Cedar Rapids lawmaker diagnosed with Parkinson’s

Iowa State Sen. Art Staed, a Democrat from Cedar Rapids, announced Wednesday on social media that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a movement disorder of the nervous system that worsens over time.

Staed, 76, said he plans to continue to serve in the Iowa Senate in light of the diagnosis.

In a Facebook post, Staed said he completed and passed a cognitive evaluation “with flying colors.”

“For now, I plan to continue serving my constituents just as I always have,” according to the Facebook post. “In fact, you’ll see me out knocking doors this summer. While my movement has been affected, I’m receiving excellent physical therapy. The PD diagnosis combined with ongoing back issues means I'm another Iowan — another legislator living with a disability.”

A retired educator, Staed was first elected to the Iowa Senate in 2024 after serving in the Iowa House for 14 years. He represents Senate District 40, which includes parts of northern Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha and Robins. His term expires in January of 2029.

Staed, speaking with The Gazette Thursday, said he started noticing tremors and other symptoms last year, before the November general election.

He said his doctor referred him to a neurologist at University of Iowa Health Care last fall, and he received a diagnosis “right before the election.” Staed, though, said the diagnosis “was not definitive” and doctors were still working to identify the type of disease causing his symptoms.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder, and while there's one primary form, there are also other types that are often grouped under the umbrella of "parkinsonism,“ according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

The disease predominately affects dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain that leads to symptoms such as tremors, impaired balance, rigid muscles and difficulty walking. Collectively these symptoms are known as parkinsonism.

Following Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson's disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disorder in the United States, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Approximately 500,000 Americans are currently living with Parkinson’s, and most are 60 years or older, according to the institute. Some experts estimate that as many as 1 million Americans have Parkinson’s disease given that many individuals go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed.

Staed’s physical, speech therapy began in January

Staed said he began physical and speech therapy before the start of the 2025 Iowa legislative session back in January in an effort “to stay ahead of it.”

Prior to the start of the 91st Iowa General Assembly, Staed said he had no issues with his balance or walking, knocking on some 13,000 doors as he campaign for election to the Iowa Senate seat vacated by incumbent Democrat Todd Taylor, who was elected Linn County Auditor.

“It was slow moving and I didn’t have any issues,” Staed said of why he chose to not publicly share news of his diagnosis.

But as the legislative session progressed, so did his symptoms. Staed said he began having more tremors and difficulty with fine motor skills, including writing, buttoning his shirt and tying his shoe laces. By the final weeks of the legislative session, he was using a wheelchair pushed by his wife, Susan.

Asked why he waited until the end of session to announce his diagnosis, Staed said he wanted to wait and see how the disease progressed and what impact it would have on his work as a legislator.

“It’s nothing I can’t compensate with,” he said of using voice to text and help from his wife and legislative clerk. “It’s nothing that has impacted my ability to legislate — either writing legislation, advocating for Iowans, or meeting constituents one on one.

“For now, I’m perfectly capable of representing the district as I have in the past, it just takes more effort.”

Staed’s seat is up for re-election in 2028.

“As long as I’m able to represent people, I will,” he said. “If I can’t, I’ll step down. I want to do as much as I can while I can for the benefit of Iowa. ... I’m still committed to representing constituents and passing good legislation, and I appreciate their support.”

Staed said he’s doing his best to stay positive and “as active as possible, both mentally and physically.”

He said he’s nearly done with physical therapy and he exercises at home daily, in addition to walking every day as far as he can accompanied by his wife with a wheelchair.

Other Iowa lawmakers also are battling health issues

Staed is not the only lawmaker battling health issues.

Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, R-Grimes, returned to the Senate floor and continued to serve after being diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor near the end of last year’s legislative session.

Republican Sen. Rocky De Witt of Lawton has he is determined to continue his term in the Iowa Senate over a year after he announced his pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

“Cancer continues to be a battle I am fighting each and every day. I am in constant contact with my doctors and care team, who have been helping me along the way as we consider the best treatment and pathway forward,” De Witt said in a statement to The Sioux City Journal last month.

Staed and his wife said the decision to hold off on announcing his diagnosis until after the 2025 session had adjourned was partly due to concerns over negative stereotypes, misconceptions and societal biases related to the disease and its symptoms.

“Once you have the diagnosis, people react to you differently,” Susan said.

Staed added: “It doesn’t mean you’re completely disabled.”

“It’s a real honor to represent people in the Senate, and I intend to continue to do that,” he said. “... I will do the best I can for my constituents, whatever that may be.”

Maya Marchel Hoff of the Gazette-Lee Des Moines Bureau contributed to this report.

Comments: (319) 398-8499; tom.barton@thegazette.com