Our community members with Parkinson’s have unique experiences and needs when it comes to living with the condition. Scroll to find resources and support.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive brain condition that affects how you move, speak, and go about daily life.1 It occurs when brain cells that produce dopamine—an important chemical for movement—begin to die.
As dopamine levels drop, the brain has a harder time coordinating movement, balance, and speech.
More than 1 million people in the U.S. are living with Parkinson’s, yet Black Americans are less likely to be diagnosed and less likely to receive care from a specialist.2
Parkinson’s often starts with subtle changes. Over time, symptoms may worsen or spread. Common signs include:
Because Parkinson’s progresses slowly and symptoms can be subtle, especially in Black and brown communities, it's important to know the early signs of Parkinson's.
Living with asthma? Our community member, Eriel, knows a thing or two about managing flare-ups or asthma attacks.
Especially in the morning or at the back of the head
Blurred or double vision
Feeling lightheaded, tired, or faint
Here are a few factors that might put you at risk for Parkinson’s:
While there’s no cure for Parkinson’s, treatment can significantly improve quality of life:
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy can all help improve quality of life
Diabetes isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition—and neither is managing it. With the right mix of support, lifestyle changes, and (when needed) medication, many people thrive while living with diabetes.
Common types of blood pressure medications include:
Small changes can lead to big wins when it comes to diabetes. These lifestyle shifts can help lower your blood sugar and protect your heart, kidneys, and nerves.
Many people with diabetes need medication—and that’s okay. The right treatment plan can prevent serious complications and help you feel your best:
Ongoing care helps you stay ahead of potential problems. Regular check-ins help you and your care team catch changes early.
We read the online discourse on Parkinson’s and found that our community is looking for:
Low level of awareness about Parkinson’s disease within the Black community leads to common symptoms being dismissed or attributed to aging.
Historically, genetic studies in Parkinson’s have largely focused on populations of European descent, resulting in a gap in understanding for underserved communities.
In our communities, individuals with Parkinson’s often face lengthy delays in diagnosis, enduring years of uncertainty and misdiagnosis.
Only a third of newly diagnosed Black people with Parkinson’s are started on therapy, and they are significantly less likely than white people to receive appropriate treatments.
While there’s no cure yet, treatment can help many people with Parkinson’s live active, fulfilling lives. Explore the resources below.
Watch real stories from those living with Parkinson’s and breaking barriers.
Explore safe and energizing movement tips for people with Parkinson’s.
Learn how Parkinson’s medications work and how to manage side effects.
While there’s no cure yet, treatment can help many people with Parkinson’s live active, fulfilling lives. Explore the resources below.
Parkinson's Disease. Retrieved from National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Racial Disparities in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease. Retrieved from Synapticure
