You may walk well in one setting and suddenly notice your steps becoming smaller in another.

This week on Pearls for Parkinson’s, “When Your Steps Get Smaller,” we look beyond simply telling someone to “take bigger steps.”

We talk about dual-tasking, distraction, fatigue, medication timing, and why busy environments can change the way someone with Parkinson’s walks.

Plus, a simple tip for care partners: sometimes one clear cue works much better than several instructions at once.

To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LtAdIkEp9fQ

Wisconsin Parkinson Association
website: https://wiparkinson.org/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

Swollen feet or ankles may not seem connected to Parkinson’s - however, sometimes there is a connection.

In this week’s Pearls for Parkinson’s, “Why Are My Legs Swelling?”, we talk about how reduced movement can contribute to swelling, which Parkinson’s medications may play a role, and simple strategies that may help.

Most importantly, we cover when leg swelling shouldn't be assumed to be Parkinson’s and needs medical attention.

Listen for practical tips and signs to watch for.

To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/T4kgZV1YPEc

Wisconsin Parkinson Association
website: https://wiparkinson.org/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

With Parkinson’s medication, when you take it can matter almost as much as remembering to take it.

This week on Pearls for Parkinson’s, we're talking about “Medication Timing Matters.”

We cover keeping levodopa on schedule, when protein may affect how well it works, why iron deserves some attention, and how tracking when your medication kicks in and wears off can help your provider better understand your day.

Small changes in awareness can help you get more from your medication routine.

To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Db369EqW0Lc

Wisconsin Parkinson Association
website: https://wiparkinson.org/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

A sudden increase in Parkinson’s symptoms doesn't always mean the disease has progressed.

Illness, infection, dehydration, medication disruptions, and other medical problems can temporarily make Parkinson’s symptoms much more noticeable.

This week on Pearls for Parkinson’s, we talk about “When Parkinson’s Gets Worse” and why a sudden change should make us investigate further.

Learn what to watch for and why getting back to baseline may start with finding the underlying cause.

To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CqV2UpulgD8

Wisconsin Parkinson Association
website: https://wiparkinson.org/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

Pearls for Parkinson's: Tips for Daily Living with PD.

To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FUp13he3OwY

Getting out of bed can require a little more strategy when you have Parkinson’s.

In this week’s Pearls for Parkinson’s, “Getting Out of Bed,” we break down a simple way to use bigger movements and rotation to make rolling and getting up easier.

Plus, we share a surprisingly simple tip involving silk or satin that may help you turn more easily at night. Just remember - sheets or pajamas, not both!

Listen for practical ways to make bed mobility easier and more intentional.

Wisconsin Parkinson Association
website: https://wiparkinson.org/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

Pearls for Parkinson's: Tips for Daily Living with PD.

To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9m8eJXWwfP4

Wearing OFF isn't always about becoming slower or stiffer.

Sometimes it shows up as anxiety, fatigue, pain, brain fog, or simply feeling like something isn't quite right.

In this week’s Pearls for Parkinson’s, “Are You Wearing Off?”, we talk about some of the less-obvious signs of OFF time and one of the best tools for recognizing it: looking for patterns around your medication schedule. A few simple observations may give you valuable information to share with your Parkinson’s provider.

Wisconsin Parkinson Association
website: https://wiparkinson.org/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

Pearls for Parkinson's: Tips for Daily Living with PD.

To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Osx9lo-6GGg

Can Parkinson’s affect your breathing?

Sometimes - but shortness of breath should never automatically be blamed on Parkinson’s.

This week on Pearls for Parkinson’s, we look at “Feeling Short of Breath” and how posture, OFF periods, anxiety, and even dyskinesia involving the breathing muscles may play a role.

Learn what patterns to watch for - and when breathing changes need medical attention.

Wisconsin Parkinson Association
website: https://wiparkinson.org/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

Pearls for Parkinson's: Tips for Daily Living with PD.

To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lMU0G4gP3M0

Buttoning a shirt. Sending a text. Handling coins. Using utensils.

With Parkinson’s, changes in hand movement can make everyday tasks take a little more time and attention.

In this week’s Pearls for Parkinson’s, we’re talking about “When Hands Slow Down” - what bradykinesia can look like in your hands, what we're looking for when we test finger tapping in the clinic, and practical ways to keep those hands moving.

Listen for simple strategies you can put to use right away.

Wisconsin Parkinson Association
website: https://wiparkinson.org/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/