Brian Grant foundation
Webinars from the Brian Grant Foundation have lately touched on interesting issues in Parkinson’s Disease with expert speakers. Go to their website at briangrant.org and click in the upper right hand corner on Webcasts to see past recordings. One I found especially helpful was the one on Pain in Parkinson’s with Jori Fleischer from Rush Medical Center in Chicago.
Massage Gun
This is the smallest- and lightest- full service massage gun I have seen. It comes with a heated head and other shaped heads. For Parkinson’s stiffness or just muscle aches after exercising, it’s great for reaching areas without hefting a heavy massage tool. Reasonably priced too.
Amazon.com: BOB AND BRAD Q2 Mini Massage Gun with Heat for Muscle Relief, Pocket-Sized | FSA Portable Handheld Massager, Quiet Percussion Deep Tissue Massager Gun, 5 Speeds, Carry Case, Ideal Gift, HSA Eligible : Health & Household
https://www.amazon.com/clp/B0DBYL9YZP
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBYL9YZP/ref=dp_iou_view_item?ie=UTF8&th=1
Bathroom assists
Delta toilet paper holder with grab bar - search on amazon. Several styles and finishes come up.
Amazon.com: KOHLER 25875-0 Hyten 3" Height, Elevated Soft Close Elongated Toilet Seat, Contoured Seat with Grip-Tight Bumpers, Quick-Attach Hardware, No Slam Toilet Seat.
Both items come in different colors to match your other bathroom fixtures, and do not look like “handicap assists”. But both are useful for people with Parkinsons - or just seniors - to give a little help when needed.
New Book
The Parkinson’s Plate book
Coauthored by Parkinson’s expert ,Dr Michael Okun,
The Parkinson's Plate: A Health and Diet Guide to Manage Your Journey takes a different approach than many other Parkinson’s cookbooks by delivering clear, focused guidance that respects the energy, time, and real-life needs of persons with Parkinson’s and their care partners. It offers :Clear, concise explanation of Parkinson's disease and symptom management
Practical nutrition guidance focused on quality of life
Plain-language coverage of gut-brain health and diet-medication interactions
Research-based summaries of popular diets, including Mediterranean, MIND, vegetarian, ketogenic, gluten-free, and intermittent fasting
Easy, approachable recipes with minimal ingredients and preparation
High-calorie snacks and smoothies for weight and muscle support
PT tip for getting up out of a chair
Recommended by Linda Benton
A PT once told me she tells her Parkinson’s patients who have difficulty getting up out of upholstered arm chairs to scoot to the end of the chair, rock back and forth a few times and silently say to yourself “UP” as you hold on the chair arms to get up. Rocking back and forth first gives you the momentum to get up quickly while simultaneously saying to yourself UP sends a message to the brain.
Transcranial ultrasound
Recommended by Linda Benton
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) can use much higher intensities to heat and destroy targeted tissue. TUS is different in that it uses low-intensity, focused ultrasound to change neural activity without damaging the surrounding areas. This therapy is currently experimental but may offer another path to non-surgical interventions in the brain.
Latest Research News
Several recent news articles from the above website highlight the wide range that recent Parkinson’s researchers are pursuing for disease modification and for better information about a variety of targets that might be helpful in changing the course of the disease. Among them are:
Gut bacteria therapy to target multiple biological pathways.
Research into sleep-based therapies for Parkinson’s.
Evaluation of latest gene therapy strategies aiming to repair brain circuitry.
Go to the above website - its free to signup for access - and click on NEWS at the top to read the articles on the website. Although the research is ongoing, it is encouraging to see major Parkinson’s organizations funding some novel areas of research.
Blood Pressure tip
Recommended by Virgil Stucker
Lis was experiencing sudden low blood pressure in the mornings after breakfast, which greatly increases fall risk. I would help her to lie down so that her blood pressure could stabilize before she stood up again.
We adopted a new awakening routine a little over two weeks ago which has been a solution, at least for now. Here it is:
Before getting out of bed, Lis drinks a large glass of water and she puts on knee-high compression stockings.
Resources for caregivers
Recommended by Lin Saberski
Lin Saberski wants to make sure Care Givers/Partners are aware of the resources that are available through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging and Independence: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-aging-independence-age
resource day in springfield
Recommended by Deb Ellis, PT
Deb Ellis, a dynamic physical therapist in the Pioneer Valley, like Tricia, wrote to tell us about a ‘local’ resource day for PD in Springfield on October 25th, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can explore this here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/apdmas/event/positivelyparkinsons2026/ Tricia will also be participating.
care for the caregiver
Recommended by Libby and Jim Wade
Libby and Jim Wade recently attended a national conference in San Antonio last month, where one of the presentations was called "Care for the Caregiver” by an organization called "Archangels.” Libby thought we "might enjoy poking around the group's websites”. I find them to be thought-provoking: ARCHANGELS – Make caregiving visible. The Care Badge by ARCHANGELS and The Joint Commission
Home Modification loan program
Recommended by Libby Wade
The Home Modification Loan Program (up to $50,000, interest-free) now has an aging-in-place consultant, Dave Pill, who can help you plan helpful modifications. Reach out to Brett Roberts (well-known to us) at Berkshire Regional Planning to learn more: 413.442.1521 x25, broberts@berkshireplanning.org
swallowing and digestive issues
Recommended by Linda Benton
How to spot and manage swallowing and digestive issues in Parkinson’s” https://parkinsonsinsights.com/news/DijGiOYMPwxcL9oe8RKI
speech changes
Recommended by Linda Benton
New research shows why Parkinson’s speech changes happen and how gentle techniques support clear communication: https://parkinsonsinsights.com/news/lEBAPB9xnd3sUcR8sq15
Online speach - language pathologist
Recommended by Chris and Bill Corcoran
Below is a link to the services of an online Speech-Language Pathologist
Link to: Speak Steady: Voice Reset for Parkinson’s ; Speak Steady 1-Pager to Share; Sampler Packet- Speak Steady
Jessica Ackerman, MS,CCC-SLP, RYT - Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of Speak Steady: The Parkinson’s Voice Reset Program
jess.speaksteady@gmail.com 401-258-4420
Care Partner Guide
Recommended by Rich Frieberg
Free Care Partner Guide from the Michael J. Fox Foundation:
Sheets & Sleepwear
Recommended by Linda Benton
Comfort Linen, created by a physical therapist in Canada for Persons with Parkinsons, carries a line of sheets and sleepwear, which when combined, enables movement in bed with greater ease and comfort. https://comfortlinen.com/
Linda Benton has used their products for 3-years now, including a new travel sheet, and really likes them. Feel free to email Linda at lbenton831@gmail.com with any questions.
New Parkinson’s Information Website
Recommended by Linda Benton
“No Silver Bullet” and “PD Buddy” have collaborated with Michael Okun and Bas Bloem to form a free all-inclusive website called parkinsonsinsights.com. It includes all of the past and coming webinars from No Silver Bullet as well as research updates and helpful information from PD Buddy. In addition Michael Okun posts regular blogs about the latest information on Parkinsons and Bas Bloem does weekly podcasts on topics about Parkinsons. Together they are 2 major figures in the world of Parkinsons research and information. To signup go to parkinsoninsights.com and complete the required information.