Parkinson’s Disease Education Library

As one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers, we’re committed to applying education and research into every aspect of our care.

We are pleased to offer this free Parkinson’s disease (PD) educational library for anyone living with or caring for someone with PD. This information about Parkinson’s disease provides the latest information about PD, research into the condition, breakthrough treatments and tips for those living with this condition.

Please keep in mind that your unique circumstances or condition may be different. Be sure to consult your personal physician before making any changes in medication, diet or exercise. If you would like a PDF of a PowerPoint featured during one of our educational events, please email neurology@osumc.edu.

Diagnosing Parkinson's disease

Ariane Park, MD, MPH, gives an overview of the history of Parkinson’s disease and how we diagnose PD.

Diagnosing Parkinson's disease

About Parkinson’s disease

Living with PD

Physical therapy and rehabilitation for those with PD

Research

Treatment options

Helpful Links

Parkinson’s Disease Education Library

Diagnosing Parkinson's disease

About Parkinson’s disease

Is Parkinson's disease in your genes? PD and genetics What we know about the role of genetics in the risk for PD, including the potential risk for your immediate family and what genetic testing options are available.

Advancing Parkinson’s disease: Understanding the disease progression and associated challenges We discuss motor and non-motor symptoms of PD progression and what therapy options have been most helpful for patients.

How to deal with problems walking or instability Get information on why these postural instability problems arise in those with PD and what you can do to prevent them from occurring.

Living with PD

Constipation and urinary dysfunction in those with Parkinson’s disease Learn how our team goes about treating bowel and urinary problems in patients with PD.

How to improve your usage of phone, computers and technology Some PD symptoms can make using a phone or computer difficult. We’ll show how assistive technology can help.

Speech and communication tips for those with Parkinson’s disease Learn about speech and voice changes in those with PD, and the benefits of speech therapy.

How to manage cognitive changes in PD What are the signs to look for that are more than just normal aging? Our experts explain how you can spot the differences and what next steps you should take.

Challenges of Parkinson’s disease and the caregiver perspective There are also challenges for those caring for a loved one with PD. Our team gives recommendations on how caregivers can best help.

Physical therapy and rehabilitation for those with PD

Physical therapy and other non-medication treatment options for Parkinson’s disease Our experts explain the evidence-based benefits of exercise for people with PD, specifically in helping with neuroplasticity.

Parkinson’s disease and swallowing therapy Review the types of difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and what you can do if you or someone you know is struggling with it.

Rehabilitation and exercise for the treatment of postural instability, falls and gait freezing Postural instability, which begins within 2 years of diagnosis, can be addressed through rehab and exercise. Learn more from our experts.

Pelvic health therapy for sexual health in Parkinson’s disease Find out how PD affects sexual health and how certain therapies can help you and your partner.

Adaptive eating – enjoying meals with Parkinson’s disease Get information on eating challenges for those with PD, what equipment can help address those problems and other resources available to help.

Communication supports for people with Parkinson’s disease and their families Our team explains augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and how to improve ease of communication if you or someone you love has PD.

How ‘smart home’ technology can help those with PD Learn how electronic devices around your home, such as lights, TV or door locks – can be ‘smart’ – and help you remain more independent in your home.

Bladder dysfunction in those with Parkinson’s disease Find out bladder and urinary challenges for those with PD. Plus get info on how to address these potential issues.

Parkinson’s disease non-motor symptoms: depression, anxiety and sleep disorders While everyone is familiar with issues like tremors, there are other ‘invisible symptoms’ – including loss of smell – that can occur during the course of the illness. Learn more about these non-motor symptoms.

Research

The latest on Parkinson’s research at Ohio State (as of January 2022) View current and planned research studies and the benefits of signing up for clinical trials.

Treatment options

Treatment options for advancing Parkinson’s disease Tips for using patch medication and understanding why your doctor may prescribe either one medication or multiple medications based on your specific condition.

When to consider deep brain stimulation or other advanced treatment options Your medication not lasting long enough, bothersome tremors or dystonia not responding to medication are just a few of the considerations that may lead your doctor to recommend DBS.

What to expect with FUSA (focused ultrasound) Learn why some patients prefer FUSA over other treatments and what to expect before, during and after the procedure.

New frontiers in advanced treatment options for Parkinson’s disease Find out some of the latest advancements in surgery for Parkinson’s, including robotic surgery, and how these breakthroughs lead to better outcomes for our patients.

Advanced therapies for Parkinson’s disease Get overviews of deep brain stimulation, intraoperative lead confirmation, MRI-guided focused ultrasound ablation and subcutaneous infusions.

How focused ultrasound ablation can help your Parkinson’s Find out about focused ultrasound ablation; what to expect during the procedure and how breakthrough research at Ohio State is making it safer and more effective.

Helpful Links