If you are newly diagnosed, the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego is here to help.

There are many emotions that accompany a new diagnosis of Parkinson’s. It’s often said that, to process this diagnosis, you may find yourself going through the seven stages of grief, attributed to Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. These stages are shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, testing, and acceptance. Not everyone experiences them all, or in linear fashion, but we are here to guide you on your road to acceptance.

Quick Links

Here are a couple of starting points:

The Parkinson’s Association
Mentor Program

Watch this short video about the Mentor Program.

Here in San Diego we have about 25 mentors who are here to help you. This is a free, confidential service. The mentors have walked in your shoes, have completed our Mentor Education Program and, most importantly, they are here for you. They do not provide medical advice but they will listen to you, tell you about their journey with Parkinson’s, answer questions about living with Parkinson’s, and give you an objective, compassionate person to speak with.

Click below to search for a mentor in San Diego. You can read their bios and choose the person who most resonates with you. Send them a note through the website and they will get back to you within a day or two.

Click Here to Search for a San Diego Mentor

The Good Start Program

The Good Start Program is an in-person, half day seminar that we run three or four times each year at different venues in San Diego County.

Designed for newly diagnosed people with Parkinson’s and their care partners, topics include maintaining a positive attitude; understanding Parkinson’s; choosing a physician; common medications, care givers/care partners; importance of exercise and nutrition; benefits of physical; occupational, speech and music therapy; research, Support Groups, Mentor Program, and an overview of other additional resources.

Click the button below to see all the presentations from our most recent Good Start Program.

Click Here to View our Recent Good Start Program Presentations

Exercise is Medicine

Sherrie Gould, NP, CMRD on why exercise is one of the most important therapies for Parkinson’s.

Currently, the only therapy we know of that can slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease is exercise.

If you have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s it is imperative that you move your body every day. This should include aerobic exercise, anerobic exercise, weight and resistance training, and balance and foundational exercises.

We have complied a page of exercise opportunities in San Diego specifically for people with Parkinson’s (and their care partners, because care partners need to take care of their health and fitness also). Click below for the page.

Click Here to See San Diego Exercise Opportunities for People with Parkinson's

Support Groups