April is Parkinson's Awareness Month, and it's more important than ever to raise awareness for this challenging disease. Parkinson's affects 1 million people in the United States alone and is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder behind Alzheimer’s...
While Parkinson’s disease is often associated with tremors and gait issues, it is also frequently accompanied by non-motor symptoms, including apathy. Apathy refers to a state of emotional indifference where someone may experience a lack of motivation or interest in...
Spring is a time of renewal, making it the perfect opportunity to refresh our living spaces! For individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD), maintaining a clean and well-organized home is more than a seasonal task—it’s a crucial step in preventing falls and ensuring...
Natural disasters can strike without warning, and for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, emergency preparedness is crucial. The recent fires in Los Angeles serve as a stark reminder of how quickly circumstances can change, forcing rapid evacuation and...
A Parkinson’s diagnosis can present challenges not only to physical health but also to emotional and relational dynamics. One of the lesser-discussed but deeply impactful aspects of PD is how it affects intimacy and romantic relationships. Whether you’re living with...
Research suggests that regular exercise has significant benefits for people with Parkinson’s, with boxing emerging as a powerful tool for managing PD symptoms and enhancing quality of life! Boxing is also a fun and unique exercise option that’s as cathartic as it is...
We love the energy the new year brings! It's the perfect time to set goals and position yourself for success throughout each season. We also recognize that living with Parkinson’s can make life feel unpredictable. This doesn’t mean you’re powerless to plan, though!...
A lot can happen in one year! In 2024, we welcomed new faces to our community, hit fundraising goals, and added a brand new educational series to the PCLA library. Our YouTube channel continues to grow, allowing us to spread vital information to people impacted by...
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...
The holiday season is here, and with it, the temptation to indulge in rich foods and sweet treats! For people with Parkinson’s disease, choosing the right foods is especially important for managing symptoms and ensuring an enjoyable holiday season. Thankfully, there...
Living with Parkinson’s disease shouldn’t mean missing out on holiday family celebrations or spending time with cherished friends. Proper self-care and preparation can help you avoid stress and anxiety while having a wonderful holiday season! Here are eight ways to...
Staying positive with Parkinson’s is a continuous process, but there are effective mental strategies for maintaining positivity and living your best life.
Facing the PD “Scaries” is a normal part of living with Parkinson’s. Here are the top 5 fears you may experience and actionable steps to reduce anxieties.
Discover our top 6 recommendations for movies and TV shows depicting Parkinson’s disease.
For those living with PD, back-to-school season can be the perfect opportunity to reset and take proactive steps toward managing well-being.
Parkinson’s is a neurological disorder that may impact fine and gross motor skills. Check out these games and activities to improve motor symptoms!
Having Parkinson’s disease doesn’t mean you can’t travel. Use this guide to learn how to properly plan and make a few adjustments to help you embark on your next journey!
It can be hard to know what to say to someone facing a life-altering diagnosis like PD. Here are suggested words of encouragement from people in the PCLA community.
Technology has the power to enhance the lives of people with PD. Learn about four popular tech devices here, including phone applications and smart shoes.
The LGBTQ+ community faces unique barriers in medical treatment and research. Here are tips on how to advocate for yourself as an LGBTQ+ individual with PD.
Freezing of gait refers to the temporary inability to move the feet and can be one of the more debilitating side effects of Parkinson’s. Learn more here.
![Top Walking Aids for PD [And Benefits of Using Them]](https://pcla.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Two-women-walking-into-the-sun-with-a-cane-1080x675.jpg)
Walking aids are a fantastic option for people with PD, allowing them to maintain independence and lead a more fulfilling life. Here are our top recommendations for walking aids.
Researchers are just beginning to understand the connection between PD and hearing loss, with initial studies suggesting the two are related.
Parkinson’s is considered a disability by federal and state laws. Here’s what that means for symptom management and disability support.
Nearly 50% of people living with PD will experience fatigue. Here’s what to know about fatigue and Parkinson’s and how to manage symptoms.
Parkinson’s disease can have a significant impact on speech and communication. Here are resources and vocal exercises to help improve speech issues.
Pneumonia is the leading cause of death and hospitalization in people living with PD. Here’s what we know about causes and treatments.
Young-onset Parkinson’s disease impacts roughly 4% of those with Parkinson’s disease. Here are common symptoms, treatments, and resources.
Many people living with Parkinson’s disease can safely drive a car, especially in the early stages. Here’s what you should know about driving with PD.
A look at PCLA’s programs, support groups, and fundraising events in 2024.
Thank you for making it a great 2023 at PCLA! Here are the highlights from the past year, including fundraising and program accomplishments.
Preliminary research indicates that exposure to chemicals, toxins, and head injuries may have an impact on the development of PD. Here’s what we know.
Depression is a common side-effect of PD. Here are the causes, symptoms, and treatments for depression in people living with Parkinson’s.
Meeting regularly with a physical therapist improves both motor and non-motor symptoms of PD. Here’s what to expect.
With its focus on breathwork, balance, and flexibility, yoga is a fantastic exercise option for Parkinson’s disease and is easily adaptable.
Chronic pain is very common for people living with PD, but there are many effective ways to manage it. Learn all about how PD impacts pain.
Women experience PD differently than men, and they’ve been underrepresented in research. Here we explore the unique needs of women with PD.
A movement disorder specialist (MDS) is critical to your Parkinson’s care team. Learn more about the roles and treatments that they offer.
Parkinson’s is known as a movement disorder. However, non-motor skills are sometimes equally, if not more, affected for people with PD.
Vision issues are common in people with Parkinson’s, but fortunately, most are treatable. Learn about the symptoms and treatments here.
Want to hear about the latest developments in Parkinson’s disease research? PCLA recently hosted an online Q&A "The Latest in Parkinson's Research 2023," with Jeff Bronstein, MD, PhD, Director of the Movement Disorders Program at UCLA.WATCH THE PRESENTATION Miss...
Early research indicates that vibration therapy may be effective for PD symptoms. Learn more about what it is and where it’s headed.
Dressing may become more difficult as PD symptoms advance. Adaptive clothing addresses these challenges in its design and functionality.
A common symptom of PD is tremors, rigidity, or bradykinesia in the hands. These daily exercises can help improve hand dexterity and relieve symptoms.
Sharing your PD diagnosis with your family may feel challenging, but it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication and build your support network.
![What’s Palliative Care for Parkinson’s? [And Why It Matters]](https://pcla.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AI-generated-image-of-a-path-leading-out-of-a-forest-representing-why-Palliative-Care-matters-for-Parkinsons-1080x675.jpg)
Palliative care is an ongoing and comprehensive treatment plan. The goal of palliative care is to improve quality of life for those with Parkinson’s disease.
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Learn how to advocate for yourself and your community with these practical tips.
To my friends in the Los Angeles Parkinson's community, It has been a pleasure to work with you over the last five years in my role with PCLA. I joined PCLA to form a deeper connection with families living with PD in our area, and to help you with the resources,...
Learn about what early research on the effects of cannabis on Parkinson’s disease is saying and whether or not cannabis is a viable option for you.
It’s very common for people with PD to experience sleep apnea. Thankfully, there is plenty of research to guide you toward a better night’s rest.
While data representation continues to be an issue, a few findings may give a broader picture of how PD impacts the Hispanic population.
Whether you have been directly affected by PD or know someone who has, here are six ways to give and receive love this February and beyond.
There is no linear path in Parkinson’s disease development, but we uncover what to prepare for, what to potentially expect, and how to cope as symptoms occur.
2022 has been a year of new ideas, initiatives, and amazing accomplishments! Let’s revisit the highlights as we near the year’s end.
Knowing what to do after being diagnosed with PD can be tough. Many resources are available to help you live your best life with Parkinson’s.
The effects of art therapy have been shown to help improve the quality of life for those affected by Parkinson’s disease.
Looking for resources for exercising at home? There are a lot of great options out there, from pre-recorded videos you can watch on your own schedule, to live virtual group classes. Online exercise videos & YouTube channels PCLA’s Fun Fitness class on YouTube...
Being an effective care partner can be demanding and challenging, so here are a few tips to help you along the way.
A care partner provides physical, emotional, and, sometimes, financial support to a person living with Parkinson’s.
In this article, we’ll discuss gut health and Parkinson’s disease (PD) to help you better understand and deal with your gut issues.
PCLA is now enrolled in the Ralphs Community Rewards program, which means we earn donations when you shop for groceries! HOW IT WORKS: If you have a Ralphs reward card, you can enroll in the Community Rewards Program with PCLA as your charity of choice. The...
Want to hear about the latest developments in Parkinson’s disease research? PCLA recently hosted an online Q&A "The Latest in Parkinson's Research 2023," with Jeff Bronstein, MD, PhD, Director of the Movement Disorders Program at UCLA.WATCH THE PRESENTATION Miss...
PCLA ha creado esta página de internet para ayudar a las familias que viven con Parkinson a encontrar los recursos y la información que necesitan. Comuníquese con nosotros si hay recursos que debamos agregar a esta página. Este programa cuenta con una donación...
Serving Los Angeles Parkinson’s families