Dyskinesia is an uncontrolled, involuntary muscle movement. Although it can be a stand-alone condition, in people with Parkinson’s, it is most often associated with long-term use of levodopa. Common symptoms of Parkinson’s dyskinesia include writhing or wriggling, fidgeting, rocking, and head bobbing. 

When it comes to the prevalence of levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID), the reporting incidence varies anywhere from 3-94% and depends on age at onset, disease duration, severity, and duration of levodopa therapy. 

In this webinar, Dr. Malaty will answer the following: 

• Whis is Parkinson’s dyskinesia? 
• What causes it? 
• How does it differ from rest tremor in Parkinson’s or essential tremor? 
• What are the different types of dyskinesia?  
• Is dyskinesia painful? 
• What are common treatments for dyskinesia? 
• Are there any non-pharmacological or complementary therapies that can minimize dyskinesia? 
• Is dyskinesia inevitable? 
• And many more! 

Click the button above and fill out the brief registration form to register. You’ll receive a confirmation email with details for accessing the webinar.

As the global pandemic continues to disrupt the daily routines, medical care, and exercise programs for our Parkinson’s community, stress levels are high and spirits may be dwindling. While these are normal reactions to prolonged isolation and uncertainty about the future, they can lead to a not-so-healthy mental state, and they can be detrimental to Parkinson’s symptoms in the long-term. In order to survive – and even thrive – during this time, the ability to channel our inner resilience is critical. 

According to the APA, resilience is how we adapt in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or stress. Whether or not we display resilience is strongly linked to whether or not we believe we have some control over the way our life plays out. The more control we believe we have, the more resilience we tend to show in trying times. Read more...

So, you want to ride a bike? That’s fabulous! We’re behind you all the way. But we also want to make sure you stay safe and healthy while doing so. So, whether you’re about to take your first or fiftieth ride since your Parkinson’s diagnosis, here’s what you need to know. 

#1 – CYCLING IS GOOD FOR YOU 

Research shows that people with Parkinson’s experience significant benefits from pushing pedals on a regular basis. 

Depending upon pace and intensity, cycling has been shown to: 

• Improve overall motor function  
• Reduce tremor 
• Reduce bradykinesia 
• Reduce rigidity 
• Improve aerobic capacity 
• Improve mood 
• Improve cognitive function 
• Increase joy and social connections 
• Decrease UPDRS scores (Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale) 

Plus, it’s fun. Especially now. You can get outside with your friends and explore new roads, locations, and trails all while remaining socially distanced. If riding outside doesn’t feel good or safe for you, there are also plenty of stationary bike options and virtual group cycling classes to keep you moving, engaged, and connected. Read more... 

After one of our monthly YOPD Council webinars about exercise and Parkinson’s, a member of our community asked us a question about cycling. We decided to reach out to Davis Phinney Foundation Ambassador Tom Palizzi, who passed along such valuable advice that we wanted to share it with all of you.

“I’d love to be able to get advice on biking recommendations for someone whose balance is too iffy for safe outdoor biking and who has limited indoor room for a fancy stationary bike.”

Tom’s answer: “Your situation is quite common among people living with Parkinson’s. I faced these same issues and am happy to share my opinion and recommendations.

For cycling outdoors, the impact of Parkinson’s symptoms can result in a variety of issues — balance, as you mention.  Other problems might arise from slowness, rigidity, and cognition. Having been an avid cyclist my entire life, PD brought on anxiety and a struggle with confidence.  Cycling became more of a stressful thing than pleasurable.  Could I clip-out fast enough, shifting and stopping — and then this issues with balance. Read more...

WHAT IS A FORMULARY AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

A formulary is a list of prescription drugs that an insurance company will cover. Insurance companies and other prescription drug providers use formularies, which are continually updated, to determine what medications they will help you pay for and which are your responsibility. Formularies are developed and maintained by medical professionals who evaluate medications based on efficacy, safety, and value. Health plans update their formularies annually and make additional changes throughout the year if new medications become available or the FDA determines that a particular medication is unsafe. Read more...