Fatigue is a common and often debilitating symptom for people living with Parkinson’s disease, affecting their quality of life significantly. Unlike ordinary tiredness, the fatigue associated with PD can be overwhelming, making it difficult for individuals to perform even simple tasks. The Impact of Fatigue on People Living with PD Fatigue is one of the most common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, with studies suggesting it affects up to 50% of individuals with PD. Fatigue may occur at any stage of Parkinson’s disease, and many people report it significantly impacts their daily rout ..read more

According to a 2020 study, pneumonia is the leading cause of death and the most common reason for hospital admissions in people living with Parkinson’s disease. Understanding the connection between Parkinson’s disease and pneumonia, including its causes, treatments, and the latest research, is vital for improving care and outcomes for individuals living with PD. Connection Between Parkinson’s Disease and Pneumonia Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder affecting movement and causing symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement). As the dise ..read more

As Parkinson’s disease progresses, the accompanying symptoms may impact an individual’s ability to drive. This can be a sensitive and sometimes tricky topic. Since driving is associated with independence, people living with PD may view restrictions to driving as a further narrowing of their freedoms. Fortunately, many people with Parkinson’s can continue driving safely for years, especially in the early stages of the disease. As the disease progresses, it becomes more important to monitor symptoms, understand changes, and adapt driving habits accordingly. Here’s how PD impacts the ability to d ..read more

Happy 2024! As we look to the year ahead, we’re excited to offer more expansive opportunities to connect with the Parkinson’s community in Los Angeles and beyond. This year will see more opportunities for in-person events, the annual LA Big 5K fundraiser (which can be done virtually!), and a targeted emphasis on support groups for men, women, care partners, and people living with YOPD. Here’s everything to plan for the coming months and the year ahead! LA Marathon Big5k Charity Run: March 16th We’re less than two months away from one of our most anticipated fundraising events of the year! The ..read more

As 2023 comes to a close, we look back with gratitude for our accomplishments as a community and a non-profit organization. This year marked several exciting shifts at PCLA, especially as we expanded our community resources via support groups and the Let’s Talk Parkinson’s education series. 2023 By The Numbers PCLA experienced many quantifiable successes in 2023! Between various fundraising events, our Let’s Talk Parkinson’s series, and weekly support groups, we were happy to provide a diverse range of resources for the PCLA community. Here’s a snapshot of those accomplishments: PCLA Support G ..read more

Gift-giving should be a joyful and fulfilling experience. If you have a person living with Parkinson’s disease on your shopping list, you may struggle to select a thoughtful gift that’s both appropriate and appreciated. We’re here to take some mystery out of the process! There are many gifts ranging from practical to fun and luxurious that are well suited to people with PD and sure to be appreciated by a wide range of audiences. Here’s our 2023 gift guide for people living with Parkinson’s Disease. Practical Gifts for People with PD Sometimes, a little practicality goes a long way. People livi ..read more

For a deep dive into the environmental risk factors of PD, check out our latest Let’s Talk Parkinson’s feature with Beate Ritz, MD, Ph.D., a Professor of Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences and Neurology at UCLA. The relationship between environmental factors and Parkinson’s disease has been largely unknown until recently. With more studies emerging, researchers are beginning to understand the complexities between genetics, environment, and Parkinson’s disease. PD is primarily a “sporadic disorder,” meaning that it occurs randomly and does not typically have a clear pattern of inher ..read more

Living with Parkinson’s disease can stir up a range of emotions. From receiving a diagnosis to managing the chronic symptoms of PD, it’s normal to experience impacts on your mental health. Depression, in particular, is a common non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease. Unfortunately, it is still largely unacknowledged and untreated despite occurring in roughly 50% of people with PD. There is plenty of hope on the horizon, though! Armed with the right information and resources, you can manage and significantly reduce symptoms of depression. Here are the causes and symptoms of depression for peo ..read more

Maintaining an active lifestyle is critical to managing Parkinson’s disease symptoms. A physical therapist (PT) can help keep you mobile by designing an exercise routine that meets your unique symptoms and needs. Here’s an overview of how physical therapy benefits people with Parkinson’s disease and what to expect from a trip to the PT. What Does a Physical Therapist Do? Physical therapists are trained to design an exercise routine for specific motor impairments, guiding their patients in continued treatment. A PT will provide education and self-management advice, answer questions related to y ..read more

The benefits of yoga on full-body wellness have been observed for many decades, but how do these transfer to people living with Parkinson’s disease? Very well, it turns out! With its focus on breathwork, balance, and flexibility, yoga is a fantastic exercise option for Parkinson’s disease and is easily adaptable to different body types and PD symptoms. Here is a look at the research on yoga’s impacts on people living with PD and how to incorporate yoga into your exercise routine. Exercise & PD Incorporating a weekly exercise routine can profoundly impact both non-motor and motor symptoms o ..read more