Hunter
05/30/25
Art Staed, who represents Iowa State Senate District 40, has shared on social media that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The Gazette reports Staed 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.”
The 76-year-old Staed said he passed a cognitive test with flying colors and plans to continue to serve in the Iowa Senate. His term expires in January 2029. He told the Gazette he began physical and speech therapy ahead of the 2025 legislative session.
He concluded his Facebook post Wednesday by saying, “The PD diagnosis combined with ongoing back issues means I’m another Iowan — another legislator living with a disability.”
Senate District 40 includes parts of northern Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha and Robins.