Parkinson's Disease

Total Care Program for Parkinson’s Disease

Appointment New Patient Appointment or 214-645-8300

The Total Care Program for Parkinson’s disease is an initiative of the Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute to support families facing a diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Parkinson’s or a form of Parkinsonism and to provide them with the practical resources and tools they need to live well with the illness.

At the heart of the Total Care Program for Parkinson’s disease is our focus on the whole patient. We believe that in addition to high-quality medical care, families also need information, education, and resources not only to adjust to the demands of the illness but to enhance their quality of life.

With these needs and priorities in mind, our Total Care Program for Parkinson’s disease offers a personalized approach to all of the programming at UT Southwestern's Movement Disorders clinic. Our program includes virtual and live educational events, care navigation, community-building, and other support opportunities.

The need for support and community goes beyond the excellent clinical care our patients receive. Our focus on the whole patient is intended to empower families as well amid the medical challenges their loved one faces.

Who can participate in the Total Care Program for Parkinson’s disease?

  • People with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease or a form of Parkinsonism
  • Care partners, caregivers, friends, and others who support the person with the diagnosis
  • Clinical providers who are looking for avenues of supportive care for their patients

If you are interested in participating in the program, please fill out the survey. You may also email us.

Enroll Now

Events Series

The Total Care Program for Parkinson’s disease events series brings informational resources from UT Southwestern experts and area partners to our Parkinson’s patient community. Specialists such as speech-language pathologists, physical and occupational therapists, psychologists, palliative care doctors, movement disorder neurologists, and nutrition specialists deliver up-to-date knowledge that program members can use in their daily lives. Past events delved in to topics such as diet, emotional wellbeing, speech and swallowing, and exercise recommendations.

Patients, family members, and medical professionals are invited to participate in one or all of these virtual and in-person events. Visit the event series page.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Now what?

You may be looking for information, support, and ways you and your loved ones can continue to live well with Parkinson’s disease. Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been living with Parkinson’s disease for years, the Total Care Program for Parkinson’s Disease is here to help. If you’re interested in enrolling in the Program, please fill out the survey.

Learn More about Parkinson’s Disease and Our Expertise at UTSW

How Parkinson's Disease Is Diagnosed
Medical Management, Initial treatment for Parkinson's Disease
Focused Ultrasound: What is focused ultrasound?
Focused Ultrasound: How is focused ultrasound done?
Focused Ultrasound: Who can be treated with focused ultrasound?
Focused Ultrasound: What are the outcomes of focused ultrasound?
Deep Brain Stimulation: How does DBS work?
Deep Brain Stimulation: Who is a candidate for DBS for Parkinson's Disease?

What are the different types of care and support I may need to live well with Parkinson’s disease? Where can I find them?

Many types of providers can help you to live better with Parkinson’s disease.

Talk to your doctor about referrals to supportive and ancillary care.

UT Southwestern is home to experts in many fields. Please note that you will need your doctor’s referral to make appointments:

How can I communicate with my providers between in-clinic appointments?

MyChart is UT Southwestern’s secure, online health management tool that allows you to make appointments and easily communicate with your physician and clinic with routine questions about health care.

You can access MyChart directly or through UT Southwestern’s patient care mobile app, UTSWMyCare.

Resources and Support

Dallas Area Parkinson’s Society (DAPS)
The Dallas Area Parkinson Society provides free education, speech and exercise classes, and support groups for the DFW Parkinson’s community.

Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s
The Davis Phinney Foundation provides resources, events, research, community, and more, including resources for the Young-Onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) community.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
The Michael J. Fox Foundation serves the Parkinson’s disease community through research and the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson’s.

On Time: A Parkinson’s Podcast:
On Time shares candid stories of daily living from people in the Parkinson’s disease community. The podcast is a program of the Brian Grant Foundation and is available on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.

Parkinson’s Foundation
The Parkinson’s Foundation is the leading community for people with Parkinson’s disease, as well as their friends and family. They also provide excellent resources for care partners.

Parkinson’s Voice Project (PVP)
The Parkinson’s Voice Project aids people with Parkinson’s and related neurological disorders in regaining and retaining speech and swallowing functions through the SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program. They offer online and in-person treatment through their Richardson clinic.

When Life Gives You Parkinson's: Curiouscast
When Life Gives You Parkinson’s is a podcast presented by Parkinson’s Canada, chronicling host Larry Gifford’s personal journey with Parkinson’s disease starting at age 45. It is a first-hand account from Gifford, his family, and other members of the worldwide Parkinson’s community.

Young Onset Parkinson’s Network
Young Onset Parkinson’s Network provides a community and resources to support the needs of those with Young-Onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD).