APRIL IS PARKINSON’S AWARENESS MONTH #Stronger Together Southwest Florida

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, a time to educate the public about Parkinson’s Disease (PD), its impact, and the resources available to help individuals live well with PD. With 90,000 new diagnoses each year in the U.S., awareness and early detection are key to improving quality of life.

Locally, an estimated 7,000 people in Southwest Florida are living with Parkinson’s, making it essential to provide support and resources tailored to our community. We are #Stronger Together when we support and educate our Southwest Florida community about Parkinson’s Disease. Recognizing the Early Signs of Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, and coordination.

While symptoms vary, some early warning signs include:

1. Loss of Smell – Foods don’t taste “right” or lack that flavorful aroma
2. Trouble sleeping – Filled with sudden movements, acting out dreams, thrashing.
3. Constipation – Your diet has enough fiber and water, yet you still feel full, or constipated.
4. Dizziness or Fainting – sudden drops in BP may be linked to PD.
5. Small Handwriting (Micrographia) – a noticeable decrease in letter size when writing.

If you or a loved one notice these symptoms, it’s important to consult a neurologist or movement disorder specialist for early diagnosis and treatment options.

Living Well with Parkinson’s: Steps to Take

A Parkinson’s diagnosis does not mean giving up an active, fulfilling life. The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) offers free programs to help individuals and their care partners manage symptoms and improve well-being. Steps to living well with PD include:

1. Stay Active: Exercise, including movement classes, has been shown to slow progression and improve mobility.
2. Engage in Speech Therapy: Voice and speech exercises can help maintain communication skills.
3. Find Support: Joining a local support group can provide emotional encouragement and shared experiences.
4. Stay Informed: Educational programs, including monthly PD Talks and the Annual Education Symposium, offer valuable insights from experts.
5. Work with a Specialist: Movement disorder specialists can tailor treatment plans to individual needs.

The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida invites the community to join the #Stronger Together
movement, and take action this April by:

1. Follow the PASWFL: Follow us on Facebook and stay informed on the latest PD studies, interventions, and local educational resources and events. https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonAssociationSWFL/.
2. For those with PD and their loved ones, Become a Member of the PASWFL: Membership is free and includes resources and support to help our community members Live Well with PD. Programs are offered at no charge to members and include movement classes, educational events, support groups, and wellness classes.
3. Attending the PASWFL’s Annual Living Well with PD Education Symposium: Join us on April 24th for expert-led discussions and valuable resources. https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/educationsymposium.html

Together, we can ensure that no one faces Parkinson’s alone.

For more information, visit ParkinsonAssociationSWFL.org or call 239-417-3465. Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida, 2575 Northbrooke Plaza Drive, Suite 301, Naples, FL 34119.

About the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida
For over 25 years, the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their families through free evidence-based programs, education, and support. Our goal is to empower individuals to live well with Parkinson’s, ensuring that no one in our community faces this journey alone.