A Practical Guide to Parkinson’s Resources
A Parkinson's diagnosis comes with a lot of questions — and it's not always clear where to turn first. The good news: there are excellent national organizations doing incredible work to support patients, families, and care partners, plus local resources that can make a real difference close to home.
Here's a starting-point guide to some of the organizations we trust and admire.
Parkinson's Foundation
The Parkinson's Foundation is one of the largest and most active Parkinson's organizations in the country, offering both patient-facing resources and funding for research and clinical care improvements. A few standout resources:
PD Health @ Home — free weekly virtual programming, including Mindfulness Mondays, expert-led Wellness Wednesday webinars, and the popular Fitness Friday exercise videos (we wrote about these in an earlier post!)
Helpline — call 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636) to speak with a specialist who can answer questions or point you toward local resources
Find Your Chapter — connects you with in-person support and programming in your area
Learn more at parkinson.org.
American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)
Founded in 1961, APDA is the nation's largest grassroots network dedicated to supporting people living with Parkinson's, with local chapters across the country. Their resources include:
National Helpline — call 800-223-2732, or email apda@apdaparkinson.org
Local chapters and support groups — hundreds of in-person support groups and exercise programs nationwide
Specialized resources for specific populations, including a dedicated Young Onset Parkinson's section and resources for veterans
National Rehabilitation Resource Center — call (888) 606-1688 to speak with a licensed physical therapist about exercise and local program referrals
Learn more at apdaparkinson.org.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation
Founded by actor Michael J. Fox following his own Parkinson's diagnosis, the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) is the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson's research in the world. While their primary focus is accelerating a cure, they also offer valuable resources for patients and families navigating a diagnosis, including educational materials, webinars, and opportunities to get involved in clinical research studies that are helping shape the future of treatment.
Learn more at michaeljfox.org.
Center for Movement Challenges (Sandy Springs, GA)
For those of us in the greater Atlanta area, the Center for Movement Challenges (CFMC) is a wonderful local resource. Based in Sandy Springs at the Walter & Estelle Strauss Wellness Center, CFMC offers an impressive range of in-person and virtual programming specifically for people with Parkinson's and other movement disorders, including:
Boxing for Parkinson's — a non-contact boxing program targeting both motor and non-motor symptoms
Yoga & meditation, dance, and stretching classes
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Care partner and caregiver support
Free livestreamed classes available on their YouTube channel for those who can't attend in person
Many of CFMC's classes are also available online, making their programming accessible well beyond the Atlanta area. Learn more at centerformovementchallenges.org.
Where This Fits With Our Mission
Organizations like these are doing essential work connecting patients and families with community, movement, and support. At the Andrews Impact Foundation, we focus on a specific piece of that larger picture: funding the certification training — LSVT BIG, LSVT LOUD, and CNRN — that helps put more qualified clinicians in a position to deliver excellent, evidence-based Parkinson's care in the first place.
We're grateful for organizations like these, and we hope this guide helps you or someone you love find the right next step.
This list is not exhaustive and is intended as a starting point. Always consult your physician or care team about resources and treatment decisions specific to your situation.