Sparrow Neuropsychology · Vancouver

Parkinson's Disease Resources

Organisations, information, and support for people living with Parkinson's in BC, Canada

These resources are oriented towards people living with Parkinson’s disease in British Columbia, Canada. This page brings together high-quality information, services, and support for people with Parkinson’s and for the families and carers who support them. It is intended as a starting point — not a substitute for advice from your own medical team.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition caused by the loss of neurons that produce dopamine — a chemical messenger essential for controlling movement, but also deeply involved in mood, motivation, and cognition. Parkinson’s is the second most common neurodegenerative condition in the world after Alzheimer’s disease, and approximately 100,000 Canadians are living with it. It is most commonly diagnosed after the age of 60, though around one in ten people develop symptoms before the age of 50. Men are about 1.5 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s than women.

Parkinson’s is often thought of primarily as a movement disorder — and tremor, slowness, and stiffness are indeed its most visible features. But a growing body of evidence recognises that non-motor symptoms — including cognitive changes, mood difficulties, sleep disruption, and fatigue — often cause as much or more difficulty in daily life, and may in some cases precede the motor symptoms by years.

What a neuropsychological assessment can offer

Cognitive changes are among the most common — and most consequential — non-motor features of Parkinson’s disease. Yet they are often under-recognised in routine clinical appointments, where the focus is naturally on motor symptoms and medication management. A neuropsychological assessment provides a detailed, standardised picture of cognitive functioning that a brief clinical screen cannot.

An assessment can:

Detect early cognitive changes — executive function (planning, organising, mental flexibility) and processing speed are typically the first cognitive domains to be affected in Parkinson’s; sensitive testing can identify these changes before they become apparent in daily life
Distinguish mild cognitive impairment from early dementia — Parkinson’s disease MCI and Parkinson’s disease dementia lie on a continuum; formal assessment provides objective information about where someone is on that continuum, which matters for prognosis, planning, and treatment
Differentiate Parkinson’s disease from related conditions — conditions such as Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy produce distinct cognitive profiles; neuropsychological assessment contributes to differential diagnosis
Disentangle cognitive difficulties from mood and medication effects — depression, anxiety, and some Parkinson’s medications can impair thinking independently; an assessment helps determine how much of the cognitive picture is driven by mood or medication versus the disease itself
Evaluate capacity — if there are questions about a person’s ability to make specific decisions — medical, financial, or legal — at a given point in time, a neuropsychologist can conduct a formal capacity assessment
Provide a documented baseline — tracking cognitive change over time is only possible if a baseline exists; an assessment early in the course of Parkinson’s provides a reference point for future evaluations
Support driving decisions — cognitive assessment provides objective information for occupational therapists conducting on-road driving evaluations and for conversations with ICBC about fitness to drive
Assist with legal or insurance matters — where Parkinson’s has led to disability claims or work cessation, formal neuropsychological assessment provides documented, professionally validated evidence of cognitive functioning

Your GP, neurologist, or rehabilitation specialist can refer you for a neuropsychological assessment. You can also contact us directly.

Understanding Parkinson’s — the biology

What is Parkinson’s disease? — Parkinson Canada’s overview of what Parkinson’s is, what causes it, and how it is diagnosed. Parkinson Canada is the national organisation for Parkinson’s in Canada.
What are the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s? — Parkinson Canada’s explanation of the primary motor features — tremor, bradykinesia (slowness), rigidity, and postural instability — and how they typically present.
What are the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s? — Parkinson Canada’s overview of the often-overlooked non-motor features: cognitive changes, mood, sleep, autonomic dysfunction, fatigue, and pain.
How does Parkinson’s progress over time? — Parkinson Canada’s explanation of how Parkinson’s changes over time, including what to expect at different stages and the high degree of individual variation in progression.
What are the related Parkinsonism conditions? — The Parkinson’s Foundation’s overview of atypical parkinsonisms — including Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Multiple System Atrophy, and Dementia with Lewy Bodies — and how they differ from idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.

Cognitive changes in Parkinson’s

Cognitive changes are one of the most significant and least discussed aspects of Parkinson’s disease. They occur in the majority of people with Parkinson’s over time — some estimates suggest up to 80% will experience meaningful cognitive change over the course of the illness — and for many people and their families, they represent the most challenging aspect of living with the condition.

The pattern of cognitive change in Parkinson’s is distinct from Alzheimer’s disease. In the early stages, episodic memory — the ability to recall specific events — is often relatively preserved. What tends to be affected first are the cognitive processes that depend on the frontal lobes: executive function, processing speed, and attention. This reflects the loss of dopaminergic input to frontal brain circuits, and partly explains why some symptoms respond to the same medications used to treat motor features.

Over time, some people with Parkinson’s develop Parkinson’s disease mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) — a level of cognitive difficulty that is greater than expected for age but does not significantly interfere with daily life. PD-MCI is not inevitable, but it does carry an increased risk of progressing to Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) in some people. Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), a related condition, follows a similar biological course but with dementia appearing earlier relative to the motor symptoms.

Common cognitive changes in Parkinson’s include:

Executive function — difficulty with planning, organising, switching between tasks, and thinking flexibly; one of the earliest and most reliably affected domains
Processing speed — thinking and responding more slowly than before; often experienced as a slowing of mental pace that mirrors the physical slowing of movement
Attention — difficulty sustaining or dividing attention; problems concentrating, particularly in noisy or demanding environments
Visuospatial abilities — difficulty judging distances, navigating unfamiliar spaces, or interpreting complex visual information; often unnoticed until it affects driving or finding one’s way
Working memory — difficulty holding information in mind while doing something else, such as following a conversation while also keeping track of what was said earlier
Word-finding — losing words mid-sentence or having names or terms fail to come to mind; a common and frustrating experience
Cognitive fluctuations — in some people, particularly those with Lewy body pathology, cognition varies noticeably from hour to hour or day to day
How does Parkinson’s affect thinking and cognition? — Parkinson’s Foundation comprehensive guide to cognitive changes in Parkinson’s: what is affected, the continuum from MCI to dementia, what assessment involves, and what can help.
What is thinking and memory change in Parkinson’s? — Parkinson’s UK guide to cognitive changes: how they present, why they happen, and evidence-based approaches to management.
What is Parkinson’s disease dementia? — Parkinson’s Foundation explanation of Parkinson’s disease dementia: when and how it occurs, how it differs from Alzheimer’s, and what to expect.
What is apathy in Parkinson’s, and how does it differ from depression? — Parkinson’s Foundation overview of apathy — reduced motivation and initiative — which is common in Parkinson’s and distinct from depression, though often confused with it.

If there are concerns about cognitive changes in Parkinson’s — whether for diagnosis, monitoring, or planning — a neuropsychological assessment can provide objective, detailed information. Please contact us or submit a referral.

Psychological adjustment to Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease is a significant psychological challenge. A progressive, incurable condition that changes the body and, often, the mind imposes demands on emotional resilience that should not be underestimated. Adjustment involves not a single moment of coming to terms, but an ongoing process of adapting to changes as they occur — sometimes gradually, sometimes in steps.

Depression affects approximately 30–50% of people with Parkinson’s — one of the highest rates of any chronic medical condition. Critically, depression in Parkinson’s is not purely a psychological reaction to a difficult diagnosis. It has a neurological basis: the same dopaminergic pathways disrupted by Parkinson’s also regulate mood, reward, and motivation. Depression can appear years before motor symptoms in some people, and its presence significantly affects quality of life and cognitive function. It is often under-recognised and under-treated.

Anxiety is equally prevalent and can manifest as generalised worry, panic, or situational anxiety — including specific fears about falling, about being in public with visible symptoms, or about the future course of the disease. Like depression, anxiety in Parkinson’s has both psychological and neurological components.

Apathy — reduced motivation, initiative, and emotional engagement — is distinct from depression and occurs independently. It is not simply low mood; it is a reduced drive to engage even with activities a person still values. It can be mistaken for laziness or indifference, but it reflects biological changes in the brain’s reward systems.

Hallucinations and psychosis occur in a significant minority of people with Parkinson’s, particularly in more advanced stages or in the context of certain medications. Visual hallucinations — typically seeing people or animals that are not there — are the most common form and are often non-threatening. When they occur, they warrant prompt discussion with the treating neurologist.

Grief and identity are present for many people. The losses involved in Parkinson’s — of physical capability, of roles, of independence, of certainty about the future — are real losses, and the emotional response to them deserves acknowledgment rather than suppression.

How does Parkinson’s affect mental health? — Parkinson’s UK overview of the mental health effects of Parkinson’s: depression, anxiety, apathy, hallucinations, and psychosis, with guidance on when and how to seek help.
What is depression in Parkinson’s disease? — Parkinson’s UK guide to depression in Parkinson’s: why it is so common, what it looks like, and what treatment options are available.
What is anxiety in Parkinson’s disease? — Parkinson’s UK guide to anxiety in Parkinson’s: its forms, causes, and management, including both psychological and pharmacological approaches.
What does the Parkinson’s Foundation say about emotional wellbeing? — Parkinson’s Foundation hub for emotional and mental health in Parkinson’s: depression, anxiety, apathy, hallucinations, and practical approaches to each.

Impact on partners and families

Parkinson’s disease affects everyone close to the person who has it. Partners, adult children, and other family members often become deeply involved in practical and emotional support — and the demands on them can increase significantly over time as the condition progresses.

Partners, in particular, may experience a gradual redefinition of the relationship as more and more aspects of daily life require adjustment. The physical changes of Parkinson’s — slowed movement, difficulties with balance, changes in speech and swallowing — can create practical demands that accumulate. The cognitive and mood changes that often accompany Parkinson’s can alter the quality of communication and emotional intimacy in ways that are harder to explain to others.

Carers of people with Parkinson’s report high rates of depression, anxiety, and burnout. Their own wellbeing matters in its own right — and it directly affects the quality of care they can provide. Many carers put off addressing their own needs for months or years, and the toll of this delay can be substantial.

There can also be grief in caring for someone with Parkinson’s — grief for the person as they were, for the relationship as it was, and for the future that was planned. This form of loss deserves acknowledgement, support, and practical help.

What support does Parkinson Canada provide for care partners? — Parkinson Canada’s hub for care partners: information on what to expect, how to look after yourself, and how to access support in your community.
What does the Parkinson’s Foundation offer for care partners? — Parkinson’s Foundation care partner resource hub: education, practical support, wellness, and navigating the changing demands of caring for someone with Parkinson’s.
What does Parkinson’s UK say about caring for someone with Parkinson’s? — Parkinson’s UK guide for carers: what caring involves across the stages of Parkinson’s, how to access support, and how to protect your own wellbeing.
What support is available for carers in BC? — Family Caregivers BC supports unpaid carers across the province with one-on-one coaching, peer support, and navigation of community services. Caregiver Support Line: 1-877-520-3267 (Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Common concerns

People living with Parkinson’s — and their families — often share similar questions and worries. Some of the most common:

How quickly will Parkinson’s progress? Progression varies enormously between individuals and is difficult to predict. Many people live for decades with manageable symptoms, particularly with good medical management. Some people experience relatively rapid progression; others remain quite stable. Your neurologist is best placed to discuss your individual situation.
Will I develop dementia? Not everyone with Parkinson’s develops dementia, and it typically appears later in the illness if it does occur. The risk increases with age, duration of illness, and certain early features. A neuropsychological assessment can establish a cognitive baseline and monitor for changes over time.
Is my memory or thinking affected? Cognitive changes in Parkinson’s are common and often subtle — easy to attribute to ageing or anxiety. If you have concerns, a neuropsychological assessment can provide objective, detailed information that a brief cognitive screen cannot.
I have no motivation for anything — is this depression? It might be depression, but it might also be apathy — a distinct condition in Parkinson’s that looks similar but has different causes and different treatment implications. Getting this distinction right matters, and a proper clinical assessment can help.
Can I still drive? Driving ability in Parkinson’s depends on the nature and severity of both motor and cognitive changes. In BC, your doctor is required to report medical conditions that may affect driving to ICBC. A formal on-road evaluation by an occupational therapist, supported by neuropsychological assessment of relevant cognitive functions, can provide objective evidence to inform this decision.
Can I still work? Many people with Parkinson’s continue working, sometimes with accommodations, for years after diagnosis. The timeline depends on your specific symptoms and the demands of your role. Workplace adjustments — flexible hours, task modification, ergonomic support — can make a significant difference. A neuropsychological assessment can provide documented evidence for conversations with employers.
Why do my mood and thinking seem worse some days than others? Fluctuations in cognition and mood can be related to medication timing, sleep quality, stress, fatigue, or — in some people with Lewy body pathology — the nature of the condition itself. Tracking these fluctuations can help your medical team adjust treatment.
What does my diagnosis mean for my children? Most cases of Parkinson’s are not directly inherited. A small proportion (around 10–15%) are linked to specific genetic mutations. If there is a family history of Parkinson’s or early-onset disease, genetic counselling may be worth discussing with your neurologist.
My family member has become very different — their personality seems to have changed. Changes in behaviour, emotional expression, and personality can occur in Parkinson’s, particularly as the condition progresses or with certain medications. These reflect neurological changes, not character, and understanding them as such can help families respond with greater patience and appropriate support.

Mental health support in BC

Depression and anxiety are among the most common — and most treatable — aspects of Parkinson’s disease. They occur in people with Parkinson’s and in their carers alike. Support is available, and seeking it is a sign of awareness, not weakness.

Counsellors and psychologists

A psychologist has completed a doctorate in psychology (PhD or PsyD) and is registered with the College of Psychologists of BC. Psychologists provide therapy, can diagnose mental health conditions, and are qualified to conduct formal psychological assessments — useful when there are questions about cognition alongside emotional wellbeing.

A Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) typically holds a master’s degree in counselling and is registered with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). RCCs provide therapy and are well-suited for working through grief, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, and the emotional demands of living with a progressive condition.

Both psychologists and RCCs can provide effective, evidence-based therapy. A psychologist may be the better fit if you also need a formal assessment alongside therapy.

To find a psychologist or counsellor in BC:

How do I find a registered psychologist in BC? — BC government resource listing registered psychologists, searchable by location, specialty, language, and availability.
How do I find a Registered Clinical Counsellor near me? — The BC Association of Clinical Counsellors’ searchable directory of RCCs across BC. Filter by location, session style (in-person or online), and areas of practice.
Where else can I search for a counsellor or psychologist? — CounsellingBC is a searchable directory of counsellors and psychologists across BC.

Most extended health benefit plans cover a number of counselling or psychology sessions up to a set dollar amount per year. Check with your benefits provider or HR advisor before your first appointment.

Psychiatrists

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed specialist training in mental health. Like psychologists, psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions — and unlike psychologists and counsellors, they can also prescribe medication. They typically work alongside a GP or therapist rather than replacing them.

Depression in Parkinson’s has a neurological basis rooted in dopamine system disruption — which means it often responds to medication, and sometimes responds to medication that also has benefits for motor symptoms. Getting a proper psychiatric assessment is therefore particularly worthwhile in Parkinson’s, where the interplay between neurological and mood symptoms is especially complex. The decision to try medication is personal and warrants a proper conversation, but it is always worth having, particularly if depression or anxiety has been present for some time.

To access a psychiatrist in BC, ask your family doctor or neurologist for a referral. You can also call HealthLink BC (8-1-1) for guidance on mental health services in your region.

Other BC mental health resources

Where can I find BC-specific mental health information and self-assessments? — Here to Help BC provides mental health information, self-assessments, and connections to local services across BC.
How do I find mental health programs in my community? — The Canadian Mental Health Association BC can help you find mental health programs and peer support across BC.
Where can carers find mental health support in BC? — Family Caregivers BC offers peer support, coaching, and community navigation for carers experiencing stress or burnout.
Is there a crisis or distress line I can call? — The Crisis Line Association of BC maintains a directory of volunteer-operated crisis and distress lines across British Columbia.
What if I need immediate emotional support right now? — Call or text 310-6789 (310 Mental Health Line, no area code needed) for free, 24/7 emotional support and mental health referrals anywhere in BC.
What if I am in crisis? — Call or text 9-8-8 (toll-free, 24/7) for immediate support.

Living with Parkinson’s

What should I know if I have just been diagnosed? — Parkinson Canada’s newly diagnosed hub: what to expect, how to access support, navigating early treatment decisions, and practical steps in the weeks and months after a diagnosis.
What can I do to live better with Parkinson’s? — Parkinson Canada’s hub for living with Parkinson’s: staying active, managing symptoms, emotional wellbeing, and practical daily life strategies.
What does the Parkinson’s Foundation offer on daily life with Parkinson’s? — Parkinson’s Foundation hub for managing Parkinson’s: medication management, lifestyle, exercise, daily activities, and practical strategies at each stage.
How important is exercise in Parkinson’s? — Parkinson Canada’s guidance on physical activity in Parkinson’s. Exercise is one of the most evidence-supported interventions in Parkinson’s, with benefits for motor function, mood, cognitive health, and quality of life.
What does Parkinson’s UK offer for day-to-day living? — Parkinson’s UK’s hub for managing life with Parkinson’s: covering treatment, therapies, daily living, relationships, and long-term planning.
What is available for people with early-onset Parkinson’s? — Parkinson Canada’s resource for people diagnosed under 50, addressing specific concerns around employment, family, relationships, and the particular challenges of living with Parkinson’s at a younger age.
What does HealthLink BC say about Parkinson’s disease? — HealthLink BC’s overview of Parkinson’s disease, accessible via 8-1-1, with information on causes, diagnosis, treatment, and management relevant to people in BC.
What resources are available for newly diagnosed people from the Michael J. Fox Foundation? — The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s curated resource guide for people newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s, covering practical and emotional aspects of the early period after diagnosis.

Support groups in BC

Connecting with others who understand what you are living with — whether you have Parkinson’s or care for someone who does — can be one of the most meaningful supports available. Parkinson Canada maintains support programs across Canada including BC.

Where can I find a Parkinson’s support group in BC? — Parkinson Canada’s support group directory. Groups meet in-person across BC and online; enter your location to find those nearest to you.
Is there a Parkinson’s support line I can call? — Parkinson Canada’s free national support line, staffed by knowledgeable advisors who can answer questions, provide information, and connect you with local resources across Canada.
Is there support specifically for care partners and families? — Parkinson Canada’s care partner hub, with resources, support group information, and guidance for families and carers navigating the demands of supporting someone with Parkinson’s.
Is there support for carers of people with Parkinson’s in BC? — Family Caregivers BC offers peer support, coaching, and community navigation for carers across BC. Caregiver Support Line: 1-877-520-3267 (Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Are there online communities for people with Parkinson’s? — The Parkinson’s Foundation’s care partner and community resource hub, including information on online support communities accessible from anywhere.

Podcasts

Parkinson Canada Podcast — Parkinson Canada’s own podcast series, featuring clinicians, researchers, and people with Parkinson’s on topics including treatments, daily life, research advances, and navigating the healthcare system in Canada.
The Parkinson’s Podcast — A long-running, reputable podcast produced by the Davis Phinney Foundation, featuring interviews with leading neurologists, researchers, physiotherapists, and people living with Parkinson’s on a wide range of topics related to living well with the condition.
Michael J. Fox Foundation Podcast — The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s podcast series covering the latest in Parkinson’s research, treatment developments, and the experience of living with Parkinson’s, featuring leading researchers and clinicians.
All in the Mind — BBC Radio 4 — Long-running, award-winning BBC Radio 4 podcast hosted by psychologist Claudia Hammond, exploring mental health, neuroscience, and brain conditions — with episodes relevant to Parkinson’s, cognitive change, and emotional wellbeing.
All In The Mind — ABC Radio National — ABC Australia’s weekly podcast on the mind, brain, and behaviour, with episodes covering neurodegenerative conditions, cognitive ageing, and mental health.

Parkinson’s organisations in BC and Canada

In British Columbia

Who supports people with Parkinson’s in BC? — Parkinson Canada is the national organisation for Parkinson’s in Canada, with support programs, a helpline, and resources for people in BC. Call their support line to find BC-specific programs and groups.
What treatments and therapies are available for Parkinson’s in BC? — Parkinson Canada’s overview of the current range of Parkinson’s treatments, from medication management to surgical options to complementary therapies.

Across Canada

What is Parkinson Canada? — Parkinson Canada is the country’s national Parkinson’s organisation, funding research and providing information, support programs, and a national helpline for the approximately 100,000 Canadians living with Parkinson’s.

International

What does the Parkinson’s Foundation offer? — The Parkinson’s Foundation (US) is one of the most comprehensive Parkinson’s resources available, with detailed, evidence-based information on all aspects of the condition — causes, symptoms, treatment, and daily life.
What does the Michael J. Fox Foundation do? — The Michael J. Fox Foundation is the world’s largest private funder of Parkinson’s research, and produces high-quality, accessible information on the condition, treatment, and research developments.
What does Parkinson’s UK offer? — Parkinson’s UK is a highly regarded charity producing clear, evidence-based information across all aspects of living with Parkinson’s, including a detailed A-Z of symptoms and treatments.
What does the APDA offer? — The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) provides patient education, a network of information and referral centres, and research funding, with a particular focus on practical support for people living with Parkinson’s.

If you are interested in a neuropsychological assessment to better understand cognitive changes related to Parkinson’s disease, please contact us or submit a referral.