As the daughter of a Parkinson's patient, I know that perhaps the most difficult part of dealing with the disease is not knowing what to expect. Life after the diagnosis is both scary for the patient and family and one of the only ways to combat that fear is to understand how both your lives are going to change. Now that your loved one has been diagnosed, it's time for you to begin understanding how this disease is going to affect your family. For example, what kind of treatment can your loved one receive and which is the best choice? What medical advancements are being made to cure the disease? How can you help your loved one live a healthy lifestyle?

As a family member of a Parkinson's patient, it is important for you to find support, not only for your family member but also for yourself. There are several organizations and resources for those dealing with Parkinson's disease that can help provide community for you and your family, as well as information about the rights of caregivers and family support groups. Your family can find inspiration in some of the organizations run by celebrity patients such as Michael J. Fox and Muhammad Ali. These organizations often host events that are specifically targeted towards the family members of those with Parkinson's. Along with these events are books and TV shows that can help provide a boost in moral for both you and your family member.

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