Parkinson’s is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, right behind Alzheimer’s, yet it often doesn’t get the same level of attention. In fact, nearly 60,000 Angeleno’s suffer from Parkinson’s disease. And like other cognitive disorders, those suffering have increased care needs that must be considered when searching for senior living options.

Assisted Living Locators Los Angeles is championing the work of Parkinson’s Community Los Angeles, an important local organization, whose mission is to empower lives impacted by Parkinson’s by providing resources, strategies, and cultivating relationships within the

Los Angeles PD community and beyond. PCLA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps people with Parkinson’s disease live their absolute best lives.

So, What is Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s, or PD, is a neurodegenerative disease that typically develops slowly over several years. Symptoms and their development can vary from person-to-person, but can often include tremors, often in the hands, slowness of movement (called bradykinesia and hypokinesia), limb stiffness and balance issues. Non-movement related symptoms can range from depression, anxiety, hallucinations, constipation, hypotension, sleep disorders, loss of sense of smell, and a variety of cognitive impairments.

The cause of the disease is still largely unknown, and there is still no cure, although treatment options range from medication to lifestyle changes and even surgery in some cases. While Parkinson’s itself is not fatal, the CDC rated complications from PD as the 14th most common cause of death in the U.S.

What Parkinson’s Community Los Angeles (PCLA) Does

Like Alzheimer’s and dementia, Parkinson’s presents a strain on patients and caregivers alike. Limited resources, feelings of isolation, and complicated bureaucratic systems are just some of the common issues cited. That’s where organizations like PCLA come into the picture. 

Where Alzheimer’s and dementia has dozens of nonprofits committed to its advocacy, Parkinson’s Community Los Angeles is one of few dedicated to providing resources to those suffering from Parkinson’s disease in Los Angeles. With 17 community-led support groups, including a new Spanish language support group, an active YouTube channel with a global reach, care partner resources, local events like their “Living Artistically” art shows, and more, they are our go-to local resources for families navigating this complicated disease. 

“PCLA believes that our community can live better — now,” said Patrick Lo Sasso, President, Board of Directors, PCLA. “That’s why we work every day to empower families with resources, strategies, and information that help them navigate the challenges of Parkinson’s.”

How You Can Get Involved

Join Assisted Living Locators Los Angeles’ team ALFA (Assisted Living Friends and Allies) organized by our own April Godales on Saturday, March 15th for the PCLA LA5K fundraiser! Sign up to support PCLA’s mission is to empower lives impacted by Parkinson’s by offering resources, strategies, and cultivating relationships. Walk in-person or virtually with our team, or you can donate to support PCLA initiatives. 

Event Info:
PCLA LA5K – Team ALFA (Assisted Living Friends and Allies) 
Saturday, March 15th / 8:00 AM
Dodger Stadium
Join Our Team
POC: April Godales (agodales@assistedlivinglocators.com )

Learn more by reaching out to April Godales at agodales@assistedlivinglocators.com or visiting pcla.org, and you can join team ALFA today here. Sign up by March 3rd and we will have your bib ready for you (skip those early pick-up lines!)

About Assisted Living Locators

Since 2003, thousands of families have been helped by Assisted Living Locators, one of the nation’s leading free senior living placement services. The Los Angeles office is operated by Sarah Ordover, owner of Assisted Living Locators Los Angeles. Her team services clients from Glendale and Burbank to Santa Monica, including West Hollywood, Century City, Westwood, and everything in between. The office also represents clients looking for senior living south of Ventura Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley in neighborhoods such as Sherman Oaks, Encino, and Studio City. The Los Angeles office can be reached at hello@assistedlivinglocatorsla.com or 310-853-8282.