In this meeting there is always engaging conversation about topics that the mentees want to know about. Our mentors are a group of determined and inspired people who keeps the conversation going!

Note that the Newly Diagnosed meetings are not just for PD “Newbies.” They can ALSO help anyone on their PD journey, including those who need a “refresher.” It’s an excellent opportunity for those having difficulties after several years of living with Parkinson’s to get back
on track with your exercise, therapy, or attitude. We may pair you up with a motivated PwP who will give you tips on exercise, therapy and how to put some spring back in your step! Please make every attempt to attend this meeting. You will find the atmosphere low-key but
enlightening, and you will find that you are not alone with your diagnosis!

Advice for the Newly Diagnosed: https://www.parkinson.org/Living-with-Parkinsons/ManagingParkinsons/Advice-for-the-Newly-Diagnosed

Read about Young Onset PD: https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/What-isParkinsons/Young-Onset-Parkinsons

You may join our Newly Diagnosed/Young Onset group by contacting me
(jkolaya1127@gmail.com) or Donna(dmastropolo@yahoo.com).

Dear Care Partners, we absolutely need and want your participation at our Care Partners’ support groups. This is stuff that you won’t necessarily hear or talk about at the PwP (People with Parkinson’s) support groups. Please attend this meeting. You are very important to us and
to your PwP. Let us know how we can help!

The Parkinson’s Foundation has lots of great information about Care Partners. Click on this link
to find the Top 10 resources for Care Partners:
https://www.parkinson.org/blog/caregiver-corner/top-caregiver-resources\

PDUpdates will be e-mailed directly to you. All you need to do is send your name and your e-mail address to john@jfkpdavocate.com indicating you would like to receive your own copy when it is published. As noted below, your information will remain confidential, and you may opt out at any time.

Located in Edison, New Jersey, the JFK Parkinson’s Disease Center is comprised of the JFK Neuroscience Institute and the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute. Both Institutes are uniquely qualified to offer comprehensive services in a single location and work collaboratively to accurately diagnose PD and to create a care plan for each individual patient.

READ MORE: https://www.jfkmc.org/services/the-neuroscience-institute/movementdisorders/parkinsons-disease-program/

The JFK Parkinson’s Advocate Parkinson’s disease is one of the most complicated of all known diseases. It is hoped that this website will make it more convenient for those who feel alone and afraid with their diagnosis to understand that they have the support of many people like themselves who will help them to get through life with hope and fellowship. The website is intended to support all aspects of the Hackensack Meridian Health Network by supplementing the ongoing efforts of its physicians, clinicians, and patient advocates and by providing a convenient resource for all People with Parkinson’s disease and those who care about them.

Three of our support group regulars, all of whom have undergone DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) surgery, will lead the discussion. They will comment on the symptoms that each had prior to the procedure, the decision process each went through, the procedure itself, the recovery time, and the improvements in their condition because of undergoing DBS. Please join this discussion if you are
thinking of having DBS surgery or have already had it!

1. People with Parkinson’s need to hydrate themselves more frequently than those without PD?
Find Out Why at: https://www.neurologysolutions.com/parkinsons-disease/dehydration-inparkinsons-risks-tips-2/

2. The cause of Parkinson’s is still unknown and there is no cure. What causes Parkinson’s remains largely unknown. Genetics cause about 10 to 15 percent of all Parkinson’s. The other 85 to 90 percent of cases are classified as sporadic (or occasional). Although there is no cure, treatment options vary and include medications and surgery.

3. No two people have the same exact symptoms. The progression of symptoms is often a bit different from one person to another due to the diversity of the disease. People with PD may experience: tremor (mainly at rest); slowness of movements (bradykinesia); limb rigidity; gait and balance problems.

4. Small Handwriting and loss of smell are early signs of Parkinson’s. A change in handwriting, specifically handwriting that’s gotten smaller over time or crowded, are an early indicator of PD. Another common early sign is the loss of smell of foods like bananas, dill pickles and licorice.

5. The Parkinson’s community is strong. The Parkinson’s Foundation is here for our global Parkinson’s community — that includes family members and caregivers. The Foundation hosts Moving Day walks across the nation and also provides additional ways to get involved— donate, volunteer, host a fundraiser, join PD Conversations or advocate.

If you answered four out of five questions correctly, you are qualified to be a Parkinson’s Mentor. There are many Newly Diagnosed PwPs that can really use your advice and friendship! Contact John Kolaya or Donna Mastropolo and join our Newly Diagnosed Group.

• Your Parkinson’s Care Team
• Parkinson’s and Nutrition
• Dance for PD
• Drum Circles and Music
• Completion of the Index and Glossary of PD terms
• More Doctors’ Corner Articles
• What would you like to see on the website? – Contact me with your ideas and
comments!

Workouts on zoom Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at JFK RSB also, zoom/in-person at Busacca’s Gym and in-person at Garwood

Located in Edison, New Jersey, the JFK Parkinson’s Disease Center is comprised of the JFK Neuroscience Institute and the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute. Both Institutes are uniquely qualified to offer comprehensive services in a single location and work collaboratively to accurately diagnose PD and to create a care plan for each individual patient.

READ MORE: https://www.jfkmc.org/services/the-neuroscience-institute/movementdisorders/parkinsons-disease-program/

• Your Parkinson’s Care Team
• Parkinson’s and Nutrition
• Dance for PD
• Drum Circles and Music
• Completion of the Index and Glossary of PD terms
• More Doctors’ Corner Articles
• What would you like to see on the website? – Contact me with your ideas and
comments!

PD Mentor-Mentee Program: Read about this Growing program at www.jfkpdadvocate.com