New Therapies and Technology That Help Parkinson’s Patients Thrive
October 30, 2025
About 90,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed every year with Parkinson’s disease. They might have symptoms like:
- Tremors, or involuntary shaking
- Difficulty walking
- Loss of balance
- Slurred speech and/or low vocal volume
- Difficulty swallowing
- Cognitive changes
While researchers look for a cure, new treatments continue to improve the quality of life for people with the disease. From drugs to deep brain stimulation, advancements are helping patients manage their symptoms better and with fewer side effects.
Our experts explain some of the newest treatments for Parkinson’s disease and what they offer patients.
New Ways to Take Medicine
The most common medication for Parkinson’s treatment is a drug called levodopa. In addition to a tablet option, you can inhale new versions of the drug or melt it under your tongue. These are helpful for people whose Parkinson's makes swallowing difficult, says Steven Markos, M.D., a physiatrist at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute.
Another method, currently in clinical trials, involves a pump-based delivery system, similar to an insulin pump, to administer the drug.
Focused Ultrasound
While various Parkinson’s medications can work well for some people, they can also cause side effects, like:
- Brain fog
- Tiredness
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
And some people may need to take bigger doses as the disease advances. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is one way to treat symptoms without medication. But it is surgery, which some people may not want.
Focused ultrasound is a noninvasive treatment that also has excellent results. It uses sound waves to reduce tremor and may also help with muscle stiffness.
Smartphone Apps and Software
Some Parkinson’s patients can track their symptoms and adjust their DBS device right from their phone. Being able to tweak their treatment between doctor visits gives patients even more control over their symptoms.
Social and Physical Activities
Therapy is an important piece of the Parkinson’s treatment puzzle. It can help improve your quality of life by keeping you flexible and strong. Plus, group physical activities can fight anxiety and depression, which can be symptoms of Parkinson’s.
“Our programming aims to improve patients’ ability to live with Parkinson’s,” says Janice Dibling, MS, CCC-LP, manager of acute and inpatient rehabilitation speech pathology. “Therapy is vital to keep these individuals moving and exercising.”
Activities and programming for people with Parkinson’s include:
- ParkinSINGS Choir, which uses singing to exercise voice, speech and swallowing muscles
- Rock Steady Boxing, a fitness program using non-contact boxing to improve strength, balance and endurance
- Parkinson’s Wellness Program, a two-week inpatient rehabilitation program to improve muscle function and coordination
- Support groups, some in-person and some virtual, for those with Parkinson’s and their caregivers
A Continuum of Support
Parkinson’s can make eating, sleeping and speaking difficult. The Johnson Rehabilitation Institute helps people adapt to these changes and thrive, says Allison Lieberman, PT, MSPT, clinical manager of acute physical therapy and occupational therapy at JFK University Medical Center.
“We can offer a continuum of care that many other rehabilitation centers do not,” Lieberman says. Patients can access a variety of services as an inpatient or an outpatient. On-campus resources include:
- A sleep clinic
- Behavioral health
- A wheelchair clinic
- Speech therapy
- Physical and occupational therapies
- Social work
- Nutritional counseling
- Neurology
- Surgery
- Driver training
Keeping It Real
While new technologies are exciting – such as robotic suits that help with balance and walking – these often-expensive options aren’t for everyone. “There are some new technologies that are of interest,” Dr. Markos says, “but often the basics have an effective role in a treatment plan.”
Next Steps & Resources
- Meet our source: Steven Markos, M.D.
- Make an appointment with a rehabilitation specialist near you or call 800-822-8905.
- Learn more about Parkinson’s rehabilitation services at Hackensack Meridian Health.
