5 Tips for the Newly Diagnosed

Denise Dagan with the Stanford Parkinson's Community Outreach Program passes on tips from people with Parkinson's to those who are newly diagnosed.
* Give yourself time to adjust. Don't make any major life decisions in the first year after diagnosis.
* Get information about Parkinson's Disease (PD) from reliable sources online, like the Stanford Parkinson's website
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* Consider joining a support group for the newly diagnosed.
Find a group in Northern California
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Join a video support group at
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Ask questions in an online PD forum at
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* Your neurologist should be addressing the issues you find most bothersome. If they are not, find another neurologist.
* Start taking PD medication when your symptoms bother you or prevent you from doing the things you want to do or need to do - like exercise. Exercise is the only thing shown to slow the progression of PD. Learn more about the benefits of exercise
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The 'right' exercise is any physical activity you WILL do, every day if possible. Make a date to exercise with a friend. It's more fun and you're more likely to show up! PD exercise classes, like Rock Steady Boxing, are a great place to meet others with PD, especially if you're not ready to join a support group. Find FREE Parkinson's-focused exercise on the Stanford Parkinson's website:
In-person PD Exercise Classes in Northern California
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PD Exercise Classes Live Online
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PD Exercise Videos
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Don't wait until motor symptoms become debilitating before seeing a physical therapist (PT), occupational therapist (OT), or speech therapist (ST). It's always easier to prevent the loss of abilities than to regain them. Find a PT, OT, or ST on the San Francisco Peninsula or in the South Bay:
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OR call the Stanford APDA Information & Referral Center at 650-724-6090.
Eat a Mediterranean diet, to reduce inflammation and prevent/relieve constipation. Learn more about nutrition and Parkinson's on the Stanford Parkinson's website
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