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 September 2020…
Wednesday, September 2, 9:00-10:00am
“Deep Brain Stimulation”
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 our speaker in a discussion on recent developments in the field.
Presenter:
David VanSickle, MD, PhD, FAANS, Neurosurgery One, Littleton, CO
Presented by: Parkinson Association of the Rockies
Wednesday, September 2, 9:30-10:30am
“Prodromal Parkinson’s”
Program: The discussion will focus around prodromal Parkinson’s, which refers to the stage at which individuals do not fulfil diagnostic criteria for PD but do exhibit signs and symptoms that indicate a higher than average risk of receiving a diagnosis of PD in the future.
Presenters:
Patrik Brundin, MD, PhD, moderator, Van Andel Institute, Michigan
Daniela Berg, MD, University of Kiel
Alastair Noyce, MD, Queen Mary University, London, Leader, PREDICT-PD study
Presented by: Parkinson’s Movement, Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, and the Cure Parkinson’s Trust
Wednesday, September 2, 10:00-11:00am
“How People with Parkinson’s & Care Partners are Helping Design Research”
Program: Join us to learn about our signature national patient engagement in research program, Parkinson’s Advocates in Research (PAIR). Our advocates will share their experience of being involved in the research design process and how their participation has influenced clinical trials for PD.
Presenters:
Patricia Davies, PAIR, Parkinson’s Foundation
John Tomeny, PAIR, Parkinson’s Foundation
Presented by: Parkinson’s Foundation
Tuesday, September 8, 11:00am-12:00pm
“Therapy Break-Alexander Technique”
Program: The Alexander Technique is a method that works to change our habits within our everyday movements, including our posture, shining a light on patterns that accumulate tension. This technique changes the way we think and respond to everyday movement and activity. Join us for an interactive and experiential program to learn how the Alexander Technique has benefitted people with movement disorders.
Presenter:
Rochelle Reea, certified Alexander Technique teacher
Presented by: PMD Alliance
Tuesday, September 8, 1:00-2:00pm
“Frequently Asked Questions About Parkinson’s Disease”
Program: As a complex disease, PD’s impact is diverse and unique to each individual. Due to the disease’s chronic progressive nature, individuals with PD may experience different symptoms and/or combinations of symptoms at varying intensities as the disease moves through its different stages. From those who are newly diagnosed, to those progressing into advanced PD, individuals at all stages may have questions about their condition, and next steps.
Presenter:
Jonathan Squires, MD, movement disorder specialist, Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre
Presented by: Parkinson Society British Columbia
Wednesday, September 9, 10:00-11:00am
“Participating in Research Studies”
Program: Join our research experts to learn about why Parkinson’s research is important to the community. We’ll explore the benefits of participating, questions to consider, what to expect and how to get involved in Parkinson’s research. This is a great way to find out more about research and ask questions to our expert physician and research advocates.
Presenter:
Ruth Schneider, MD, movement disorder specialist, University of Rochester
Presented by: Parkinson’s Foundation
Wednesday, September 9, 11:00am-12:00pm
“Stumbling Blocks and Steppingstones”
Program: Parkinson’s is a marathon, not a sprint. So, if you want to live well through all the ups and downs on the long and twisty path that is Parkinson’s, it’s not only important to have tools and education, it’s essential to have sources of inspiration you can look to so you can see what’s possible. Our speaker will provide that source of inspiration for many. In this webinar, we’ll sit down with Edie to talk about her story and how she has been choosing to live well with Parkinson’s for over seven years. Edie is open and generous, and she makes you think that anything is possible.
Presenter:
Edie Anderson, PwP, diagnosed at age 60
Presented by: Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s
Thursday, September 10, 9:00-10:00am
“Dr. Gilbert Hosts: Gene Therapy and Parkinson’s Disease”
Program: Dr. Gilbert will discuss the latest research findings from Dr. Greenamyre’s laboratory on genetics and possible gene therapy treatments for Parkinson’s
Presenters:
Rebecca Gilbert, MD, PhD, Medical Director, APDA
Tim Greenamyre, MD, PhD, Chief of Movement Disorders, and Director of the Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (PIND) and the American Parkinson Disease Association Center for Advanced Research at the University of Pittsburgh
Presented by: American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)
Friday, September 11, 12:00-1:00pm
“PD Avengers: Origin Story”
Program: What and who are PD Avengers? A global alliance of advocates with the goal of ending Parkinson’s who, inspired by the book “Ending Parkinson’s” were drawn together with a vision to live out the concept of the PD PACT (Prevent, Advocate, Care, and Treat) and to promote the idea “Think Global, Act Local”. Like superheroes trying to rid the world of evil, the name PD Avengers was born.
Join us for a special series about the role and work of the PD Avengers. Our first conversation will be centered around the original story of how this global alliance of advocates united featuring Soania Mathur, MD a retired internal medicine physician living with PD and Tim Hague, Amazing Race Canada winner, author, inspirational speaker and U-Turn Parkinson’s founder.
Presenters:
Soania Mathur, MD, retired internal medicine physician living with PD
Tim Hague, Amazing Race Canada winner, author, U-Turn Parkinson’s Founder
Moderator – Indu Subramanian, MD, Director, SW PADRECC, Los Angeles; Movement disorder specialist, UCLA
Presented by: PMD Alliance
Monday, September 14, 11:00am-12:00pm
“Cognitive Changes in Parkinson’s: Experiencing Brain Fog”
Program: Cognitive changes can develop in roughly half of all of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Our speaker, a nurse at the Movement Disorder Clinic in Kelowna, highlights some cognitive changes that can accompany Parkinson’s, such as apathy, memory loss, and brain fog. While highlighting all these challenges, her talk will focus mainly on brain fog — identifying the symptoms and how it relates to mental and physical fatigue, and evaluating other factors, including sleep, cognitive changes, mood swings, medication, mobility issues, and other general health conditions outside of PD. Our talk will cover compensatory and adaptive strategies to manage the fatigue associated with brain fog, as well as general wellness and brain health activities.
Presenter:
Cheryl Daniels, RN, Movement Disorder Clinic, UBC Okanagan, Kellowna
Presented by: Parkinson Society British Columbia
Tuesday, September 15, 8:00-9:30am
“The Many Faces of Parkinson’s”
Program: As more companies enter the field and the number of active Parkinson’s research and development programs grows, it is imperative to prioritize an understanding of the disease from the patient perspective. This virtual “patient day” brings together industry professionals, people with Parkinson’s and care partners to share experiences of Parkinson’s; its varying onset, progression, and symptoms; and unmet needs. The goal is to foster discussion between the patient and research communities to drive more patient-centered research.
Presenters:
Larry Gifford, Moderator, Michael J. Fox Foundation Patient Council member and Host, When Life Gives You Parkinson’s
Michael S. Fitts, MJFF Patient Council Member; Assistant Dean, The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Soania Mathur, MD, Author, Retired Physician, and Co-Chair, MJFF Patient Council
Presented by: Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
Tuesday, September 15, 9:00-10:00am
“PD Expert Briefings: Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD)-Not What I Planned for Me or My Family”
Program: Young onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) often emerges unexpectedly, as busy careers and parenting already keep the days full. Suddenly, plans and goals for the future may seem uncertain. Taking a proactive approach to care for YOPD can mitigate stress which may exacerbate both motor and non-motor PD symptoms. In this Expert Briefing, we will discuss strategies for coping with the diagnosis of YOPD as well as practical steps to organizing your care team and plan, with the goal of empowering the person with PD and their family.
Presenters:
Allison Allen, MSW, LCSW, Duke Movement Disorders Clinic, Duke University Medical School and special guests from the PD community
Presented by: Parkinson’s Foundation
Wednesday, September 16, 10:00-11:00am
“Let’s Keep Moving With APDA: Evidence-based treatment to improve balance”
Program: A discussion about evidence-based balance treatment: at home, in the gym and in the physical therapy clinic.
Presenter:
Tami DeAngelis, PT, DPT, Senior Physical Therapist, Center for Neurorehabilitation, Boston University
Presented by: American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)
Wednesday, September 16, 10:00-11:00am
“What Is Happening in Research During COVID-19?”
Program: Join the Parkinson’s Foundation to learn more about what is happening in research during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hear from researchers and Parkinson’s experts as they discuss remote trials that people can participate in from the comfort of home. Gain a better understanding of how research studies are pivoting to an online or virtual format and how the pandemic could reshape the way researchers think about and design research opportunities. Hear from a Parkinson’s Foundation Research Advocate regarding her experience participating in a remote research study.
Presenters:
Danielle Larson, MD, movement disorder specialist, Northwestern University
Madeleine Hackney, PhD, Emory University
Denise Coley, Research Advocate, Parkinson’s Foundation
Presented by: Parkinson’s Foundation
Wednesday, September 16, 11:00am-12:00pm
“Holistic & Supportive Care for Living Well with Parkinson’s”
Program: If you’ve been living with Parkinson’s for any length of time, you’ve probably heard the terms holistic care, supportive care, or palliative care. But you may not know what they mean when it comes to your care, now and in the future. Our presenter will discuss: What your medical team means when they talk to you about palliative care; the types of providers who can deliver palliative care; the difference between person vs disease-centered care; how to make sure your core medical providers match your goals for care with your plan of care; how to advocate and receive the kind of supportive care you need even if your community doesn’t have a palliative or supportive care center for people with Parkinson’s; how to build your Parkinson’s roadmap.
Presenter:
Christopher Tarolli, MD, movement disorder specialist, University of Rochester
Presented by: Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s
Wednesday, September 16, 11:00am-12:00pm
“Behind the Scenes with Organizations Supporting the Parkinson’s Community”
Program: Many organizations are available to help members of the Parkinson’s community through missions focused on education, research, support and more. Join representatives from a variety of Parkinson’s organizations as they share what makes them unique in their quest to serve those with Parkinson’s and others involved in their care.
Presenters:
Representatives of Parkinson’s organizations
Presented by: LSVT Global
Wednesday, September 16, 12:00-1:00pm
“Tremor”
Program: Tremor is one of the classic symptoms of Parkinson’s; however, PD is not the only cause and often, it can be difficult to differentiate between what is a Parkinson’s tremor, essential tremor or even one caused by dystonia.
Presenter:
Anwar Ahmed, MD, movement disorder specialist
Presented by: PMD Alliance
Thursday, September 17, 11:00am-12:00pm
“Exercise, Community, and Parkinson’s”
Program: Research has shown again and again that daily vigorous exercise and connecting with others are two actions we can take that WILL help us live well with Parkinson’s. But what happens when knowing something isn’t enough? What happens when the desire, motivation, time, and drive just aren’t there? Join our YOPD Council members as they discuss how to start an exercise program when you haven’t exercised in years, or maybe ever; tiny habits that can make or break your exercise routine; why social connections and building community are so crucial (and what to do when a virus blocks your way forward); ways to connect that even the most introverted can get behind; how to know when exercise is too much or not enough.
Presenters:
Members of the Davis Phinney YOPD Council
Presented by: Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s
Thursday, September 17, 11:00am-1:00pm
“Current Developments and Future Enhancements in DBS”
Program: Dr. Henderson will discuss the latest developments in Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Surgery as well as future enhancements. Open to anyone interested in learning more about this treatment option, candidates for the surgery and those who have had the surgery as well as care partners, families, and friends.
Presenter:
Jaimie Henderson, MD, John and Jene Blume – Robert and Ruth Halperin Professor, Professor of Neurosurgery and, by courtesy, of Neurology at the Stanford University Medical Center
Presented by: Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach
Monday, September 21, 11:00am-12:00pm
“Thawing Out: Strategies to Reduce Freezing”
Program: Freezing is a frustrating symptom of Parkinson’s disease and can often lead to falls or a loss of independence. Although the most common type is freezing of gait (walking), it can also present in the arm (affecting the ability to eat) or in the tongue (affecting the ability to speak). Our presenter will discuss the causes of freezing and practical strategies that may help people with Parkinson’s overcome this obstacle.
Presenter:
Shelly Yu, Neuro Physio Therapist
Presented by: Parkinson Society British Columbia
Tuesday, September 22, 10:00-11:00am
“Spotlight on Parkinson’s Disease: What’s New in PD Treatment”
Program: Please join us for expert perspectives to help you keep up to date with what is new in Parkinson’s disease (PD) treatment. This program is designed to help people with PD, family members, and care partners.
Presenters:
Marie Saint-Hilaire, MD, FRCPC, Professor of Neurology; Medical Director for the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Program, Director, APDA Center for Advanced Research at Boston University Medical Campus
Cathi A. Thomas, MS, RN, CNRN, Assistant Clinical Professor of Neurology; Program Director, Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center, Boston University Medical Campus (BUMC); Coordinator,American Parkinson Disease Association Information & Referral Center at BUMC
Presented by: American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)
Wednesday, September 23, 10:00-11:00am
“Wearable Fitness Trackers in Parkinson’s Research”
Program: Parkinson’s disease (PD) research participation can take many forms outside of clinical trials or drug discovery. But did you know that fitness trackers, popular wrist-worn devices, can also play a big role in Parkinson’s research?
Presenters:
Sarah Ingersoll, RN, MBA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology, Keck Medical School, USC
Kris Mendenhall, Parkinson’s Foundation Research Advocate
Presented by: Parkinson’s Foundation
Friday, September 25, 8:00am-11:00pm
“Hope Conference: Navigating Finances and Legal Issues”
Program: Note that the conference materials will be available to all registrants indefinitely once conference opens. Included will be hours of videos on topics such as estate management, long-term care planning, protecting your ID and avoid scams, employment law/ADA/reasonable accommodation, short-term and long-term disability planning, Medicaid planning and much more. In addition, there will be a virtual Exhibit Hall for attendees and sponsors to interact and learn from each other.
Presenters:
Will be advised at the time presentations are made available.
Presented by: Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation
Archived webinars (link to all videos will be provided to registrants)
Wednesday, September 30, 10:00-11:00am
“PD GENEration – What Have We Learned So Far?”
Program: In July, the Parkinson’s Foundation announced preliminary results from the PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinson’s Disease pilot study launched in 2019. Our expert speaker will explain this study, two key findings and how these findings will impact clinical research related to Parkinson’s. An update on designing a telemedicine-based approach with at-home genetic testing kits to continue the study through the pandemic will also be shared.
Presenters:
Roy Alcalay, MD, MS, movement disorder specialist, Columbia University
Presented by: Parkinson’s Foundation