I’m living with Parkinson’s. I’m 59 years young, and I never saw it coming. Not that long ago, I was a registered nurse. I was working in home care at a local health agency. I truly loved my job. I loved being able to support others in their time of need. I was living a … Read more

All cells in the human body share a common need for energy to support their functions. In most cases, that energy is generated and managed by small organelles within each cell, called mitochondria. When mitochondria malfunction, they can no longer support cell survival, but certain cells in the body, such as neurons, are more sensitive … Read more

Although everyone benefits from regular exercise, it’s particularly important for people with Parkinson’s disease. Regular physical activity can improve the stiffness, tremors and balance problems people with this degenerative disease experience, as well as their overall quality of life. Current recommendations are for 150 minutes or more of aerobic exercise every week. That’s a tough … Read more

April is Parkinson Awareness Month In honour of Parkinson Awareness Month, staff, healthcare providers, researchers and volunteers across the country are hosting information sessions, open houses, fundraisers, support groups and exercise classes, including internationally known Dance for Parkinson’s sessions. Dance for Parkinson’s Network Canada April 2019 Open House ClassesThere is evidence that exercise, especially strenuous … Read more

April is Parkinson Awareness Month & April 11 is World Parkinson Day Make a Difference, No Matter What. Joyce Gordon CEO, Parkinson Canada Whether you live with Parkinson’s and want to attend an education event in your community; or you are a caregiver needing support and advice, welcome to Parkinson Canada. Family members, those seeking … Read more

Within the last decade, researchers discovered that people taking drugs that block calcium channels to treat high blood pressure enjoy a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. This serendipitous discovery opened an avenue of research into the relationship between calcium and mitochondria—tiny components within cells that convert oxygen and sugar into energy. Mitochondria need calcium … Read more

Most of us don’t have to think about what we’re doing when walk—whether it’s a stroll around our neighbourhood or moving from one room to another. But for many people with Parkinson’s disease, walking is a conscious activity that requires intense concentration, because they are afraid they will fall or become rooted to the ground. … Read more

Are you or a loved one struggling with Parkinson’s disease? Fight back with exercise. So many people with Parkinson’s who cross our path are not deterred by the fact that there is no cure—yet! They embrace the challenge in the same way that they embrace daily life with Parkinson’s: they enquire, they discover and they … Read more