By Marty Acevedo, MS, RD, Board President of the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego
Each April, we come together to recognize Parkinson’s Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing public awareness, honoring those living with the condition, supporting carepartners, and driving forward the search for a cure.
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is more than just a tremor. It’s a complex, chronic, and progressive neurodegenerativel condition that affects movement, mood, and many aspects of daily life. With more than 1.2 million Americans, including 117,000 Californians and an estimated 12,000 residents in San Diego County, currently living with Parkinson’s, it's likely that someone in your circle is directly impacted.
While there is currently no cure, there is much that can be done to live well with Parkinson’s, especially when individuals, families, and communities come together with compassion and knowledge.
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder, meaning it gradually affects the brain's ability to control movement and other functions. The condition develops as brain cells that produce dopamine—a neurotransmitter essential for smooth and coordinated muscle movements—begin to deteriorate and die.
The disease is progressive, meaning it worsens over time, but the rate and way it progresses varies from person to person.
There is no known cure, but there are treatments and strategies that can significantly improve quality of life.
Who Is at Risk?
Although the exact cause of Parkinson’s is still being researched, several risk factors have been identified:
- Age: Most people are diagnosed over the age of 60. However, the Michael J Fox Foundation estimates that 10-20% of those diagnosed are younger and are diagnosed with Young (Early) Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD).
- Gender: Men are more likely to develop Parkinson’s than women.
- Genetics: About 15–20% of cases are linked to genetic variants. In fact, nearly 40% of people with early-onset Parkinson’s (diagnosed before age 50) have a genetic link.
- Environmental exposures: Long-term exposure to certain pesticides or heavy metals has been associated with increased risk. Other environmental exposures include TCE and burn pit exposures.
- History of head trauma: Repeated head injuries, particularly with loss of consciousness, may increase the likelihood of developing Parkinson’s.
- Understanding these factors can help in early identification and proactive management of symptoms.
Recognizing the Early Signs: Prodromal Symptoms
One of the most promising areas of Parkinson’s research lies in identifying prodromal symptoms—subtle warning signs that appear 10 to 20 years before diagnosis.
These signs may not seem directly related to movement, but they are meaningful indicators:
- Loss of sense of smell (anosmia)
- Chronic constipation
- REM sleep behavior disorder (acting out dreams)
- Unexplained shoulder or calf pain
- Mood changes, such as anxiety, depression, or apathy
If you or someone you know is experiencing multiple prodromal symptoms—especially alongside a family history of Parkinson’s—it’s worth speaking to a neurologist or movement disorder specialist.
Motor Symptoms: What Parkinson’s Looks Like
Most people associate Parkinson’s with movement difficulties—and for good reason. These motor symptoms are often the first signs recognized by others:
- Bradykinesia – slowness of movement that affects everyday tasks like walking or getting dressed
- Resting tremor – a shaking that typically begins in the hands or fingers when at rest
- Muscle rigidity – stiffness that can cause discomfort or limit range of motion
- Postural instability – impaired balance and coordination, which can lead to falls
Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms, and their severity can range from mild to significant. Bradykinesia must be diagnosed, along with one or more of the other symptoms listed.
The Other Side of Parkinson’s: Non-Motor Symptoms
Less visible but often more distressing are the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. These affect nearly every system in the body and can dramatically impact quality of life:
- Bladder issues – such as urinary urgency or frequency
- Constipation – a common and persistent problem
- Mood disorders – including depression, anxiety, and apathy
- Sleep disturbances – like insomnia, REM sleep behavior disorder, or excessive daytime sleepiness
- Fatigue – which can feel overwhelming and constant
- Orthostatic hypotension – a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing (or when sitting up from lying down), causing dizziness or fainting
Because these symptoms don’t involve visible movement challenges, they are often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Awareness and education are key in ensuring individuals receive the support and treatment they need.
Treatment Options: Managing Parkinson’s
While there is no cure yet for Parkinson’s, many effective treatments can help manage symptoms and maintain independence:
1. Medication
The cornerstone of Parkinson’s treatment is medication—most commonly Levodopa, which replenishes the brain’s dopamine. Other medications may help with mood, sleep, or non-motor symptoms, as well as side effects of the prescribed medications.
2. Exercise
Perhaps the most powerful “medicine” aside from medication. Studies show that 150 minutes of exercise per week (just 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week) can slow progression, improve mobility, boost mood, and even help with thinking and memory.
Great options include:
- Walking
- Cycling
- Dance
- Yoga
- Tai chi
- Boxing-based fitness programs
- Exercise snacks - walking to the mailbox, gardening - those minutes count
- Any exercise that is enjoyed and that can be included in a daily routine
3. Therapy
Working with skilled therapists makes a big difference:
- Physical therapy helps improve strength, balance, and gait.
- Occupational therapy focuses on adapting daily activities for greater independence.
- Speech therapy addresses speech volume, swallowing, and cognitive changes.
4. Advanced Interventions
For some individuals, especially those with severe tremors or medication side effects, more advanced options may be considered:
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) – a surgical procedure that uses electrical stimulation to regulate brain activity. DBS is not permanent - it can be reversed or turned off. Approved to treat motor symptoms, there may be additional benefits
- Focused Ultrasound– a non-invasive procedure that targets specific brain areas. Creates a lesion on the brain; is permanent. Approved for treatment of motor symptoms.
- Stem cell transplantation – an experimental and evolving field of treatment. Is designed to treat motor symptoms but may prove to provide other benefits.
Living Well with Parkinson’s: Hope and Resilience
A diagnosis of Parkinson’s is life-changing, but it doesn’t mean giving up on joy, purpose, or possibility. Many people with PD go on to live long, meaningful lives with the right support systems.
Here are key elements to living well:- Movement Disorder Specialist: Partner with a neurologist who specializes in Parkinson’s for personalized, up-to-date care.
- Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of movement each week to strengthen the body and mind.
- Mindfulness: Practices like meditation, breathing exercises, or gentle yoga can help reduce anxiety and improve emotional wellbeing.
- Socialization: Stay connected—join support groups, take part in local events, or simply meet friends for coffee. Social engagement combats isolation and depression.
- Positive Mindset: A hopeful and proactive attitude can truly make a difference. Many people find strength in community, faith, humor, or creative outlets.
- Sense of Purpose: Whether it’s volunteering, mentoring, gardening, or caring for grandchildren—doing something meaningful can provide daily motivation and joy.
Find Your Village: Local and National Resources
Navigating life with Parkinson’s doesn’t have to be done alone. There are many incredible organizations and support systems to guide you on this journey:
- Parkinson’s Association of San Diego www.parkinsonsassociation.org
Find local support groups, events, and care resources.
- Michael J. Fox Foundation michaeljfox.org
A leading organization driving research, advocacy, and education.
- Davis Phinney Foundation www.dpf.org
Focused on helping people live well today with Parkinson’s.
- Parkinson’s Foundation www.parkinsons.org
Offers information, a helpline, toolkits, and more.
- Support Groups Directory Search for San Diego-area groups
Connecting with others who understand can make all the difference.
Closing Thoughts: Awareness Is Power
Parkinson’s Awareness Month is not just about wearing a ribbon or sharing a social media post. It’s about education, empathy, and action. Whether you’re someone living with Parkinson’s, a caregiver, a medical professional, or simply a compassionate community member, you have the power to make a difference. Knowledge gives us power; power gives us hope.
Together, we can:
- Push for more research and funding
- Support those navigating Parkinson’s with dignity
- Encourage early diagnosis and proactive care
- Foster a world where no one faces Parkinson’s alone
So this April, take a moment to learn, to share, to move—and to honor the resilience of those impacted by Parkinson’s. Let’s spread hope. Let’s raise awareness. Let’s keep moving forward, together.
About The Author:
Marty Acevedo, MS, RDN, was the Director of Food and Nutrition, Environmental Services, and Patient Transportation at Tri City Medical Center in Oceanside, CA. She is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and was an active member of the critical care health care team at TCMC. Marty has been living well with Parkinson’s for greater than 20 years. After diagnosis, her 35 year career as a registered dietitian continued; her focus was provision of nutrition care and support from critically ill patients. After retirement in 2015, Marty turned her passion and purpose toward raising awareness, increasing knowledge and providing support for people impacted by Parkinson’s. Along with her role as president of the PASD board of directors, she serves as an Ambassador for the Davis Phinney Foundation, as a policy advocate with the Michael J Fox Foundation, as a member of the Community Advisory Panel for the Michael J Fox Foundation PPMI study, as a consumer reviewer for the CDMRP (Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program) Parkinson’s Research Program and as member of the PARKIN PD Advocacy Group. When she is not involved with volunteer work, Marty enjoys traveling with her husband, watching and cheering on her favorite college teams, yoga, exercise, craft work, cooking and spending time with family and friends. She truly embodies the phrase that she coined, “Live your BEST life!”
About BrightStar Care of Carlsbad, CA:
BrightStar Care of Carlsbad is the #1 rated home care agency in San Diego, CA, by Home Care Pulse. They offer a wide range of in-home support services, including companion care, personal care and skilled nursing. They also specialize in care for people with Parkinson’s and dementia. Because BrightStar caregivers are trained and supported by a RN Nursing Director who watches over our clients and staff – something extremely rare for home care companies -- they can provide early detection and intervention when medical issues arise. In fact, BrightStar clients are 25% less likely to be hospitalized compared to clients of other home care companies.