

You can participate in a web-based seminar — or webinar — from the privacy of your home. Join either live or view the archived version within a few days of the live webinar (in most cases). All webinars listed are free. All times listed are Pacific Time. Here are webinars that may be of interest to those living with Parkinson’s in April 2020…
Wednesday, April 1- Friday, April 3, Timings vary
“Conference Webcast: 2020 Insight into Parkinson’s”
Program: See the program flyer many leading Parkinson’s researchers from around the world meeting in Australia for this 3-day conference (note all times shown are AEDT-subtract 18 hours for PDT, 15 hours for EDT). Note that the online program is free for 3 days after initial access of the materials. 30-day access is available for a fee of 99 Australian dollars (including processing). Proceeds from any premium-access purchases will be distributed to eight charity partners
Presenters: See program flyer – many speakers, extensive program
Presented by: PD Warrior
Archived presentations available for free during conference-AUD 99.00 for access for 30 days after purchase
Wednesday, April 1, 10:00-11:00am
“Tele-Health Physiotherapy: Keep Moving On-Line”
Program: This presentation will provide an opportunity for individuals to learn more about tele-health as it relates to physiotherapy services. Karla Andrews will discuss key principles of exercise for PWP as well as demonstrate exercises for participants.
Presenter: Karla Andrews, PT
Presented by: Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario
Wednesday, April 1, 3:00-4:00pm
“Treatment of Parkinson’s”
Program: Dr. Okun is one of 4 renowned physicians who have written a new book, “Ending Parkinson’s Disease.” Each of the authors will offer a weekly discussion focused on a different element of the PACT (Prevention, Advocacy, Care, Treatment) to end Parkinson’s. Dr. Okun will discuss emerging treatments for Parkinson’s and provide an update on COVID-19 for the Parkinson’s Community.
Presenter: Michael Okun, MD, Executive Director, Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida Health System; National Medical Director, Parkinson’s Foundation
Presented by: EndingPD
Register (you will be sent a link for viewing presentation)
Archived webinars-location to be advised
Thursday, April 2, 3:00-5:00pm
“PD101: Parkinson’s Basics”
Program: Part one in this three-part series covers the basics of the Parkinson’s disease. Participants will learn about the signs and symptoms, stages, and possible causes of Parkinson’s from Cari Friedman, LCSW. In addition, Dr. Judith Wilson, MD and Person with Parkinson’s, along with her husband, Ken Wilson, will discuss the importance of exercise in managing symptoms. Information on local resources and tips on how to thrive with Parkinson’s will be included.
Presenters: Cari Friedman, LCSW
Judith Wilson, MD, PwP, and her husband, Ken
Presented by: Parkinson Association of the Rockies
Monday, April 6, 9:00-10:00am
“Pain and Parkinson’s”
Program: 60 to 83% of people living with Parkinson’s report pain, and chronic pain is twice as common in people living with Parkinson’s than it is in those without Parkinson’s. In this webinar you will learn:
About the prevalence of pain in those living with Parkinson’s; the structure of the pain pathway and the different types of pain experienced in Parkinson’s; what causes pain in the early stages of Parkinson’s and how it may change as Parkinson’s progresses; how pain impacts mental health; how to talk to your doctor about pain; about the different treatments for different types of pain, pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic; what you can do every day and throughout your journey with Parkinson’s to manage pain
Presenter: Janis Miyaski, MD, MEd, FRCPC, FAAN, Director of the Parkinson and Movement Disorder Program at the University of Alberta, Canada
Presented by: Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s
Monday, April 6, 12:00-1:00pm
“Stress: Strategies for Weathering the COVID Storm”
Program: Don’t go out. Get your food delivered. Don’t touch the delivery person. Disinfect your groceries before bringing them inside. Every day, there’s another COVID warning to worry about and each adds to our already significant stress levels. People impacted by Parkinson’s know that stress exacerbates symptoms, but what is there to do? Join clinical psychologist Arik Johnson, PsyD to learn more about the science behind stress, and discuss ways to cope and manage in these tumultuous times.
Presenter: Arik Johnson, PsyD, Neuropsychologist, UCLA
Indu Subramanian, MD, movement disorders specialist, UCLA; Director, Southwest PADRECC
Presented by: Parkinson and Movement Disorder Alliance
Wednesday, April 8, 10:00-11:00am
“Caring for Parkinson’s Patients”
Program: Dr. Bloem is one of 4 renowned physicians who have written a new book, “Ending Parkinson’s Disease.” Each of the authors will offer a weekly discussion focused on a different element of the PACT (Prevention, Advocacy, Care, Treatment) to end Parkinson’s. Dr. Bloem will discuss emerging care models for Parkinson’s
Presenter, Bas Bloem, MD, PhD, Medical Director, Department of Neurology at Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen Netherlands
Presented by: EndingPD
Register (you will be sent a link for viewing presentation)
Archived webinars-location to be advised
Tuesday, April 14, 6:00-7:00am
“Recognizing Atypical Parkinsonism”
Program: A Movement Disorders Specialist will address issues around clinical diagnoses of Parkinson’s disease and atypical parkinsonism.
Presenter: Wassilios Meissner, MD, PhD, Professor of Neurology, @University Hospital Bordeaux, France
Presented by: The European Reference Networks for Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN-RND) and Neuromuscular Diseases (ERN-EuroNMD) and the European Academy of Neurology (EAN).
Tuesday, April 14, 10:00-11:00am
“PD and Medication: What’s New?”
Program: We have multiple medications to help improve quality of life of individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Although, can medicines change the course of Parkinson’s? Every person is different; what works for one may not necessarily work for another. In this webinar, Dr. Fernando Pagan will review the effects of medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease for both motor and non-motor symptoms and will share the effects and progress one may experience with these treatments.
Presenter: Fernando Pagan, MD, Vice Chairman, Department of Neurology
Director, Movement Disorders Program
Medical Director, Georgetown University Hospital
Presented by: Parkinson’s Foundation
Wednesday, April 15, 6:00-7:00am
“Advocacy for Parkinson’s”
Program: Dr. Sherer is one of 4 renowned physicians who have written a new book, “Ending Parkinson’s Disease.” Each of the authors will offer a weekly discussion focused on a different element of the PACT (Prevention, Advocacy, Care, Treatment) to end Parkinson’s. Dr. Sherer will discuss the role of advocacy in finding resources and support for the Parkinson’s Community.
Presented by: Todd Sherer, PhD, CEO, Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
Presented by: EndingPD
Register (you will be sent a link for viewing presentation)
Archived webinars-location to be advised
Wednesday, April 15, 10:00-11:00am
“Social Connection and Parkinson’s”
Program: For a variety of reasons, many people living with Parkinson’s choose to isolate themselves. By limiting your contact with the outside world, you have less explaining to do. And you can avoid situations that make you feel like you aren’t part of the healthy club anymore. However, the problem with disconnecting is that social isolation can exacerbate your symptoms, put you at risk for developing other health problems, increase your chances of experiencing depression, accelerate cognitive decline, and decrease your quality of life. Learn about the key concepts and importance of social capital; the difference between social isolation and loneliness; the biology of loneliness; the different types of relationships and the different types of value they bring to your life; what causes people to lose their social capital; how to develop social capital (or get it back if you lost it)
Presenters: Al Condelucci MSW, PhD, educator
Presented by: Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s
Wednesday, April 15, 11:00am-12:00pm
“Ask the Expert Webinar: Medical Cannabis and Parkinson’s”
Program: Since the legalization of cannabis in October 2018, there has been greater interest in its use for the possible management of Parkinson’s symptoms. Join us on Wednesday, April 15 as pharmacist Dr. Alan Low answers common questions related to cannabis, including current research and how to access it (in Canada). We welcome all individuals with Parkinson’s to this webinar, as well as their spouses and/or carepartners/caregivers. As always, please consult with your physician prior to making any changes to your treatment regimen.
Presenter: Alan Low, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, UBC, Pharmaceutical Sciences
Presented by: Parkinson Society British Columbia
Register (registration closes April 13)
Thursday, April 16, 9:00-10:00am
“Living in the Moment when the Moment Is Unprecedented”
Program: Expert panelists will discuss strategies, including mindfulness and meditation, to care for yourself and your loved ones while living with Parkinson’s in a time of uncertainty.
Presenters: To be advised at time of webinar
Presented by: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
Friday, April 17, 2:00-3:00pm
“Deep Brain Stimulation Updates”
Program: New technology, practices and procedures are emerging every day to help improve the symptoms and lives of those living with Parkinson’s, especially in the field of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). Join the Parkinson Association of the Rockies and Dr. David VanSickle in a discussion on recent developments in the field.
Presenter: David Vansickle, MD, PhD, Neurosurgery One, Littleton, CO
Presented by: Parkinson Association of the Rockies
Tuesday, April 21, 10:00-11:00am
“PD Health @ Home — Beyond the Diagnosis: Surgical Options”
Program: Even after several years of good symptom management, controlling Parkinson’s disease may become more challenging. Learn about how Parkinson’s symptoms may change over time and how/ when surgical therapies, such as DBS, may be the best option for symptom management.
Presenter: Doris Wang, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Neurological Surgery, UCSF
Presented by: Parkinson’s Foundation
Wednesday, April 22, 9:00-10:00am
“Preventing Parkinson’s”
Program: Dr. Dorsey is one of 4 renowned physicians who have written a new book, “Ending Parkinson’s Disease.” Each of the authors will offer a weekly discussion focused on a different element of the PACT (Prevention, Advocacy, Care, Treatment) to end Parkinson’s. Dr. Dorsey will discuss new treatment options for those living with Parkinson’s.
Presenter: Ray Dorsey MD, MBA, Professor of Neurology; Director, Center for Human Experimental Therapeutics University of Rochester Medical Center
Presented by: EndingPD
Register (you will be sent a link for viewing presentation)
Archived webinars-location to be advised
Wednesday, April 22, 11:00am-12:00pm
“Increasing Amplitude of Small Movements: Improving Fine Motor Skills through LSVT BIG”
Program: How can training bigger movements improve fine motor skills? Join LSVT BIG faculty as they discuss how increasing amplitude through LSVT BIG treatment can be used to help people with PD improve fine motor skills such as buttoning and writing.
Presenters: LSVT LOUD and LSVT BIG expert clinicians
Presented by: LSVT Global
Wednesday, April 22, 11:00am-12:30pm
“Virtual DBS Forum”
Program: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) to treat tremor in people with Parkinson’s was approved by the FDA in 1997. Then in 2002, it was approved to treat advanced symptoms of Parkinson’s. For many years, people thought DBS was only for people who were very advanced. That’s not the case. There are many who have only been living with Parkinson’s for a few years who are great candidates for DBS. DBS has the power to reduce or eliminate OFF times, reduce the frequency and dose of medications, and dramatically improve quality of life.
In this webinar, you will learn the what, when, why, how, and more of DBS from movement disorder specialists who recommend it, surgeons who perform it, companies that make the devices, and someone who has been living with it for over 10 years.
Presenters: Helen Bronte-Stewart, MD, MSE. John E. Cahill Family Professor; Professor of Neurology and, by courtesy, of Neurosurgery at the Stanford University Medical Center; Director, Stanford Movement Disorders Center
Kelly D. Foote, MD, is a professor of neurosurgery at the University of Florida College of Medicine and co-director of the Normal Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health
Aaron M. Haug, MD, Movement Disorder Specialist, Blue Sky Neurology
Francisco Ponce, MD, Neurosurgeon; Director, Barrow Center for Neuromodulation
Marty Acevedo, Davis Phinney Foundation Ambassador, DBS alumnus
Moderator: Soania Mathur, MD, former family physician, Davis Phinney Foundation Board member, living with Parkinson’s for over 20 years.
Presented by: Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s
Wednesday, April 22, 12:00-1:00pm
“Lunch with Docs – The Lesser Known Symptoms”
Program: This month we will discuss the lesser known symptoms of Parkinson’s with Mindy Bixby, DO of Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, CA
Presenter: Mindy Bixby, DO, Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA
Presented by: Parkinson and Movement Disorder Alliance
Wednesday, April 29, 10:00-11:00am
“Spotlight on Parkinson’s Disease: What’s New in Brain Health”
Program: Please join us for expert perspectives to help you better understand what’s new in brain health for Parkinson’s disease (PD). This program is designed to help people with PD, family members, and care partners.
Presenter: Daniel Weintraub, MD, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania
Presented by: American Parkinson Disease Association
Wednesday, April 29, 10:00-11:00am
“Understanding the Non-Motor and Psychiatric Features of Parkinson’s Disease”
Program: Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, complex neurological disorder that involves multiple body systems. We know this chiefly to be a disease that complicates movement, but we have learned there are many other non-motor symptoms, which can be major determinants to quality of life. We will review these non-motor symptoms and discuss psychiatric manifestations of the disease to increase awareness and treatment.
Presenter: Arita McCoy, MSN, CRNP, Johns Hopkins Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center
Presented by: Right at Home
Wednesday, April 30, 12:00-1:00pm
“Answering Your PD Questions with AARP: From Newly Diagnosed to Caregiver Resources”
Program: Receiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis can be overwhelming for both the individual diagnosed and their care partner, which is why the Parkinson’s Foundation and AARP are committed to providing you with the best educational tools to help guide your journey, one that is unique for each person newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and their care partner.
Join us as we kick off this new partnership webinar series from the Parkinson’s Foundation and AARP. Learn about Parkinson’s symptoms, disease progression and the importance of working with an interdisciplinary care team. Understand what you need to know about employment rights, benefits, and resources for both people newly diagnosed and their care partners, as well as care partner tips and community forums you can join today!
Presenters: Nina Browner, MD, Bryson Distinguished Associate Professor of Neurology and Director of the Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence, University of North Carolina
Julia Wood, MOT, OTR/L, Dan Aaron Parkinson’s Rehabilitation Center at the University of Pennsylvania Parkinson’s disease and Movement Disorder Center of Excellence, Pennsylvania Hospital
Amy Goyer, AARP’s national family and caregiving expert
Presented by: Parkinson’s Foundation and AARP