American Parkinson Disease Association - APDA Northwest Chapter

04/15/2026

A reduction in vocal intensity or volume is a common symptom of Parkinson's disease. Changes in voice and speech can appear years before other motor symptoms, making this a valuable early indicator of PD. This change in vocal quality is often described as being breathy or hoarse. The voice may become softer, or it may start off strong and then fade away. As Parkinson's advances, speaking can become rapid, with the words crowded together, or stuttering may occur. Early detection and intervention with programs that strengthen vocal muscles and improve breath support can enhance communication, making a difference in improving or maintaining current function.

Did You Know? A fantastic way to improve your voice is by singing! Join Northwest favorite Judi Spencer in a free online class of vocal exercises and songs, tomorrow and the first 3 Tuesdays of each month at 11am PT: https://www.apdaparkinson.org/events/the-joy-of-singing-tremolos-singers/

04/13/2026

Parkinson’s isn’t just a condition that affects older adults. In reality, it can impact people at any age, with 10–20% of cases appearing before the age of 50, and about half of those diagnosed before age 40. Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) might start with subtle signs: a finger or hand that tremors only at rest, muscle stiffness that feels like a knot that won’t go away, or movements that seem just a bit slower. Facial expressions may seem less animated or steps less steady. These symptoms are often mistaken for stress, fatigue, or just getting older, but they may be worth a second look. If something feels off, talk to your healthcare provider.

04/12/2026

Join APDA and NeuroMotion Telehealth for a conversation-driven Parkinson's education conference designed to inform, empower, and connect. Featured topics will be exercise, non-motor symptoms, emerging treatment, care partner conversations, and more! Open to people with Parkinson's, care partners, and anyone interested in learning more.

Learn how lifestyle choices can support living well with Parkinson's disease! Free to attend, lunch is included. Register at apda.link/anchorage26

📅 Saturday, May 9 10am-3pm (doors open at 9am)
📍 Anchorage Senior Activity Center, 1300 East 19th Avenue

04/11/2026

Today is World Parkinson's Day and sharing your spark is one way to speak up to help put an end to Parkinson's disease. Share our story! While PD is the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world - and there is still no cure - your advocacy can make a difference. Learn how you can change the future of Parkinson's disease at https://www.apdaparkinson.org/advocacy/

If you haven't yet heard, our collective PD voices have been heard and there was good news this week - the appointment of members to the Advisory Council on Parkinson’s Research, Care, and Service was announced on Friday. The Advisory Council is charged with the evaluation and prioritization of federally funded initiatives in PD research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, clinical care, and programs, and also tasked with identifying ways to reduce the financial burden of Parkinson’s disease, improve health outcomes and quality of care, and address environmental triggers and underlying factors contributing to Parkinson’s.

You can read more about the advisory council at https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/apda-applauds-seating-of-the-national-parkinsons-planadvisory-council/

04/10/2026

Join APDA and NeuroMotion Telehealth in Juneau on May 6 for a relaxed and interactive conversation about Parkinson's disease. Featured topics are exercise, non-motor symptoms, emerging treatments, and more. Learn the basics and discover how lifestyle choices can support living well with PD. Open to people with Parkinson's, care partners, and anyone interested in learning more.

📅 Wednesday May 6, 1:30-4:00pm
📍Riverview Senior Living, 3041 Clinton Drive, Juneau

Free to attend. Learn more and register at: apda.link/juneau26

04/10/2026

At last month’s Parkinson’s Policy Forum in Washington, DC, Suzanne Cameron was awarded a 2026 Udall Public Service Award. 🎉🎉🎉 Named for former Congressman Morris K. Udall, the award honors exceptional dedication to advocacy and public service and was awarded to five advocates from across the country. Suzanne is a passionate advocate and this award is a reflection of the outsized impact she has made in the Parkinson’s community.

Suzanne is pictured here (on the left) with APDA Chief Public Policy Officer, Anne Hubbard. From all of us at APDA, CONGRATULATIONS SUZANNE!

04/09/2026

Sleep issues are common in people with Parkinson's. Common sleep disorders include obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, frequent awakening, restless leg syndrome, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Many people with PD have REM sleep behavior disorder - which is your body "acting out" dreams - and some researchers believe this could be one of the earliest signs of Parkinson's. Motor symptoms can also make it difficult to get comfortable or change positions in bed, making it a challenge to get a restful night's sleep.

You can learn more about sleep disturbances in PD by visiting our resource library at //apdaparkinson.org/resources (just type "sleep" in the search bar!)

04/07/2026

Today is Parkinson's National Day of Action and you can add your important voice to this effort. Your personal story makes a difference! Speaking up is a great way to do something important for Parkinson’s Awareness Month and help spread awareness to YOUR representatives.

Want to get involved? Here are a few ideas:
📣 Contact your member of congress to advocate for key policy changes that improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s disease. https://www.apdaparkinson.org/advocacy/
📣 Invite your member of congress, state, and local elected officials to your support group or exercise class so they can meet the local PD community in person. The APDA advocacy team can help!
📣 Join APDA’s advocacy community by signing up for our Advocacy Alerts to stay updated on key actions and opportunities. https://www.apdaparkinson.org/advocacy/

04/06/2026

A reduced sensitivity to odors (hyposmia) or a loss of smell (anosmia) is often an early symptom of Parkinson’s. Many people report a diminished sense of smell years or even decades before the development of motor symptoms. While many people who experience a diminished sense of smell do not have Parkinson’s, over 90% of people with a Parkinson's diagnosis exhibit some degree of hyposmia or anosmia.

04/04/2026

For people living with Parkinson’s disease, exercise may be one of the most powerful tools to fight some symptoms and to slow disease progression. Though not a cure, exercise plays a critical role in managing PD, offering numerous benefits that can significantly improve quality of life. Exercise is vital to maintaining overall physical and emotional health and wellbeing.

APDA offers free online exercise classes, check them out at //apdaparkinson.org/upcoming-events/

As always, APDA is here for you. Contact us at apdanw@apdaparkinson.org or visit //apdaparkinson.org/nw for resources, support, education, wellness, and community.

04/02/2026

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month! Join us in sharing "Did You Know" messages all month long - some familiar, some surprising. Help spread awareness by sharing our posts and being part of a nationwide effort to reach more people.

As always, APDA is here for you. Contact us at apdanw@apdaparkinson.org or visit https://apdaparkinson.org/nw for resources, support, education, wellness, and community.

03/20/2026

Join APDA and neuropsychologist Dr. Justin Miller for a free community program about brain health and Parkinson’s disease.

We’ll talk about the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s, like changes in thinking, mood, and behavior, as well as dementia risk. You’ll also learn simple, everyday ways to support brain health and stay sharp over time.

While we’ll focus on Parkinson’s, this program is helpful for anyone interested in healthy aging and cognitive wellness. All are welcome—people living with Parkinson’s, care partners, families, and community members. We’ll also leave time for questions and conversation.

📅 Tuesday, March 31
🕝 2:30–4:30 PM
📍 Immanuel Baptist Church
1200 Soule Avenue, Hoquiam

Join APDA & neuropsychologist, Dr. Justin Miller for a community education program focused on brain health and the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including cognitive changes, mood and behavior changes, and dementia risk. The session will highlight practical, everyday strategies to supp...