Smart Patients Series Archives | American Parkinson Disease Association

What is Parkinson’s
What is Parkinson’s Disease?

This section will help you understand the basics of Parkinson’s disease, how it affects the brain, its symptoms and ongoing research.
Learn about Parkinson’s disease
Living with Parkinson’s
Living with Parkinson’s Disease

Once you are diagnosed with PD, your focus should be on improving your symptoms and maintaining an active and positive lifestyle. This section covers ways to manage symptoms like engaging in regular exercise, eating healthy, exploring medication and treatment options, and assembling your health care team.

Learn More
Resources & Events
Parkinson’s Resource Library

Browse our extensive library of Parkinson’s resources. Watch webinars, download our latest publications, and read articles — all filterable by the topic you would like to learn more about. Start Browsing
Research
Research

We are committed to scientific research and have been a funding partner in many major Parkinson’s disease scientific breakthroughs, investing more than $68 million in research since 1961. Read about what we fund and explore opportunities for funding. Learn More
Advocacy
Ways to Give
Find a Chapter

The Different Medications of Parkinson’s Explained

Posted on September 3, 2026September 3, 2026 by APDA

Smart Patients Blog Series 2 of 5: Dr. Gilbert Discusses Parkinson’s Disease Medications This article is part 2 in our Smart Patients Blog Series Parkinson’s disease (PD) medications continue to expand, which is giving patients more options than ever before. However, choosing between different formulations, delivery systems, and add-on therapies can be confusing. This post […]

Parkinson’s Before Diagnosis: Early Warning Signs

Posted on July 7, 2026September 3, 2026 by APDA

This article is part 2 in our Smart Patients Blog Series Smart Patients Blog Series 1 of 5: Dr. Gilbert Discusses Early Symptoms of Parkinson’s Some early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) can begin many years before the classic motor symptoms (slowness, stiffness, tremor) ever appear. Symptoms such as sleep disturbances, loss of smell, constipation, […]