American Parkinson Disease Association - APDA Northwest Chapter

📢 Important update! Please read and share!

The APDA Northwest Chapter isn’t going anywhere, but this page is! Our Chapter page will be closing this weekend as APDA transitions to one unified page. Be sure to follow us there to stay informed about Parkinson’s news, stories, local and national programs, resources, and much more! American Parkinson Disease Association

For local connection and conversation, you can find us at https://www.facebook.com/APDAparkinsons JOIN US!

👋Hi friends!

While the APDA Northwest Chapter isn’t going anywhere, this page is! Our Chapter page will close on May 15 as APDA transitions to a single unified page.

Please be sure to follow us to stay informed about Parkinson’s news, stories, local and national programs, resources, and much more here➡️ https://www.facebook.com/APDAparkinsons

For local connection and conversation, you can join our Chapter Community Group here➡️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/apdanw

Why the change? As Facebook’s algorithm continues to evolve, this change will help ensure you’re more likely to see updates from us in your feed. By bringing our content and community together on one page, APDA can better connect with and support people in the Northwest and across the country. We don’t want you to miss a thing!

Rest assured, the APDA Northwest Chapter is here to stay! Our local, community-based connections remain at the heart of everything we do. We’re proud to be part of a nationwide network providing the support, education, research, and community that helps everyone impacted by Parkinson’s live life to the fullest, and we’re excited to amplify our impact!

It is a wonderful gathering of the Parkinson's community in Anchorage! Bringing support, resources, education, and community to more than 160 folks in Alaska (Juneau on Wednesday and Anchorage today!).

💙 GiveBIG is here! 💙

https://www.wagives.org/organization/Apdanorthwest

Today we’re joining communities across Washington and the Northwest in celebrating the power of giving — and supporting people living with Parkinson’s disease.

At APDA we are committed to helping individuals and families live life to the fullest through education, support, and vital resources. Every day, we work to create a supportive community where people impacted by Parkinson’s can truly thrive.

Your support makes a meaningful difference:
✨ Expanding access to programs and services
✨ Connecting individuals to vital support networks
✨ Advancing hope and quality of life for families across our region

If you're able, please consider making a gift today and being part of this important movement. Every donation — big or small — helps us continue this critical work.

👉 GiveBIG TODAY! https://www.wagives.org/organization/Apdanorthwest

Together, we can build a stronger, more supportive community. Thank you for making an impact.

I supported APDA during GiveBig! Every day, APDA provides the support, education, research and community that will help everyone impacted by Parkinson's disease live life to the fullest. APDA Northwest empowers people through education and support, and builds community.

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/

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.

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

Live Well Alaska | APDA Northwest Saturday, May 9th 10:00am – 3:00pm Doors open at 9:00am Parkinson’s Today: A Conversation on Care, Treatment, and Living Well Join us for a conversation-driven experience designed to inform, empower, and connect. Whether you’re living with Parkinson’s, caring for someone who is, or simply wa...

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/

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