This spring, over 5400 Parkinson’s patients, including 51 who had COVID-19, took an online Fox Insight survey, organized by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. According to Caroline Tanner, MD, PhD, of the University of California San Francisco, “What was really remarkable was the number of people who didn’t have COVID, but who did suffer from the experience of the pandemic.” MedPageToday noted that “Medical care (64%), exercise (21%), and social activities (57%) were disrupted for these patients, and many reported worse Parkinson’s motor (43%) and non-motor (52%) symptoms.” While the survey showed the resilience of the Parkinson’s community, it also highlighted disparities, Tanner pointed out. “People with lower incomes or people who are nonwhite have less opportunity to use alternative means of health care and connection,” she said. “That’s something we continue to need to work on.”
… Full Story>Archives for July 2020
A Stanford neurosurgeon answered questions about Deep Brain Stimulation
Stanford’s Parkinson’s Community Outreach Program hosts a quarterly deep brain stimulation (DBS) support group meeting for those wanting to learn more about this surgical treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The June 2020 meeting featured Dr. Daniel Kramer, a neurosurgeon and clinical instructor at Stanford, who answered audience questions pertaining to DBS. We at Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach viewed the discussion and are sharing our notes.
… Full Story>Wellness and remote care in PD during Covid-19 – Webinar notes
In early June, the Parkinson’s Foundation hosted a webinar on wellness and remote care for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) during the coronavirus pandemic, featuring a panel of movement disorders specialists. They discussed how to maintain wellness in the face of the challenges presented by Covid-19, and how to access care going forward. We at Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach viewed the webinar and are sharing our notes.
… Full Story>CalHOPE offers a mental health call-line for Californians struggling with COVID-19
California HOPE (CalHOPE), a program run by the California Department of Health Care Services, delivers crisis support for communities impacted by a national disaster, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. CalHOPE builds community resiliency and helps people recover from disasters through free outreach, crisis counseling, and support services. For California residents, CalHOPE offers a call-line — (833) 317-HOPE (4673) -— to talk about your struggles and get emotional support from someone who has persevered through tough situations.
… Full Story>Managing blood pressure – Webinar notes
In early June, the Parkinson’s Foundation offered a webinar on managing blood pressure in Parkinson’s disease (PD), featuring neurologist Albert Hung. He discussed how PD impacts blood pressure (BP) regulation, how to diagnose BP issues, and approaches to treating BP in those with PD. There was a short question and answer session as well. We at Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach viewed the webinar and are sharing our notes.
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