"Friends In Frederick" Parkinson Disease Support Group was established to answer a growing need within Frederick County that continues today. "Friends In Frederick" is dedicated to serving the needs of all who attend. Part of each meeting offers an opportunity for individuals to ask questions and share experiences, fears, or accomplishments. Any question, regardless of subject, is welcomed. Participation in the discussions is encouraged but not required.

Library

Our group has a small library that is available at our regular meetings. You may --CLICK HERE-- to see many of the titles in our Library.

Visit our LIBRARY CATALOG

NEWSLETTER

--CLICK HERE-- for our current newsletter​​

REMEMBER, THE BEST PATIENTS ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE EDUCATED ABOUT THEIR DISEASE.

Friends In Frederick Parkinson's Disease Support Group (FIFPDSG) is a support group for people with Parkinson's Disease, their families, and caregivers. All information on this website is provided for informational purposes does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, prevent, cure or treat any disease. Links to any other websites are provided for convenience and/or informational purposes only and/or to provide citation to sources of information on our website. Links to other websites, besides FIFPDSG.org expressly do not constitute endorsement, approval, or subscription to any content on any such website.

>FIFPDSG is not a 501(c)3 organization under Title 26 of the United States Code.<

GROUP LEADERS – Updated April 2024

• John Kraft - President
• John Nicodemus - Group Leader
• Linda Schnell - Program Coord. & Corresponding Sec.
• Louise Houtz - Program Coordinator
• Beth Gandler - Newsletter Editor
• Dawn Cochran Staab - Brochure Replenishment Person
• Tom Kutz - Leadership Team
• Fred Spahr – Leadership Team
• Kathy Kutz - Refreshments Coordinator
• Ellen Nicodemus – Refreshments Committee
• Lisa Smith - Door Prizes
• Kevin Draiss – Room Prep
• Gary Madonna - Caregivers Virtual Roundtable
• Michele Draiss - Caregiver Committee
• Toni Eckenrode - Caregiver Committee
• Rev Robert Rock - Chaplain
• Mary Kraft - Welcome Table & Treasurer
• Louise Houtz - Welcome Table
• Pat Spahr - Welcome Table & Refreshments Comm.
• Hanna Blair - Photographer & Caregiver Committee
• Steve Silvious - Webmaster & Librarian

The Friends In Frederick Parkinson Disease Support Group exists to offer an open and caring environment where not only those afflicted with Parkinson's Disease, but also their caregivers, family members and friends can meet to exchange information and concerns.

Speakers are scheduled to present updated information concerning treatments, therapy, nutrition, exercise and many other topics related to Parkinson's Disease.

Meetings are the third Wednesday of each month and are held at the Mount Pleasant Ruritan Club. Meetings begin at Noon.

Think of a support group as one of our favorite foods: PIES

• Perspective on our illness and condition
• Information about PD through resources such as our lending library as well as our guest speakers
• Encouragement through our mutual interactions and experiences
• Support through our understanding of and care for each other

"The only thing having Parkinson's has given me is a total appreciation for how valuable time is,"

- weightlifter Josh Robinson

PRIMARY SYMPTOMS

• Tremor At Rest- most common symptom.
  
• Rigidity- tightness or increase in muscle tone at rest or throughout the entire range of motion
  
• Bradykinesia- Greek meaning "Slow Movement". This covers numerous symptoms. The most common are a mask-like facial expression, a decrease in fine motor coordination (such as turning over in bed, dressing and handwriting).
  
• Balance - especially falling backward
  
• Speech - quieter with difficulty being understood
  
• Swallowing, drooling
  
• Loss of sense of smell
  
• S-L-O-W cramped, tiny handwriting
  
• Constipation
  
• Anxiety
  
• Depression
  
• Sleep Disturbances

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system affecting millions of people in the United States. It is one of the most common chronic neurological diseases affecting adults. The cause remains unknown.Parkinson's is characterized by tremors, a decrease in spontaneous movements, walking difficulty, falling, and stiffness. PD often begins with an occasional tremor in a finger or hand, which becomes more frequent over time. The tremors may then spread to the entire arm, or body, and make simple tasks increasingly difficult.

--CLICK HERE--for the Ten Early Warning Signs of Parkinson's Disease

WHAT'S IT LIKE TO BE NEWLY DIAGNOSED?

Dean Cook shares his experience --CLICK HERE--

IS PARKINSON'S FATAL? What Can I Do About it?

From the PFNCA

Initial Symptoms

The first symptoms vary from patient to patient but usually begin with a feeling of weakness or fatique. Symptoms usually appear on one side of the body and remain that way for some time. Other signs may be the dragging of the leg while walking, change in handwriting, tremors and generalized trouble with mobility. Some people lose their sense of smell.

Symptoms Vary

Since there are such a varied number of symptoms that you may or may not experience, it is crucial that you see a qualified doctor (usually a neurologist) and request an examination. A neurologist who is also a Movement Disorder Specialist often deals with Parkinson's Disease.