Tai Chi combines Chinese elements with martial arts. It involves structured sequences and patterns of fluid movements and postures that can be held for a variable length of time. Tai Chi promotes body awareness, relaxation, and mental attention. How does it fit in with Parkinson's? Let's find out. How does it help PD? Tai Chi has been shown to have positive effects in walking, increasing stride length and improving posture. Tai Chi has been shown to improve balance and stabil

Parkinson's disease can impact more than just movement. Did you know that the cardiac system can be affected too? How can PD affect the heart? Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) is the drop in blood pressure when standing. Sometimes this can result in fainting. With PD, the signaling system in the heart that help control blood pressure may not be able to send messages to increase blood pressure when there is a drop in blood pressure. C

This week we are seeing a heat wave enter the Capital Region. Below are some tips that may help you or your loved one with Parkinson's keep cool! Stay hydrated On really hot days, avoid caffeine, hot drinks, and alcohol. Try your best to drink lots of water with some electrolytes. Electrolytes become very important on hot days and if you are someone who sweats a lot. It is easy to get dehydrated on hot days, which will impact your medication effectiveness. Stay indoors Keep t

Join us for an educational lunch presentation with Dr. Fiona Gupta, Movement Disorder Specialist from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City! When: July 14th, 1-2 p.m. Where: Parkinson's Center YMCA 98 Wolf Road Albany, NY 12205 Dr. Gupta will discuss how OFF times can make daily life with Parkinson's disease inconsistent and unpredictable. She will provide information about ONAPGO, designed to help reduce OFF time and support more consistent symptom control throughout the da

A recent study looked at how OFF times affect people with PD. OFF times are the periods between medication dosages when your symptoms return or get worse. Most people are familiar with an increase in tremors or worsening of balance, but did you know your non-motor symptoms could get worse too? The study showed that nonmotor symptoms such as fatigue, memory changes, and anxiety can increase during the OFF times. Other sources shared that feelings of dissatisfaction with life a

Fatigue is a common non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease. But what do we do about it? Let's find out. How to fight fatigue Pace yourself. This sounds easy and like common sense, but pacing can be really hard. On days where you are more fatigued than others, try to do 50-75% of what you think you could do. If you leave a little gas left in the tank and take a break, you will be able to keep moving throughout the entire day Exercise. Exercise for fatigue? Yes! Slowly buildi