure while traveling with Parkinson’s.

August is typically the hottest month of the year where I live, and this year is no different. I think the high today was 27 degree Celsius (80.6 degree Fahrenheit).

Does the heat/humidity affect your Parkinson’s symptoms? If yes, how? Do you have any tips for staying cool during the summer?

As a caregiver, do you find it difficult to set boundaries (emotionally, physically or in other ways) with the person you’re providing care for? Why do you think that is?

If you are someone who has some skill at setting boundaries with loved with ones, do you have any advice for people who struggle with it?

How do you feel about asking for help?

Does asking for help hurt your pride, or are you past that now?

What is the most unusual or memorable thing you’ve ever had to ask for help with?

Life with a chronic illness is accompanied by many emotions, and one of the most prevalent for many people is grief.

After hearing your diagnosis, did you grieve the life you thought you’d live? Do you feel like you’re grieving now? Have you found any support groups, books, or other supports that have helped you process this difficult…[Read more]

Do you ever struggle with feeling motivated to stretch or exercise? Do you have any tips for getting started when you just want to veg out and relax? What are some fun alternatives to a traditional workout that can get you moving when you’re in the mood for something different than your typical fitness routine?

In a recent column, Mary Beth Skylis wrote about visiting her parents for the first time in a few months and being taken aback by signs of ageing in both of them. Of particular concern is her mom’s declining health, because her mom is also the primary caregiver for Mary Beth’s dad who has Parkinson’s. You can listen to this column as a flash…[Read more]

How has going on vacation changed since you were diagnosed with Parkinson’s? Have you ventured out on any big adventures? How did you and your caregiver/family prepare beforehand to ensure it was an enjoyable experience? Do you have any tips for traveling with PD to share?

Happy Canada Day to our Canadian members!

Happy Independence Day/Fourth of July to our American members who will be celebrating this weekend!

How will you be spending this holiday long weekend? Do you go camping? BBQ? Set off fireworks?

Whatever you get up to, I hope it’s a happy, safe and fun time!

How often do you take breaks from caring for your loved one with Parkinson’s? Are you able to take time away for yourself on a regular schedule (for example, once a month or every quarter) or do you often go long stretches without a break? What do you need from a caregiving break to feel like it’s actually restful and restorative?

On a related…[Read more]