In October 2025, the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) hosted the webinar “Unlocking Strength Within: Spirituality and Parkinson’s Disease.” The webinar featured Kim Beuerman, a board-certified spiritual care provider and staff chaplain, who shared how nurturing spiritual well-being can improve quality of life, reduce depression and anxiety, and build resilience.
The good news? Spirituality is simply about finding meaning, purpose, and connection—to yourself, to others, and to whatever makes you feel most alive.
Why Spirituality Matters
Research shows that people with Parkinson’s who strengthen their spirituality experience better mood, improved sleep, reduced fatigue, and greater ability to cope. Care partners also benefit, finding more joy and resilience. Best of all, spiritual care has no side effects and doesn’t require medication.
Understanding Loss and Grief
Parkinson’s brings many kinds of loss—physical abilities, roles, plans, and sometimes identity. Kim emphasized that it’s okay to feel sad. Grieving is part of healing. Give yourself permission to acknowledge loss while finding ways to move forward.
Four Ways to Strengthen Your Spirituality
1. Work with a Spiritual Care Professional
Healthcare chaplains help you process grief, find hope, and explore difficult questions. They support people of all beliefs—including those who aren’t religious. Find them through your neurology clinic’s palliative care team or hospital chaplaincy services.
2. Tell Your Story Through Life Review
Programs like Dignity Therapy guide you through questions about key life moments, accomplishments, and wisdom you want to share. Studies show 91% of participants are satisfied and 76% find heightened meaning.
One participant shared: “It helped me look forward and focus on the positive…I’m now recognizing little successes like speaking louder, which gives me more confidence.”
Explore StoryCorps or Dignity Therapy.
3. Set Goals for What Matters Most
Even with limitations, you can set meaningful goals. The Conversation Project offers a workbook to help clarify your values and wishes.
Kim shared about George, who loved fishing with his granddaughter but stopped after needing a wheelchair. When asked to reimagine it, he realized his granddaughter could help push him to the fishing spot. The connection could remain, just differently.
4. Try Meditation
Meditation can increase dopamine, helping mood, balance, and thinking. Studies show mindfulness meditation improves depression—sometimes more than exercise alone.
Can’t sit still? Try “moving meditation” while walking, doing boxing, yoga, or tai chi. Start with 5-10 minutes daily.
Free resources: Calm, Headspace, Insight Timer, Contemplative Outreach.
Common Questions
What about atheists?
Spirituality isn’t about believing in God—it’s about what gives life meaning. Connecting with others, nature, or support groups are all spiritual practices.
How do I deal with apathy?
Acknowledge it without guilt. Talk to someone you trust. Look for what motivates you now—maybe support groups or advocacy. Mention it to your healthcare team.
Can I meditate if I can’t sit still?
Yes! Moving meditation works just as well. Any mindful movement counts.
Moving Forward
Pick one thing that resonates. Try meditation. Consider life review. Reach out to a chaplain. Your whole self—physical, emotional, and spiritual—deserves care.
Watch the Full Webinar:
“Unlocking Strength Within: Spirituality and Parkinson’s Disease”
Related Stanford Resources: