Parkinson's Association of Southwest Florida

06/19/2026

Can Exercise Help Parkinson’s Disease?
The answer may surprise you.

Research shows that regular exercise can help people with Parkinson’s disease improve balance, mobility, strength, and even mood. Some studies suggest physical activity may also help the brain adapt to changes caused by PD.

From walking and strength training to speech and balance exercises, staying active can play a powerful role in living well with Parkinson’s.

The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida offers more than 25 free programs and support groups every week, including wellness classes, speech exercise programs, and caregiver support.

If you or someone you love is living with Parkinson’s, you’re not alone.
Read the full article: https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/blog/does-exercise-help-parkinsons-disease-benefits-of-physical-activity-for-people-living-with-parkinsons

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06/19/2026

📊 How many people are living with Parkinson’s in the U.S. and Southwest Florida? The numbers may surprise you.

Parkinson’s disease affects about 1.1 million Americans, and nearly 90% are on Medicare—making it one of the most significant aging-related neurological conditions in the country.

In Southwest Florida alone, an estimated 7,700–10,100 people are living with Parkinson’s, making our region one of the highest-prevalence areas in the U.S.
Why?
✔ Aging population
✔ Retiree migration
✔ Florida’s high national prevalence rates
This means local access to education, support, and community programs is more important than ever.

💙 For over 25 years, the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) has provided FREE programs, support groups, education, and wellness services to help individuals and families live well with PD.

👉 Learn more, join free programs, or get support: www.paswfl.org
📩 Sign up for updates: https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/signup-enews.html
🤝 Become a free member: https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/signup.html
Read the full article: https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/blog/parkinsons-disease-in-southwest-florida-local-medicare-data-prevalence-estimates-and-community-impact-2026-update

You are not alone—and support is here.
👉 Follow us for more Parkinson’s education, resources, and local updates.

06/18/2026

Could MRI-guided focused ultrasound change the future of Parkinson’s treatment?
This innovative, non-invasive procedure may help reduce tremors and improve quality of life for some people living with Parkinson’s disease.

🧠 No incisions
🧠 No implanted devices
🧠 Real-time MRI guidance
Learn how focused ultrasound works, who may qualify, and why this treatment is gaining attention in the Parkinson’s community.

Read the full article here: https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/blog/parkinsons-awareness-month-how-does-mri-guided-focused-ultrasound-work-with-parkinsons-disease

💙 If you or a loved one is navigating Parkinson’s, PASWFL offers FREE support programs, education, wellness classes, and caregiver resources.

👉 Like and follow our page to receive important Parkinson’s information, treatment updates, and support resources directly in your feed.

06/18/2026

How Is Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosed?
Many people assume there’s a single test for Parkinson’s disease—but diagnosis actually involves a careful evaluation by a neurologist.

Doctors typically diagnose Parkinson’s through:
• Medical history review
• Neurological exams
• Observation of movement symptoms
• Medication response tests
• Imaging to rule out other conditions
Recognizing symptoms early can help individuals begin treatment, exercise programs, and supportive therapies that improve quality of life.

For over 25 years, the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida has provided free programs, wellness classes, and support groups for people living with Parkinson’s and their families.

👉 Read the full article
https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/blog/how-is-parkinsons-disease-diagnosed-tests-symptoms-and-what-to-expect

👉 Sign up for the newsletter
https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/signup-enews.html

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https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/signup.html
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06/17/2026

Can Parkinson’s disease be prevented?
There is currently no proven way to completely prevent Parkinson’s. However, research suggests that regular exercise, a healthy diet, reducing toxin exposure, and protecting brain health may support long-term neurological wellness.

Early awareness and education matter.
If you’re in Southwest Florida, the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida offers 25+ FREE weekly programs including fitness classes, speech exercise, education, and support groups.

You don’t have to face Parkinson’s alone.

Read the full article: https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/blog/can-parkinsons-disease-be-prevented-what-science-says-about-risk-reduction

💙 Like and follow our page to receive trusted Parkinson’s education, prevention research updates, and support resources directly in your feed.

06/17/2026

🧠 Could a smarter form of deep brain stimulation help people with Parkinson’s disease walk more safely?
A new study published in Nature Medicine found that adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS) improved walking patterns and reduced falls in people living with Parkinson’s disease.

Unlike traditional DBS, which delivers constant stimulation, adaptive DBS monitors brain activity associated with walking and adjusts stimulation in real time. Researchers found improvements in walking symmetry, step consistency and fall reduction while maintaining control of other Parkinson’s symptoms.

Although additional studies are needed, this personalized technology may represent an exciting step toward more precise Parkinson’s treatments.

Read more:
https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/blog/adaptive-deep-brain-stimulation-for-parkinsons-disease-new-research-shows-promise-for-improving-walking-and-reducing-falls

💙 Like and follow PASWFL for the latest Parkinson’s research, educational resources, support programs and wellness tips delivered directly to your feed.

Become a free member:
https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/signup.html

Adaptive deep brain stimulation improved walking patterns and reduced falls in Parkinson’s disease, offering hope for better mobility and safety.

06/17/2026

Did you know that speech, swallowing, and communication challenges are among the most common symptoms of Parkinson's disease?

The good news is that there are practical strategies that can help.
Join speech-language pathologist Judy Jenner, MC, CCC, for two FREE online Parkinson's education programs designed to help individuals with Parkinson's and their care partners improve communication, confidence, and quality of life.

🗣️ June 24, 2026 | 3:00 PM
What You Can Do About Drooling and Swallowing Problems

❤️ July 22, 2026 | 3:00 PM
Supporting Communication with Your PD Partner

Both presentations are free and presented via Zoom.

Whether you're living with Parkinson's, caring for a loved one, or simply want to learn more, these educational programs offer valuable tools and practical solutions.
For over 25 years, PASWFL has helped people live well with Parkinson's through free support groups, exercise classes, educational programs, speech exercise classes, and care partner support.

👍 Like our page and follow PASWFL to receive important Parkinson's news, educational programs, support resources, and upcoming event information directly in your feed.

Read the full story: https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/blog/free-parkinsons-disease-speech-communication-talks-learn-how-to-improve-swallowing-speech-and-connection

Learn more and register: https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/education-programs.html

Learn more: www.paswfl.org

Free Parkinson's disease talks on swallowing, speech, and communication. Learn practical strategies from experts. Register today with PASWFL.

06/16/2026

🎶 NEW PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE! 🎶
The Parkinson's Association of Southwest Florida is excited to launch Rhythm & Motion for PD, a new movement class inspired by the internationally recognized Dance for PD® model.

Beginning July 2026, participants will enjoy music, movement, creativity, and social connection while working to improve:
✅ Balance
✅ Strength
✅ Flexibility
✅ Coordination
✅ Confidence
✅ Quality of Life

Designed for all abilities and stages of Parkinson's disease, this welcoming seated class is led by Mitzi Montgomery, a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant with more than 25 years of experience working with people living with PD.

📅 Tuesdays at 10 a.m.
📍 Naples Arts and Banquet Center
💲 Free for PASWFL members, care partners, and family members
Read the full article: https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/blog/new-rhythm-motion-class-for-parkinsons-disease-launches-in-southwest-florida

Care partners and family members are encouraged to participate!

👍 Follow PASWFL and like this post to receive important Parkinson's disease resources, support information, educational programs, and local events directly in your feed.

Learn more: PASWFL.org
Call: 239-417-3465

Free Rhythm & Motion Parkinson's class launches in Naples, FL. Improve balance, strength, mobility, and confidence through music and movement.

06/16/2026

🎉👜 Get ready for one of Naples’ most FUN nights of the year! Join us for the highly anticipated, sell-out event — Bingo for Bags & Baubles at the beautiful Vineyards Country Club in Naples on October 22, 2026!
Enjoy an unforgettable evening of 🎲 bingo, 🍷 delicious food, ✨ fabulous fashion, luxury designer handbags, sparkling raffle prizes, and plenty of laughter — all while supporting local families and individuals touched by Parkinson’s disease.
Gather your friends, dress up, and get ready to play for gorgeous bags and amazing prizes while making a meaningful difference in our community! 💜
🎟️ Early bird pricing through July! Reserve your seat before it sells out again!
Bingo for Bags & Baubles Event Info & Tickets
https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/bingo-bags-baubles.html
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06/15/2026

What medications are used to treat Parkinson’s disease?

While there is no cure, medications can significantly improve tremor, stiffness, and slowness. Common options include:
✔ Levodopa (gold standard)�✔ Dopamine agonists�✔ MAO-B inhibitors�✔ COMT inhibitors

Treatment is personalized—and the right plan can help you live well for years.
If you’re in Southwest Florida, the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida offers 25+ FREE weekly programs including fitness, speech exercise, education, and support groups.

Read the full article: https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/blog/what-medications-are-used-to-treat-parkinsons-disease-a-complete-guide-to-parkinsons-treatment-options

You don’t have to navigate Parkinson’s alone.

💙 Like and follow our page for trusted Parkinson’s education and updates delivered directly to your feed.