We're Jennifer and Tim. Jennifer lives with Parkinson's, and after 25 years of marriage we know it all: the good days, the Off days, and the days when pills, appointments and worry feel like a full-time job. We looked for one app that could help with all of it, for both of us, and couldn't find one. So we built it.
Our mission: to help everyone living with Parkinson's, and the people who love them, feel less alone and more in charge, one steady day at a time.
With love, Jennifer and Tim
Tap Speak and just talk. It goes into the diary.
Caring for someone you love is hard work. A few words about your own day can help you spot when you need a break.
Parkinson's Foundation Helpline, for care partners too: 1-800-473-4636
Please note: Red Tulip is for education and daily tracking only. It is not medical advice. Always ask your doctor before changing any treatment. In an emergency, call 911.
"On time" means within 15 minutes of the scheduled time, as the Parkinson's Foundation recommends.
Choose how Red Tulip gets your attention when it's time for a dose.
The alarm only sounds while Red Tulip is open. Keep it open on a phone or tablet with the volume up and the ringer not on silent. If your screen turns off, the alarm may wait until you open it again. A pill box with its own alarm is a good backup.
Always follow your doctor's instructions.
This diary is for the care partner. Caring for someone you love is hard work, and your feelings count too.
Parkinson's Foundation Helpline, for care partners too: 1-800-473-4636
Tap a glass when you finish one. Water helps with constipation and dizziness.
Numbers are estimates. A registered dietitian can set goals that fit you.
Many people with Parkinson's say they feel better eating this way: more energy, clearer thinking and steadier moods. Here's why, what the studies found, and how to do it well.
Your brain usually runs on sugar (glucose). When you eat very few carbs, your liver makes ketones, and your brain uses them as a second fuel. Research shows that as we age, and in some brain diseases, the brain gets worse at using glucose but still takes up ketones normally. That's why researchers are testing ketones as a way to give struggling brain cells more energy.
| Study | Who and how long | What happened |
|---|---|---|
| Keto vs low-fat diet Movement Disorders, 2018 | 47 people with Parkinson's, 8 weeks | Both groups improved, but the keto group improved more on non-movement symptoms: urinary problems, pain, tiredness, daytime sleepiness and thinking. A few had brief extra tremor or stiffness. |
| Keto for memory Clinical Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, 2019 | 14 people with Parkinson's and mild memory problems, 8 weeks | The keto group had better memory and word-finding and lost about 14 pounds on average. Movement didn't change. |
| Low-dairy keto Frontiers in Nutrition, 2025 | 12 people with Parkinson's, 12 weeks | 6 in 10 had a meaningful improvement in their overall Parkinson's score, and half improved on the movement exam. Everyone kept or improved their quality of life. Blood tests stayed stable. |
| Harvard carnivore survey Current Developments in Nutrition, 2021 | 2,029 adults on carnivore for 6 months or more (not a Parkinson's study) | People reported high satisfaction and few side effects, and average BMI dropped from 26.4 to 23.7. LDL cholesterol went up for many. Answers were self-reported. |
| Lion diet | No studies yet | It's used as a short elimination diet, so there isn't research on it yet. |
These studies are small and short, and bigger ones are underway. The results so far are encouraging.
Levodopa (like Sinemet or Rytary) is absorbed the same way as protein. A big protein meal can crowd it out, so a dose may work less well. Ketovore, carnivore and the Lion diet are high in protein, so timing matters more.
Tap Speak and say everything you ate. You'll get the protein, fiber and calories, and what it means for your Parkinson's.
Numbers are for typical portions.
Say or type a food. You'll get a short answer that takes your medicine times into account.
Net carbs are total carbohydrates minus fiber. They're the carbs that turn into blood sugar.
Meals heavy in sugar and refined carbs (white bread, sweets, soda, chips) cause blood sugar spikes. Over time, these are linked to insulin resistance and higher levels of inflammation in the body.
That matters with Parkinson's. Inflammation is thought to play a part in the disease, and studies link type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance with a higher risk of Parkinson's and faster progression.
Small studies of low-carb and ketogenic diets in Parkinson's found improvements in mood, anxiety, thinking and constipation. Effects on movement were mixed. The research is early, so do it with your doctor or a dietitian.
Keep fiber while cutting carbs. Fiber isn't counted in net carbs, and it's your best friend against constipation. Leafy greens, broccoli, avocado, nuts and seeds are low in net carbs and high in fiber.
Watch for weight loss. Unplanned weight loss is common with Parkinson's. Tell your doctor if the scale keeps dropping.
From the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025–2030, released January 2026. It's upside down: the foods to eat most are at the wide top.
Key numbers: protein 1.2 to 1.6 g per kg of body weight a day (about 80 to 110 g for a 150-lb person). 3 servings of dairy. No more than 10 g of added sugar per meal. Saturated fat under 10% of calories. Avoid ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks and refined grains.
With Parkinson's: more protein is good for muscles, but protein can block levodopa. Take levodopa 30 to 60 minutes before protein meals, or spread protein as your doctor advises.
A popular animal-foods-only eating pattern. Foods at the wide bottom are eaten most.
With Parkinson's: many people report feeling their best on carnivore. It hasn't been studied in Parkinson's yet, so track how you feel in this app. Because it's high in protein, time your levodopa (see "Your Parkinson's medicine and protein" above). With no plant fiber, drink plenty of water and watch for constipation.
Protein and levodopa. Protein can compete with levodopa for absorption. Many people take levodopa 30 to 60 minutes before meals. Some save most protein for the evening. Ask your doctor whether timing matters for you.
Fiber and fluids. Constipation is very common with Parkinson's. Fruit, vegetables, beans, whole grains and 6 to 8 glasses of water a day help.
Mediterranean style. Olive oil, fish, vegetables, beans, nuts and whole grains are a well-studied way to eat for brain and heart health.
Nausea. If levodopa upsets your stomach, a few crackers or a small non-protein snack with it may help.
Chewing and swallowing. Soft foods, small bites and sitting upright help. Coughing while eating is worth telling your doctor about, since a swallow test may help.
Low blood pressure on standing. Fluids help. Your doctor may also suggest more salt. Ask first.
Supplements you add here get reminders too, and they show up on your doctor report.
Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting anything new. Supplements can interact with Parkinson's medicines.
Based on guidance from the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the American Parkinson Disease Association.
0 of 150 minutes
The Parkinson's Foundation recommends at least 2.5 hours of exercise a week.
Exercise is one of the best things you can do for Parkinson's. It helps balance, strength, walking, mood and sleep. The best exercise is the one you enjoy enough to keep doing, so try a few and see what makes you smile.
A non-contact boxing program made just for people with Parkinson's. It was started in 2006 in Indianapolis by a man living with Parkinson's. You punch bags and mitts, never people, and do footwork, stretching and loud counting. It builds power, speed, balance and confidence, and classes are full of people who get it. Studies of boxing programs show gains in balance, mobility and quality of life. Classes are held in many towns.
Slow, flowing movements that shift your weight from foot to foot. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found tai chi improved balance and cut falls in people with Parkinson's. It's gentle on the joints, calming for the mind, and can be done standing or seated.
Stretching, breathing and holding poses help with stiffness, flexibility, posture and anxiety. Chair yoga is a great place to start. Look for a teacher who has worked with Parkinson's or older adults.
Focuses on your core, the muscles that keep you upright. A stronger core helps with posture, balance and getting up from a chair. Mat Pilates can be done at home, and small studies in Parkinson's show better balance and mobility.
Gentle bouncing on a mini-trampoline. It gets your heart pumping and your legs working without pounding your joints. There's less research on it in Parkinson's, so play it safe: use a rebounder with a handle bar, start with small bounces or seated bouncing, keep someone nearby, and ask your physical therapist first, especially if you have balance problems or freezing.
Before starting something new, check with your doctor or a physical therapist, especially if you've had falls. Exercise when your medicine is working well (during an "On" time), and stop if you feel dizzy or unsteady.
A steady beat can help you get moving when your feet feel glued to the floor. Step on each beat.
Stop. Stand tall. Shift your weight side to side, then step.
Count out loud, "one, two, one, two", or sing a song with a steady beat.
Imagine a line on the floor and step over it.
March in place first, then walk forward.
In doorways and turns, make wide U-turns instead of pivoting.
A physical therapist can teach cues that fit you. Ask your neurologist for a referral.
Take a deep breath and say "Ahh" as loud and long as you comfortably can. Aim for 10 in a row.
0 of 10 done today
Read each phrase out loud, as if speaking across a big room.
This practice is based on common speech therapy exercises. A speech therapist can give you a full program. Ask your doctor for a referral.
Keep the same bedtime and wake time, even on weekends.
Satin sheets or pajamas can make turning over in bed easier.
Acting out dreams (kicking or shouting in sleep) is common with Parkinson's. Tell your doctor, and pad the bed area for safety.
Cut back on fluids 2 hours before bed if you get up often at night, but drink well earlier in the day.
Show this screen to ambulance, ER and hospital staff. Fill in your details under My info.
Pick the time since your last visit. Then save it as a PDF, print it, or paste it into your patient portal.
Leave a message for everyone in your care circle.
Only you can see this. Caring for someone is hard work, and your health matters too.
Parkinson's Foundation Helpline: 1-800-473-4636
Share a tip, a win or a question. Be kind. Don't post medical advice as fact.
Get matched with someone across the country who lives with Parkinson's, or who cares for someone who does. Write back and forth like pen pals, or check in on each other as support friends.
New medicines, deep brain stimulation, focused ultrasound, pumps and research, explained in plain words. News is for learning. Talk with your neurologist before changing any treatment.
Parkinson's Foundation. Helpline: 1-800-473-4636
Michael J. Fox Foundation, including their clinical trial finder
American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)
Davis Phinney Foundation, which focuses on living well
ClinicalTrials.gov for research studies
Be kind and respectful. Share experiences, not medical orders. Never post your address, phone or money details. Tap Report on anything that doesn't belong.
How often you checked in as On (moving well) or Off (slow or stiff). More On and less Off is progress.
How many times each was logged, compared with the period before.
Parkinson's medicine doses on days you logged them. On time means within 15 minutes.
Average hours a night, on nights you logged.
Average glasses a day, on days you logged. The goal is 8.
Average fiber and protein a day, on days you logged meals.
Private group chats for family, friends or your support group. Only people with the invite code can join.
Send them this code. They need access to this app's link too.
Tools that make daily life with Parkinson's easier. Items marked Sponsored are paid placements from our partners. Nothing here is medical advice, so ask your care team or an occupational therapist what fits you.
Does your company help people with Parkinson's or their care partners? Sponsored spots put your product in front of families who need it, with clear labels and click reports.
To become a sponsor, email [email protected].
Ask anything about living with Parkinson's. This is not a doctor. Call your doctor, or 911 in an emergency.
Use the A−, A, A+ and A++ buttons at the top to change text size at any time.
Health information in Red Tulip comes from trusted sources like the Parkinson's Foundation and the Michael J. Fox Foundation, but it is general information, not advice for your situation.
Less alone. More in charge. One steady day at a time.
Your caring companion for life with Parkinson's, made for you and the people who love you.
Made with love by Jennifer and Tim
Who will use this account?
Is someone in your family already using Red Tulip? Enter their care circle code to share one set of medicines, diary and notes. You can also do this later under Care team.
We will never sell your health information.
Share one tablet? Switch here so diary entries show the right name.
Put Red Tulip on your home screen?
Then it opens with one tap, like any other app.