Living with Parkinson's Disease: Hope Through Movement and Community

Parkinson's disease affects millions of people worldwide, but with proper management and support, patients can maintain their quality of life for many years. 

As physical therapist Nathalie Grondin explains, understanding this condition is the first step toward effective treatment. Her expertise helps shine a light on Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month.

What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects multiple systems in the body and brain. What we observe externally is just "the tip of the iceberg," as Nathalie notes. 

"What we see at the top doesn't tell us at all what's going on,” she says. “There's so much more going on than that."

Visible disease symptoms often include motor issues such as "slowness of movement, rigidity, stiffness of movement, difficulty with balance," Nathalie explains. 

“Walking patterns change as the disease progresses, with many patients developing shuffling steps and what medical professionals call a ‘mask face with little expression’."

Parkinson's is often called a movement disorder because of the impaired or involuntary movements it can cause, but its effects extend far beyond motion. It's the fastest-growing neurological condition worldwide, with global estimates showing more than 8.5 million people living with Parkinson's in 2019.

Stages and progression

Parkinson's disease is classified into five stages, with stage five being the most debilitating. “At that stage, someone who may be homebound, wheelchair-bound or have a lot of difficulty moving about," Nathalie says.

Patients find freezing episodes to be one of the most difficult symptoms to manage. Nathalie describes this situation as "where they really feel like their feet are stuck to the ground. They can't move. Then all of a sudden you see the whole body is moving, but nothing is happening."

The impact on life quality

The disease doesn't just affect the individual but the entire family. 

"They have care partners, usually the spouse, close friends or family. It's a whole support system. There's so much to learn about how to manage and help prevent the fast decline of function," Nathalie says.

Treatment approaches: More than just medication

While medication is a crucial component of managing Parkinson's, physical therapy plays an equally important role. 

"Exercise is just as important as medication management for Parkinson's,” Nathalie notes. “That's been proven.” 

WATCH HEALTH MATTERS: Physical therapist Nathalie Grondin discusses the benefits of rehabilitation therapies for people with Parkinson's

For example, physical therapy can specifically address freezing episodes, she says.

"We address the situation in which they have a trigger for their freezing episodes, and we practice specific activities to prevent or reduce the number of freezing episodes.”

The Lee Health Parkinson Program: Support through the community

In Southwest Florida, where over 3,000 people live with Parkinson's disease, the Lee Health Parkinson Program offers crucial support for patients and their care partners. This navigational and educational outreach program brings people together to share experiences, learn from experts, and find the keys to living well with Parkinson's and related movement disorders.

Michelle Martin, who manages the program, explains that it aligns with recommendations from health professionals who emphasize the importance of early intervention and ongoing management of Parkinson's.

“The program offers services both in-person and virtually, demonstrating the increasing accessibility of resources for those with Parkinson's,” Michele explains. “Through this program, people living in our area diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or related movement disorders and their care partners can connect with others.” 

The program provides:

• Personalized navigational support
• Education
• Movement classes
• Peer-to-peer enrichment groups
• Social opportunities

Nathalie and Michelle agree that the keys to living well with Parkinson's involve education, support, and social connections with others who understand the journey.

Hope through support programs

Nathalie stresses that despite being incurable, Parkinson's is manageable.

"We can't give up, and that's the problem,” she says. “Understandably, I’ve seen people [when first diagnosed] might say 'oh my gosh, I just had a death sentence.’ But it's not. It's definitely a challenge, but if you surround yourself with the right support system and resources, there's so much to be done."

Nathalie encourages her patients “to work very closely with a neurologist movement disorder specialist to make sure they're on the right level of medication." 

Some people living with Parkinson’s disease may also wish to explore treatments like deep brain stimulation (DBS), when appropriate.

READ: A new chapter in movement disorder treatment: DBS

Early warning signs

Recognizing early signs of Parkinson's can lead to earlier intervention and better outcomes. 

Nathalie advises that if you "develop a tremor, get somebody to look at it. Different things can cause it. Changes in movement patterns, a person's posture can start [to lean] forward, it's not just getting older as our bodies change over time."

She adds that changes in voice volume can also be an early indicator worth checking out.

The path forward

For those diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, the message is clear: with proper support, resources, and a commitment to staying active, patients can maintain their independence and quality of life. The journey may be challenging, but programs like Lee Health's offer the guidance and support needed to navigate it successfully.

The Lee Health Parkinson Program is a supportive outreach program and does not provide or serve as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. To learn more about the Parkinson Program, visit www.LeeHealth.org/ParkinsonProgram.

As Nathalie reminds us, Parkinson's is a challenge, not a death sentence—and with the right approach, it's a challenge that can be met with dignity, determination, and hope.

Stay connected: Free local programs to energize and empower you and your loved ones

Lee Health understands the challenges faced by people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Our program offers personalized support, education, exercise classes, peer groups, and social events to help people live well with Parkinson's disease. 

Our vibrant, supportive community is ready to welcome you, and our program is free to join!

To register for a class, call 239-468-0050 or visit www.LeeHealth.org/Events.

• Parkinson's Walking Challenges and Strategies: People with Parkinson's disease often experience changes in their walking abilities even before they receive a formal diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Find out about the most common challenges encountered with walking and strategies to improve and maintain abilities and independence.
• Achieve Your Best Balance: Join Nathalie Grondin, PT, on the last Friday of the month to learn more about balance and fall prevention. In this three-part series, you will learn about key concepts, risk factors, warning signs, and resources for fall prevention.
• PD101 Navigating Parkinson's Class

Wednesday, April 23, 2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
WellWay - Cape Coral
609 SE 13th Ct.
Cape Coral, FL 33990
Get directions

Friday, April 25, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Healthy Life Center - Cypress Resource Group
16451 Healthpark Commons Dr.
Fort Myers, FL 33908
Get directions

Monday, April 28, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. 
Healthy Life Center - Coconut Point
23450 Via Coconut Point
Estero, FL 33928
Get directions

Friday, April 25, Noon - 1 p.m. 
Lee County Sheriff’s Office at Miromar Outlets
10801 Corkscrew Road, Suite 190 
Estero, FL 33928
Get directions

Friday, May 2, 11 a.m. – Noon
WellWay - Cape Coral
609 SE 13th Ct. 
Cape Coral, FL 33990
Get directions