Last year, Sam Cohen described his Parkinson’s journey, which started with his diagnosis in 2023 at the age of 37. The diagnosis created a lot of uncertainty for this young father of two, but with the help of the people in the Brian Grant Foundation’s Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease group, Sam found a community to support him.

Today, Sam is enjoying life with his family, with gratitude for the support he’s received from our community. In his own words:

My parents just celebrated their 50th anniversary in August, so our family went on a big camping trip down to the Sierra Nevada mountains in Eastern California, where they met. We’re always trying to do more as a family and take advantage of the opportunities to have memorable experiences.

I also started dating last September, and now I’ve been with my girlfriend for over a year. We met for brunch and have been together ever since. It’s brought me happiness, and in my personal life I finally feel like I have some forward momentum again.

I went through a dark time when things were going sideways with my family and I didn’t know what the future would look like. Now there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and with the support of the Brian Grant Foundation, I feel like I’m managing my Parkinson’s. I don’t have to think about it constantly, and it doesn’t have to affect everything. I’m really grateful for that.

I want people to know the value of the Brian Grant Foundation. Everyone I’ve seen join the groups or engage with BGF ends up really connecting and getting something meaningful out of it. I also attended the gala this year, which was a phenomenal experience. One of Brian’s children thanked me for being involved. It meant a lot coming from them. It’s nice to know I’m making a positive impact.I don’t know what the next step is,but I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it. And thanks to the BGF community, I’ll have the support and experience of a lot of good people when I do.

As we approach the new year, we hope you’ll consider donating to support our community. Your gift helps those living with Parkinson’s move forward and find their light at the end of the tunnel.

November 21, 2025

While the holidays bring laughter, conversation, and connection, for those living with Parkinson’s, social gatherings can feel a bit more challenging. Speaking, being heard, and staying engaged aren’t always effortless. With a little planning and a few handy strategies, you can navigate the season with confidence and connection.

Recognize What’s Changed

Speech and communication‑related changes in Parkinson’s are often subtle at first. Your voice may become quieter or harder to project. In group settings or noisy environments, joining conversations may be more difficult. Pay attention to changes in articulation, breath control, multitasking (walking while talking), and whether others are straining to hear you. Awareness is empowering. When you recognize these changes and prepare for how they will impact your social engagements, you can make mindful decisions to help you feel more at ease.

Why Holidays Are Tricky

Large groups + more background noise = greater effort to be heard, even for people without Parkinson’s. Socializing in busy settings uses more cognitive and vocal energy, and due to the emotionally intimate nature of spending time with friends and family, there’s often an expectation of “easy” conversation (quick banter, storytelling, sharing jokes), which may be frustrating when those moments don’t flow as smoothly as they used to. Instead of a daunting challenge, these are cues to prepare ahead. A few thoughtful adjustments can help transform potentially stressful situations into meaningful, joyful experiences.

Strategy Checklist

Here is a quick reference guide to use before your next gathering:

After the event, ask yourself “What went well?” and “What could I adjust next time?” to build confidence for future gatherings.

• Plan ahead. Choose which events you’ll attend and set clear arrival and departure times.
• Practice voice warm‑ups like reading aloud and singing the day before and on the way to the event.
• Identify one trusted person you’ll talk with early on as a warm‑up conversation.
• Set realistic goals and be mindful of your energy levels.
• Take breaks. After 45 minutes to an hour, move to a quieter area and take a moment to regroup.
• Let loved ones know early in the conversation that you may be quieter or need more time to respond. Don’t be afraid to state your preferences and needs. Self-advocacy goes a long way!
• Ask your host to reduce competing noise such as TVs, music, and rambunctious children whenever possible.

The holidays don’t have to be draining or frustrating. Remember that your presence matters more than perfect conversation. The people who care about you value your company, laughter, and warmth. With a little preparation and support, you can enjoy the festivities to the fullest and connect with those who matter most.

Gerry will be greatly missed, but his spirit, compassion, and dedication will continue to inspire us and guide our work for years to come. In lieu of flowers, Gerry’s family asks that donations be made to the Brian Grant Foundation in his memory. You can make a donation online by clicking this link. When making a gift online, please select the checkbox for “Give in honor/memory” to indicate your tribute to Gerry. Donations may also be made by check, mailed to:

Brian Grant Foundation
650 NE Holladay Street, Suite 1600
Portland, OR 97232

We are forever grateful for Gerry’s commitment to the Parkinson’s community and for the lasting difference he made in the lives of so many.

October 29, 2025

Your brain is one of the most energy-demanding organs in your body. It uses around 20% of your daily calories! To keep it sharp, focused, and resilient, you’ll need the right nutrients. Here are five foods scientifically shown to boost brain health and cognitive function.

Fatty Fish

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA, fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, anchovies, and some trout are the ultimate brain food. Omega-3s build brain and nerve cells and are crucial for learning and memory. Studies also show they may delay cognitive decline. Keep in mind that whole food sources are best. Some fish oil supplements have been known to oxidize, which can negatively impact the body. Aim for at least two servings of fatty fish per week and don’t let anyone tell you anchovies don’t belong on pizza!

Blueberries

These small, delicious berries pack a serious punch. Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants called anthocyanins that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can contribute to brain aging. The flavanols in blueberries also help improve communication between brain cells by strengthening neural connections. This contributes to faster processing and better memory. Adding a handful of these little cognitive boosters to your morning oatmeal or post-workout smoothie is a great way to incorporate them into your diet.

Leafy Greens

Vegetables like spinach, kale, arugula, and collards and full of brain-friendly nutrients such as vitamin K, lutein, folate, and beta-carotene. Along with the digestive benefits that result from eating more fiber, research also suggests that people who eat more greens experience slower cognitive decline. Pro tip: if you find that spinach spoils faster than you can eat it, switch to kale, which can last up to twice as long when properly stored in the refrigerator.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate contains caffeine, flavonoids (polyphenols similar to the ones in blueberries), and antioxidants that enhance focus, mood, and memory. Flavonoids in particular encourage neuron growth and improve blood flow to the brain. To reap the highest benefit of this delicious treat, opt for minimally sweetened dark chocolate comprised of at least 70% cacao. It can serve as both a dessert and a mid-afternoon energy boost.

Improving social cognition may sound daunting, but it can be fun, rewarding, and community driven. By embracing a few of these five practices, you’ll not only sharpen your mind, but enrich your social life in the process. This is important, because maintaining social relationships is one of the most powerful ways to boost overall cognition and delay the onset of cognitive decline.

Feeding your brain doesn’t require a complete dietary overhaul, just thoughtful choices made consistently. By incorporating a variety of colorful whole foods into your meals and swapping sugary or salty snacks with wholesome ones, you’re giving your brain the nutrients it needs to thrive. Thankfully, the tastiest foods are often the smartest ones too. If you’re looking for a good place to start, try this recipe:

Blueberry Walnut Overnight Oats

Packed with fiber, antioxidants, and brain-healthy fats, this easy breakfast fuels focus and memory — no cooking required!

Ingredients

• ½ cup old-fashioned oats

• ½ cup milk or milk alternative

• ¼ cup Greek yogurt

• ¼ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

• 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Combine all ingredients into a jar or container, stir well, and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning, top with extra blueberries and walnuts for crunch. For an omega-3 boost, sprinkle on some flax seeds or chia seeds. Your brain will thank you!

October 29, 2025

Social cognition is the ability to perceive and understand the social behaviors of oneself and others. It’s a very important aspect of cognition, because successfully navigating social interactions plays a vital role in building connections, strengthening empathy, and maintaining brain health. Like any skill, it can be sharpened with practice. Here are five engaging ways to boost social cognition and keep your mind active.

1. Embrace New Hobbies

Trying something unfamiliar challenges the brain and keeps neural pathways flexible. Find an activity you’ve always wanted to try and jump in! Whether it’s knitting, photography, chess, or a sport, hobbies introduce you to new skills and communities. They also provide conversation starters, facilitating social connections and giving you more “ins” when meeting new people.

2. Blend Brain Exercises with Physical Movement

Cognitive apps like Duolingo and brain games like sudoku, crosswords, and memory games aren’t just time killers. They can be integrated into physical activity. For example, try solving language flashcards during a treadmill walk or pair stretching exercises with word recall drills. Your brain loves making associations, and the brain-body combination has been shown to strengthen memory while enhancing overall wellness.

3. Join Community Game Nights

Playing board games, trivia, bingo, or role-playing games with others strengthens both mental flexibility and social awareness. Plus, it’s fun! Local game shops often host events where you can meet new people while challenging your brain in a low-pressure environment. It’s a great way to find others who share your interests and participate in a hobby that boosts cognitive function while fostering a sense of belonging.

4. Learn to Dance

Dancing combines movement, rhythm, and social interaction in a way few other activities can. Taking a dance class challenges coordination and memory while encouraging teamwork and nonverbal communication, a perfect combination for sharpening your social cognition skills. Programs like Dance for PD highlight the therapeutic benefits of dance and provide live and virtual dance instruction. In fact, many studios now offer online webcasts, so dancing is more accessible than ever!

5. Read With Others

Joining a book club is a simple yet powerful way to exercise the mind and meet interesting new people. Reading introduces ideas and perspectives you may have never considered, while group discussions improve empathy, comprehension, and the ability to see the world through others’ eyes, helping you engage both socially and intellectually. Since reading is one of those activities that can be easily set aside when life gets busy, committing to regular discussions with a book club provides excellent motivation to continue. You never know who you might meet!

Improving social cognition may sound daunting, but it can be fun, rewarding, and community driven. By embracing a few of these five practices, you’ll not only sharpen your mind, but enrich your social life in the process. This is important, because maintaining social relationships is one of the most powerful ways to boost overall cognition and delay the onset of cognitive decline.

October 2, 2025

Life is full of little decisions that can either add or diminish stress. By building simple, intentional habits, you can save time, reduce frustration, and create more space for the things that matter. Here are five practical life hacks to help improve your days with Parkinson’s.

1. Snack Smart

Healthy eating often feels harder than it should, especially when processed foods are so much easier to grab. The key is prep. Wash and chop snackable fruits and veggies in advance and keep them in clear containers in your fridge to ensure you have wholesome snacks at the ready no matter how busy your days get. If washing or chopping is too difficult, consider purchasing prewashed and cut veggies. Think of it as removing decision fatigue from snacking.

2. Promote Exercise Success

Sticking to an exercise plan is easier when you embrace discipline. Prepare in advance by strategizing the night before and laying out your clothes and gear so all you have to do the next day is get dressed and get started. Whether it’s a class, walk, or traditional gym workout, this small but important step saves morning energy and increases your chances of overcoming the excuses we all gravitate toward when working out seems like too much effort.

3. Start Your Day with Sky, Not Screens

The way you begin your morning sets the tone for the whole day. Instead of reaching for your phone as so many of us do, step outside and observe the sky before looking at a screen. Take a deep breath, stretch, and set a simple daily intention, like “I will speak kindly to myself” or “I will honor my feelings.” This mindful moment can help you feel grounded and focused no matter what comes next.

4. Simplify Daily Chores

Chores can be exhausting, but the right tools will lighten the burden. For example, sitting on a wheeled stool while you load laundry machines and using a laundry tote to transfer clothes from washer to dryer can save a lot of energy and time. You can also break down big chores into smaller steps, taking an incremental approach to accomplishing complex tasks. Small adjustments add up to big changes!

5. Build Everyday “Go-To” Kits

Quick access to necessary objects is another great way to lower stress and save time. Keeping premade activity kits like puzzles, paint sets, or knitting supplies around the home provides an easy creative outlet when you have downtime, reducing the need to dig through boxes and drawers looking for the tools you need. Similarly, stashing small conveniences like applesauce pouches for taking medications, or a compact camping stool for outdoor outings, makes daily life more flexible and enjoyable. The more time you spend preparing, the less stress you’ll encounter later!

Life hacks don’t have to be complicated. With some forethought and planning, you can create routines that support healthier choices and make room for the activities you love. Try one or two of these hacks this week and see if your days begin to feel a little lighter and more manageable.

For a deeper dive on how to simplify your life with Parkinson’s, register for our upcoming Wellness Webcast: Practical Life Hacks for People with PD.