Many people with Parkinson's experience walking or balance problems, which can occur to different degrees. Gait problems can range from slowed speed, decreased arm swing and shuffling steps to difficulty getting started or freezing in place. Balance problems can cause unsteadiness and falls that make everyday tasks challenging.

These symptoms can be tough to treat, but there are ways to manage them: medication adjustment, exercise and physical therapy, or a home safety evaluation.

Much research is ongoing into walking and balance problems, and this is a priority area for The Michael J. Fox Foundation. We're building a roadmap to determine the underlying causes of gait and balance disturbances; track and predict falls; and develop more effective therapies and even technological treatments, such as virtual reality systems.

Watch the video to learn more.

Watch a webinar or listen to a podcast on balance, posture and gait in PD.

Infographic: MJFF's focus on gait and balance in Parkinson's.

Ask the MD has been made possible through the leadership of members of our Parkinson's Disease Education Consortium in conjunction with The Albert B. Glickman Parkinson's Disease Education Program. These partners' support allows us to furnish high-quality educational content to the Parkinson's community while maintaining our commitment to allocate donor dollars to high-impact research. Editorial control of all Michael J. Fox Foundation-published content rests solely with the Foundation.