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.

Living with Parkinson’s disease brings unique challenges, especially when it comes to mobility, balance, and safety. Fortunately, modern technology can help make life a little easier and more comfortable. Let’s explore some practical ways smart devices and simple home updates can support people with Parkinson’s and offer peace of mind to their loved ones.

Medication Management

Staying on top of medication schedules is very important in Parkinson’s care. Automated medication dispensers and reminder apps (like My KP Meds, for example) help ensure medicine is taken correctly and on time, while lockable pillboxes and medicine cabinets protect prescriptions from interference and keep them from getting lost.

Meal Prep

Grocery and meal delivery apps are a fantastic way to cut down the number of daily errands and provide a stocked pantry with less effort. If cooking is physically demanding, smart appliances such as ovens and microwaves with programmable features can automate parts of the process, reducing the need for prolonged standing or bending.

Transportation

As we age, driving may become unsafe or no longer feasible. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, along with public transit apps, can preserve independence once driving is off the table. Consider using these options regardless of driving ability during times of high physical and mental discomfort. Sitting back and enjoying the ride is a powerful way to relieve the stress of travel.

Fall Prevention

Falls are one of the most common and serious risks for people living with Parkinson’s. Muscle stiffness, slowed movement, and balance issues can make everyday hazards like cluttered floors, dim lighting, or steep stairs much more dangerous. Wearable devices such as GPS trackers, bracelets, or smartwatches can alert caregivers to someone’s location, while call detection devices and smart speakers can request help immediately after a fall. It’s a good idea for those living with gait difficulties to carry a call device anytime there’s a risk of falling.

In addition to smart technology, these simple home adjustments can greatly reduce fall risks:

• Floors – Remove clutter, move pet bowls and toys out of walkways, and secure rugs with non-slip backing
• Kitchen – Store frequently used items within easy reach and use a sturdy step stool when necessary
• Bathroom – Install grab bars, nonslip mats, and consider a shower chair
• Stairs – Install good lighting and add handrails on both sides
• Bedroom – Keep a phone or fall alert device by the bed and ensure its within easy reach
• Outside – Add motion sensor lights near doorways, steps, and gates

When to Ask for Help

While smart technology offers meaningful solutions for Parkinson’s patients who want to live independently at home, it’s not a substitute for human support. If you or a loved one struggles with home safety, it may be time to discuss additional options with your healthcare team. Sometimes a higher level of living assistance is required, and it’s best to identify that as early as possible to reduce the risk of injury.

By combining technological support with practical fall-prevention strategies and human interventions, we can create safer, more comfortable environments for those living with Parkinson’s.