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Parkinson's Disease Support Groups

Parkinson's disease is considered to be a motor system disorder. Symptoms start as tremors and develop into a freezing or slowing of the limbs and joints. While one person may have only minor disruptions in his motor skills, another may develop debilitating symptoms that disrupt everyday life. There is no known cure for Parkinson's, so it is important to learn about support groups that can help you live with it.

  1. National Parkinson Foundation

    • According to the National Parkinson Foundation, there are more than 900 Parkinson's community groups within the United States. The National Parkinson Foundation works by directing you to local support groups (for people with Parkinson's and their family and friends). The foundation also offers ideas and information on how to develop a support group in your city if you do not have one. If you do have a support group within your city that you would like to be listed through the foundation, they are willing to include that information on their website (see Resources).

    APDA

    • The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) not only provides support for Parkinson's disease, but is also working to find a cure. According to the foundation, more than $30 million has been donated for Parkinson's research. The foundation provides information on the disease, as well as referrals to local support groups.

    NINDS

    • The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) provides information on a wide variety of neurological conditions. You can find information on Parkinson's and on research for the disease, as well as support organizations for dealing with the disease. The website includes a link to Hope Through Research and another on becoming a potential candidate for Parkinson's research.

    Parkinson's Disease Caregiver Information

    • If you are someone who is providing care for a loved one with Parkinson's, Parkinson's Disease Caregiver Information (see Resources) is dedicated to providing you support and coping mechanisms. Although your loved one is suffering from Parkinson's, you are also affected by the disease and are not alone in your efforts to help care for a loved one. Parkinson's Disease Caregiver Information gives you additional links to other resources, such as the Family Caregiver Alliance.

    Muhammad Ali PC

    • The Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center provides a resourceful website for those affected by Parkinson's and for their families (see Resources). The foundation offers a registry for you to provide information on your disease. Providing information on your disease helps the foundation in the development of possible treatments and therapies for the disease. You can also gain access to developmental studies on Parkinson's disease.

    Importance of Support

    • While friends and families are often the primary support mechanisms, support groups are a way to connect with others who are experiencing the fears and frustrations you may be going through. In addition to these resources, your physician, a Parkinson's disease social worker or a local public health nurse can get you in touch with a support group within your vicinity.

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