April is National Parkinson’s Disease (PD) Awareness Month, a time to learn more about this progressive disorder and the 
resources and support that is available to the SWFL community through the Parkinson’s Association of SWFL (PASWFL). Every nine minutes someone in our community is diagnosed. PD — which affects the central nervous system — is the fastest growing disorder in our Collier and Lee Counties, with advancing age being the most significant risk factor. The increasing prevalence of PD makes it likely that someone you know or love will be affected.
Fast Facts about PD
. Experts predict that PD diagnosis will soon exceed that of Alzheimer’s.
. As life expectancy increases, so does the number of people living with the disease which is expected to double in the next 15 years.
. While research for a cure continues, you can live well with PD.
. Parkinson’s Disease affects the central nervous system touching almost every aspect of daily living including movement, mood, speech, eating and drinking, sleep, and cognition.
. Each person is affected differently and their symptoms vary. Many exhibit symptoms years before diagnosis.
. Because treatments are available, many live for decades following diagnosis.
A diagnosis of PD can feel overwhelming, but the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) wants you to know that they are there to help you live well with PD. In addition to answering your questions, the PAWFL is a resource to connect you to neurologists in southwest Florida and movement disorder specialists in the state of Florida.
For nearly twenty-five years, PASWFL has provided front-line advocacy through effective programs and services that improve the quality of life, educate, enrich, and empower our community members affected by PD and related neurological diseases. Each week the PAWSFL offers more than 20 programs and support groups for members with PD and their Care Partners in addition to the greater SWFL community.
“Although COVID-19 has created a number of challenges for our community, it also brought benefits which include PAWSFL’s move to online programming,” said Mary C. Schoeffel, PASWFL Executive Director. “This gives us more opportunities to bring information to our members and the community about significant strides made in therapies and options for those living with PD and their Care Partners. Our goal is to enhance wellness resulting in an active, engaged life moving forward and delaying the progression of the disease.”
Becoming a PASWFL member is easy and because of the generosity of sponsors and individuals, there is no fee to join. Go to www.ParkinsonAssociationSWFL.org to join. PASWFL members receive weekly updates and the necessary links to participating in wellness, speech, education, and support programs. The PAWSFL hosts educational “PD Talks,” with leading researchers and experts on PD, who provide information on best practices, new studies, and treatments. The SWFL community is invited to join the talks. Topics and registration links are on the parkinsonassociationswfl.org website.
How do you know if you or a loved one has Parkinson’s Disease?
Currently, there is no objective test to diagnosis PD. Typically, a Neurologist takes a careful medical history and performs a thorough neurological examination, looking in particular for two or more of the cardinal symptoms to be present. Ten of the common early warning symptoms of Parkinson Disease are:
1. Tremor or shaking
2. Small handwriting
3. Loss of smell
4. Trouble sleeping
5. Trouble moving or walking
6. Constipation
7. A soft or low voice
8. Masked or “poker” face
9. Dizziness or fainting
10. Stooped or hunched posture
What should you do if you or a loved one has or receives a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease?
It is not unusual for someone who is diagnosed with PD to wait until there is a crisis to reach out for support. Studies show that early interventions extend the ability of persons with PD to stay active and delay the onset of some progressive symptoms. The PAWSFL wants you to know that they are there to help you start your path to living well with PD.
Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida is here for you. For more information please visit our website www.ParkinsonAssociationSWFL.org. We are available at Office@ParkinsonAssociationSWFL.org or 214-417-3465. PASWFL works for Collier and South Lee Counties Parkinsonians and Care Partners, independent of other PD organizations. We are able to provide our programs free of charge because of the generosity of our community partners, individual donors, and fundraising events.
Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida
2575 Northbrooke Plaza Drive
Building 300 Suite#301, Naples, FL 34119
239-417-3465
Office@ParkinsonAssociationSWFL.org