This year, you showed up with questions. 

Thousands of them. 

In webinars. Through calls to our support line. In conversations with peer mentors. You asked the questions that keep you up at night. Questions about medications. About exercise. About what comes next. Some of you were newly diagnosed. Others had been living with Parkinson’s for years. But every question mattered. Here’s what you wanted to know and what we learned together. 

When should I start my medications? 

Because Parkinson’s affects everyone differently, treatment plans need to be personalized. Your treatment plan will depend on several factors. Your age, how are your symptoms affecting your life, and your lifestyle are just a few of those factors. Some start medication when tremors interfere with work or daily tasks. Others wait if symptoms are mild. The goal isn’t to delay out of fear. It’s to start when medication genuinely improves your quality of life. Talk openly with your neurologist and health care team.

Learn more about medications to treat Parkinson’s.

How much exercise do I need? 

Exercise and being active is beneficial to everyone. For people with Parkinson’s, it is one of the most important tools to living well.   

Regular physical activity can improve mobility, balance, mood, and overall quality of life, and may even help slow symptom progression. The key is consistency: aim for a mix of aerobic exercise, strength training, and balance or flexibility activities each week. Working with a physiotherapist can help tailor a safe, effective plan. Walking. Cycling. Swimming. Boxing. Dance. Find what works and stick with it.

Learn more about staying active with Parkinson’s.

How can I exercise if I’m in pain? 

Pain makes movement harder. But movement can help manage pain especially pain associated with Parkinson’s. Start with gentle, low-impact activities—like stretching, walking, or water-based exercise—and increase slowly as you feel able. A physiotherapist can help adjust movements to avoid flare-ups while still keeping you active. If pain is persistent or worsening, check in with your care team to make sure you’re exercising safely.

Learn more about building an integrated care team.

I’m a care partner — what supports are available if caring at home feels overwhelming? 

Caring for someone with Parkinson’s can be rewarding but also challenging, and it’s normal to feel stretched or unsure at times. A variety of resources exist to help you manage: home care services, respite programs, physiotherapy and occupational therapy support, Parkinson’s-specific community programs, and counselling or peer support for care partners. Talk to your care team – they can help identify local supports and plan for sustainable care. And connect with the Parkinson Canada support team for guidance and a listening ear. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not failure, and taking care of yourself benefits both you and the person you’re supporting. 

Explore our care partner information, including a practical guide for care partners. 

Are stem cell therapies a proven treatment for Parkinson’s? 

While research is promising and progress is being made, no stem cell therapy has been proven safe and effective for treating Parkinson’s, and none are approved by Health Canada or the FDA for widespread use. Some private clinics offer stem cell treatments, but their safety and effectiveness are not known. Always discuss any stem cell therapy with your health care team, and consider only participating in registered clinical trials rather than unproven commercial treatments. 

Learn more about stem cell-based therapies to treat Parkinson’s.

How do I know if a supplement can help with my Parkinson’s?

Supplements are not well-regulated, and their quality and effectiveness can vary widely. Some may offer benefits, but others can interact with Parkinson’s medications or cause side effects. Before starting anything new, even a “natural” product, discuss it with your health care team so they can help you choose safe, evidence-informed options. 

Learn more about how to spot Parkinson’s misinformation.  

What matters most 

These questions matter because they came from you — from real moments of uncertainty, from courage, and from hope. They remind us that navigating Parkinson’s is a shared journey, and that curiosity and honesty are powerful tools for understanding and support. Thank you for trusting us with your questions, for showing up, and for staying engaged — your voice helps guide this community and the conversation around care. 

Have a question we didn’t cover?  Connect with our support team or call our support line at 1-888-664-1974. Explore our resources. Connect with a peer mentor.  

We’re here to support you along your journey.  

This is not medical advice; please always consult with your health care team to make the best decisions for you and your situation.