Overview of PD

These resources offer an overview of Parkinson's disease (PD), including information about the pathology, commonly experienced motor and non-motor symptoms, how to assemble your healthcare team, pharmacological and surgical treatment options, your emotional and physical health, and more.  

If you, or someone you know, has been recently diagnosed with PD, you may also want to view the resources on our Newly Diagnosed page.

Downloadable Documents (PDF)

Parkinson’s Disease: What You and Your Family Should Know

Published by the Parkinson's Foundation), 2017

This 41-page manual (PDF) offers a basic overview of Parkinson’s disease.  Topics include symptoms, diagnosis, parkinsonism, treatment options, putting your health team together, accepting and adapting to Parkinson’s disease, and staying well.  It also contains a section on the special concerns of persons with young onset Parkinson’s disease.


Parkinson's Disease Handbook

Published by American Parkinson Disease Association, 2019

This 43-page booklet (PDF) reviews the symptoms, cause, and treatment of PD. There's also a section on social issues and patient support as well as a glossary of key terms.


PD 360: Real Talk for Patients and Families

Published by the Michael J. Fox Foundation, 2016

This 58-page booklet (PDF) walks through the different symptoms, as well as the emotional and social changes that may arise at different points in the journey. It's a candid and relatable guide for patients and families living with Parkinson's.


Podcasts & Webinars

Dr. Stanley Fahn - Myths and Mistakes in PD Treatment - Parkinson Symposium 2016

By the University of Florida Health Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, May 31, 2016

In this 59-minute video, movement disorder specialist Dr. Stanley Fahn addresses several myths about medications and a few non-motor symptoms.


More than PD - Managing Multiple Chronic Conditions

By the Parkinson's Foundation, November 9, 2024

In this one-hour webinar, a movement disorders specialist discusses Parkinson's symptoms that can lead to complications, such as falls and pneumonia. At the same time, people with Parkinson’s disease experience other medical conditions that occur in the general population, including heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes. The speaker talks about coordination of care, medication management and what to know to achieve the best long-term outcomes.


Parkinson's Motor Symptoms Co-Management: Occupational Therapy and Neurology

By the Parkinson's Foundation, February 9, 2021

In this one-hour webinar, a neurologist and occupational therapist discuss treatment of the four cardinal symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability, with in-practice comments by a person with Parkinson's.


Women and Parkinson’s

By the Davis Phinney Foundation, August 7, 2019

In this one-hour webinar, Dr. Michelle Fullard discusses how women and men diagnosed with Parkinson’s experience differences when it comes to symptom presentation, sleep problems, cognitive impact, responses to surgery, medication side effects, emotional health, the care partner experience, and more. 

Online Courses

Parkinson's MOOC

By the University of Tasmania, 2025

This 5-module Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is designed to provide you with in-depth knowledge about Parkinson’s, its symptoms, risk factors and pathology, medicines and medical devices, allied health therapies, and strategies for living well with Parkinson’s.


Last updated April 2025 by Stanford Parkinson's Community Outreach.