Strategies to Cope with Parkinson's Disease During the Pandemic

Nearly one million are living with Parkinson's disease (PD) in the U.S., and approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with the condition each year.[i] In addition to motor symptoms, many people might not know that nearly half of all people with Parkinson’s disease may experience non-motor symptoms like hallucinations or delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease over the course of their disease.[ii] While there is no pause button for managing a chronic disease like PD during a pandemic, caregivers – often spouses – are the first line and possibly the only support available to their loved one.

To help people cope, Dr. Robert Hauser is sharing what types of resources are available to patients and caregivers. He will provide tips on everything from how to prepare for telehealth and in-person appointments to coping with motor and non-motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease, such as hallucinations and delusions, particularly in periods of stress. Joining him is Sarah Jones, CEO of PMDA, to convey what she’s seen and heard from the Parkinson’s community during the pandemic about their experience with PD symptoms, their social engagement despite social distancing, and her organization’s work to encourage patients to stay in contact with their physicians and maintain their PD management strategies.

For more information:
MoreToParkinsons.comPMDAlliance.org