Living with Parkinson's Disease - Meet others & come say hi
Welcome to the Parkinson's Disease group on Mayo Clinic Connect.
This is a welcoming, safe place where you can meet people living with Parkinson's or caring for someone with Parkinson's. Let's learn from each other and share stories about living well with Parkinson's, coping with the bumps and offering tips.
Chances are you'll to be greeted by fellow member and volunteer patient Mentor, Teresa (@hopeful33250), when you post to this group.
We look forward to welcoming you and introducing you to other members. Feel free to browse the topics or start a new one.
Let's chat. Why not start by introducing yourself?
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Parkinson's Disease Support Group.
Connect

Hi,
My name is Joe. I am 80 years old. I had open heart surgery back in 2011 and have recently been diagnoses with Lewey body dementia associated with Parkinson symptoms that go with that diagnosis. Due to my last diagnosis, I have serious balance issues and have progressing dementia. I am glad to be on this support group and looking forward to sharing my issues with you and hearing your issues that concern you as well.
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3 Reactions@tower, that sounds like a good plan. Multiple neurological problems can co-exist. I'll be interested in knowing what type of tests will be done to rule out another muscle disorder.
Will you post updates as it is convenient for you?
@hopeful33250
His doctor wants to rule out Myotisis so we have an upcoming test then she wants to talk about botox injections. The neck drop may be from another muscle disorder
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1 Reaction@macowen, It sounds like you and your husband are doing all of the right things for a PD diagnosis, especially the exercise routine. Exercise, when combined with medication, is the best tool to avoid the debilitation that can come with PD.
I see that you are following some great PD websites. I would also like to suggest the Davis Phinney Foundation website, https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/. They offer great webinars and a wealth of YouTube videos of past webinars that you can view at your convenience.
I am glad to hear that his symptoms are mild now. I would be interested to know more about
the senior-friendly treadmill for home exercise. Can you provide details?
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1 ReactionThank you.
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1 ReactionThank you. My husband’s symptoms are still mild, just a little slow walking. We noticed and suggested Parkinson’s to our primary care physician who thought it was natural aging. She referred us to a neurologist and lots of tests including MRI and DatScan that confirmed what we had already thought might be Parkinson’s. We have been proactive with a plan of how we’re going to live with this disease. He is taking carbidopa/levidopa, has joined a gym with a personal trainer 3 times a week, and have bought a senior-friendly treadmill for home exercise. We’re are prepared for a long journey! I know we’ll need support along the way. Thank you!
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1 ReactionThank you for your response. My husband’s symptoms are relatively mild. He is taking carbidopa /levidopa and is going to the gym 3 times a week with a personal trainer. We have also purchased a senior-friendly treadmill. We’re also reading all information from Parkinson’s Foundation, Mayo and Michael J Fox. So we’re being very proactive and are preparing ourselves for a long journey. I will be seeking advice when I need it. Mcowen
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2 Reactions@tower
Perhaps another member may answer your question about the neck drop. That is something I have not had with PD.
Here are some posts on Connect discussing neck drop: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/
What does his neurologist say about it? I wonder if it is from the PD or something else?
Due to the increase in his symptoms and the fact that he started taking Carpidopa-Levodopa Aug 28,2024 it's hard for me to say if threse meds are helping. He goes to physical theraphy once a week and he feels better after doing the exercises. I want to know once the neck drop occurs will he every be able to lift his head up again?
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2 ReactionsHello @tower, and welcome to the PD support group on Mayo Connect. I appreciate you reaching out on behalf of your husband to get information, as well as encouragement, as you journey with your husband through the maze of Parkinsonian symptoms. It can be a confusing journey, and sharing the journey with others is important.
From your two posts, it appears that his symptoms are increasing. Share, as you are comfortable doing so, a little about what symptoms led to this diagnosis and which symptoms are the most bothersome to him now. For example, when I was first diagnosed, I had balance problems, one-sided weakness, foot dragging, and a very soft voice.
Have any medications or physical therapies been helpful to him?
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