Dawn Howard
Parkinson’s Advocate & Neurological Health Educator
WPC 2026 Book Nook Featured Author
This website is important to me because I've experienced how neurological symptoms can be misunderstood as mental health conditions.My hope is that by better understanding Parkinson's symptoms—especially non-motor symptoms like anxiety, depression and apathy—the difference can change care.
Why TooShaky Exists
WPC 2026 Book Nook Featured Author
(World Parkinson's Congress)
I needed information that didn't exist in one practical place.
After my diagnosis, I quickly learned that many of the most disruptive symptoms weren't the ones that people warned me about. Some were overlooked—even by people with Parkinson's—because they didn't know how to describe what they were experiencing.TooShaky was created to bridge that gap.Everything is designed to help patients, caregivers, and clinicians better understanding about Parkinson's with clearer language and practical, real-life guidance.These resources don't replace medical care—they support it.
WHAT IS PARKINSON'S DISEASE?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, balance, and many automatic body functions. It develops when brain cells that produce dopamine gradually stop working. Although tremor is the symptom most people recognize, Parkinson’s also causes many non-motor symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disruption, digestive problems, anxiety, and cognitive changes.TooShaky was created to help patients, caregivers, and clinicians better understand these challenges and find practical resources for living with Parkinson’s.
New to TooShaky? Start here.
TooShaky-Parkinson's education built for real life.
Helping patients and caregivers understand Parkinson's beyond the exam room.
Newly Diagnosed Guide
Parkinson's Symptom Directory
Patient Resource Library
Caregiver Resources
Surprising Parkinson’s Facts
TooShaky provides patient-friendly education about Parkinson’s disease. These materials may be shared freely for patient and caregiver education.
TooShaky was created by Dawn Howard, a Parkinson’s patient, stroke survivor, and Parkinson’s Advocate & Neurological Health Educator.
The project focuses on making complex neurological information easier for patients and caregivers to understand.
Explore TooShaky Resources
Select a topic below to begin.Practical, easy-to-understand resources for patients and caregivers.These resources are free to share with patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
Parkinson’s Newly Diagnosed Patient Guide
A simple guide to help newly diagnosed patients and families understand Parkinson's and what comes next.
Why Symptoms Happen
Understanding dopamine and why Parkinson's symptoms can feel unpredictable.
Parkinson's Symptoms Explained
Clear explanations of Parkinson's symptoms, including those many patients aren't warned about.
Clinic and Patient Library
Printable education resources designed for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
Caregiver Guide: Why Symptoms Happen
Support and tolls for partners, spouses, and family members helping someone living with Parkinson's.
Grief, Identity & Rebuilding
Living with the emotional side of Parkinson's.
Living With Parkinson's
Practical guidance for daily life, including fatigue, medication timing, routines, and adapting to change.
Educational Videos
Gradual education series
explaining Parkinson's
in easy-to-understand videos.
Support & External Resources
Trusted organizations, support groups, and resources for patients, caregivers, and families.
advocacy, policy & awareness
Supporting patient rights, informed health policy and public awareness of neurological disease.
© 2026 TooShaky
Disclaimer: This patient education resource was created by Dawn Howard, Parkinson’s Advocate & Neurological Health Educator, through TooShaky.org, to support individuals newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Content is informed by lived experience, patient education best practices, and information from established medical, nonprofit, and educational sources. Drafting, editing, and organizational support were assisted by ChatGPT (OpenAI) as a writing and language tool, under the direction and review of the author. Educational content and references are drawn from sources including, but not limited to: Parkinson’s Foundation, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA), Davis Phinney Foundation, Mayo Clinic, Peer-reviewed medical literature and clinical education resources. This material is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should discuss all medical questions and care decisions with their healthcare provider. TooShaky.org does not provide medical care and does not establish a clinician–patient relationship.
