Using Social Connection as “Medicine” in Parkinson Disease Care: Robert Cochrane, PhD

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"We accept now that exercise is medicine with Parkinson disease. If we can accept that connection is medicine, therefore support groups that provide that connection, we can do a lot with that."

Connection and psychosocial support have become increasingly recognized as critical components of comprehensive care for individuals with Parkinson disease (PD), complementing pharmacologic and rehabilitative interventions. Beyond managing motor symptoms, clinicians and care teams are tasked with addressing the emotional, social, and relational challenges that can contribute to isolation, reduced quality of life, and diminished adherence to therapy. Emerging models of care emphasize that structured support, peer engagement, and regular contact can function as an important “therapeutic dose” alongside standard treatments.

At the 5th Annual Advanced Therapeutics in Movement and Related Disorders (ATMRD) Congress, held by the PMD Alliance from June 4-8, 2026, Robert Cochrane, PhD, presented a talk titled “Exploring the Role of Connection in Parkinson’s Care.” In his presentation, Cochrane discussed the concept of connection as a form of “medicine,” highlighting the importance of support groups, psychosocial engagement, and hybrid formats in extending care beyond brief clinic visits. He also underscored how telehealth and online platforms that grew during the COVID-19 pandemic have enabled patients to build broader networks across geographic boundaries.

In a follow-up interview with NeurologyLive^®, Cochrane, CEO and founder of Yes, And...eXercise, expanded on these themes, describing how support groups, improvisation, and storytelling can positively influence patients’ lived experience with PD. Throughout the interview, he detailed the role of technology in sustaining meaningful connections between patients, care partners, and communities, and discussed ongoing gaps in how clinicians recognize and “prescribe” connection as part of routine care.

Click here for more coverage of ATMRD 2026.

REFERENCES
1. Cochrane R. Exploring the Role of Connection in Parkinson’s Care. Presented at: ATMRD Congress 2026; June 4-8, 2025; Washington, DC.